By Tom Bock

 

Understanding how to improve profits is the best way to ensure profits continue to grow.

 

There are two ways to improve profits either increase revenues at a rate greater than expenses or reduce expenses without losing revenues. You can control the revenue somewhat but ultimately the rates customers are willing to pay are a function of supply and demand. The carrier who can control the expense side of the equation has an advantage and can move loads for a lower rate when necessary.

 

The successful carriers understand that they can control the cost side and improve profits as well as allowing them to function and thrive during the lesser demand periods when rates drop.

 

The expenses that offer the greatest return are fuel and maintenance, as they can be improved by utilizing some of the tools and studies that are readily available.

 

To lower fuel expenses driving at slower speeds will increase fuel mileage, as will as equipping the tractor and trailer with low rolling resistance tires and installing products that reduce wind resistance.

 

Lowering maintenance expenses with preventive programs and utilizing the tools available that are designed to improve engine performance and increase longevity places you in control of the expenses.

 

One of the best tools is oil sampling and keeping oil clean at all times instead of riding the normal oil quality roller coaster that continually replaces contaminated oil with new oil only to have the contamination cycle start all over again.

 

Oil sampling not only verifies the quality of the oil but identifies any wear metals or contaminants that indicate the engine is not functioning properly and if the defects are not corrected timely you can rest assured that a costly component failure is inevitable. Sampling creates a historical record that if properly reviewed and acted upon will save $$$$$ in the long run and lower the overall maintenance expenses.

 

Products that remove contaminants from the lubricating oil as part of a maintenance program that includes oil sampling will ensure that oil expenses and engine wear will be under control resulting in lower overall expenses, improving profits and engine longevity.

 

Take the time to research what products are available, compare initial cost of products, cost of filters, sample kits on a yearly basis etc. then purchase the system and start saving.

 

If you have any questions about oil sampling, oils or bypass systems please send to me at: tbock@ops-1.com or call Artie at OPS at 203-346-1832.