In terms of overall operating costs for heavy equipment, including depreciation, fuel can account for 30% or more of the total tab. Over time, fuel costs add up. A heavy civil job lasting several years may easily consume $1 million in fuel.
“It makes you think,” says Thad Pirtle, vice president of equipment for Evansville, Ind.-based Traylor Bros. Inc. “When fuel jumped up to $5 a gallon a few years ago, it got everybody’s attention.” Small changes, such as cutting idle time, upgrading machines and training operators, can generate huge savings, fleet managers say.