News - Page 4 of 10 - Taylor Oil Company

Safe Driving Tips From Truck Drivers

More than 53 million Americans are expected to travel by car this holiday season, says AAA – the highest since 2005. That’s great for reconnecting with friends and family, but all that high traffic volume contributes not only to congestion but to a reduction in speeds as well. Because millions of motorists will be sharing the road with large trucks over the next couple weeks, truck drivers and motorists in smaller vehicles have to be extra diligent about keeping themselves and others safe. There are many additional challenges to traveling over the holiday and winter season, including low visibility, high winds, blowing snow and freezing temperatures. It’s important for truckers and motorists to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection and make sure they understand the driving conditions for the day before setting out. Here are some reminders for motorists about important elements of safe driving, including how you should safely operate a small passenger vehicle near a large tractor-trailer. Safety Tips Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts may not prevent accidents but they can save your life. Scrape ice and snow off your vehicle before driving. Don’t forget the roof! When you leave snow and ice on your car, [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-12-15T16:05:27-05:00December 15th, 2021|Safety Tips, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Getting Your CDL: The Basics For Getting Started

If you are planning to get your CDL, there are some things you need to know before getting started. First, it’s recommended that you take a CDL training program. Second, you must have the following if you plan to get your CDL or get hired as a truck driver: Clean driving record Clean criminal record Clean drug/alcohol history Healthy medical record Recent and verifiable work history Let’s go more in-depth on all of these. Driving History Most companies will want to see a three-year motor vehicle record, with no speeding tickets, careless driving, suspensions, or accidents. Just an FYI, a 15-mile-over-the-speed-limit ticket is still considered reckless driving! And a suspended license for any reason – even for not paying a ticket, failure to register your vehicle or lack of insurance – will not put you in a favorable light. Let’s say you have 20 years of clean driving, then over the last year you got two tickets for moving violations. This will still seriously affect your chances of getting hired. Don’t even think about lying on your application. You must tell potential employers about any expunged convictions. They will do their research and if you haven’t been honest, you [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-11-16T15:20:14-05:00November 16th, 2021|CDL|Comments Off

Top Locations For Fuel Stations When Disaster Strikes

Top Locations For Fuel Stations When Disaster Strikes - You never know when or where a natural disaster will strike, so it’s important to be prepared in knowing where you will get fuel when you need it. At these critical times, resources become scarce yet still remain vital for local communities. Not only do vehicles and generators need fuel, construction and emergency vehicles need it as well. Oil companies can do their part to set up emergency stations to provide the necessary fuel. Location selection is one of the main factors. Here are five location suggestions for fuel stations and the benefits of each. 1. Schools Local schools can be a central hub when a major disaster hits. Schools can provide outlets for resources such as food and bottled water. They’re ideal because they’re usually located in central spots around town and have plenty of parking for people who need emergency fuel. Fuel trucks can also use driveways and people can use the loops to fill up on gas and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. 2. Malls Shopping mall parking lots are great because they’re easy to control traffic and long lines of cars. The mall building can [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-10-21T16:40:45-05:00October 21st, 2021|Diesel Fuel|Comments Off

Generators: Gasoline or Diesel?

Gasoline and diesel are the two main options when it comes to fueling your generators. Both fuel options have their similarities: they’re both readily available and dependable, plus they generate low emissions and give you on-demand power. But these fuels also have their differences, which makes them ideal for different applications. Whether your business needs a prime or standby generator, here’s how to choose between gasoline and diesel generators so you can make the most informed decision. Fuel Consumption Diesel generators are more efficient than gasoline generators because they don't burn as much fuel to produce the required power. They also have a higher compression rate, requiring less fuel to run. This makes them tops in terms of cost-efficiency. You can reduce your operating costs and improve your bottom line with diesel generators. Safety Diesel is less flammable than gasoline, so it’s the safer bet. For instance, a diesel generator would be better for a business that routinely handles chemicals and combustible products, due to its less explosive nature and low probability of accidental ignition. Additionally, if you plan to store the generator next to heat sources, go with diesel because it has a longer shelf life than gasoline. [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-09-14T16:41:29-05:00September 14th, 2021|Diesel Fuel|Comments Off

Heavy Construction Equipment Fuel Saving

Heavy construction equipment features large engines that run on fuel. As you can imagine, your fuel budgets has to be equally as large in order to accommodate this allocation. But if you’re not careful, those fuel expenses can reduce your profit margins -- fast. Good news is, you can utilize practical strategies to save on fuel and thus on money. Here are tips for reducing fuel consumption in your heavy construction equipment. 1. Maintain Your Equipment Poorly maintained equipment has to work harder to achieve the same result, which sucks up more gas. You’ll have to service your equipment regularly to boost fuel efficiency. This is why it’s critical to regularly maintain your equipment with regular cleaning, oil checks, and lubrication of all moving parts, as well as proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires have high rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and use more fuel. Tell your drivers and operators to regularly check the tires and inflate them. 2. Hire Skilled Operators Whether your equipment is owned by you outright or you rent it, your operators should have advanced skills and a detailed knowledge of every machine they work with. When they’re not well trained on the [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-08-19T13:36:18-05:00August 19th, 2021|Diesel Fuel|Comments Off

Top 5 Tips For Reducing Your Fleet’s Fuel Costs

Top 5 Tips For Reducing Your Fleet’s Fuel Costs - Fuel represents one of the biggest cost expenditures for any fleet. In fact, in many cases, it can account for up to 60 percent of the operating budget! That’s why fleet owners and managers should be seeking out ways to reduce fuel consumption and costs, while increasing their bottom line. Sure, cost of gas per gallon is out of your control, but there are plenty of other factors you can control that impact fleet fuel spend. These include anything from driver behavior to vehicle type and condition. Here are five ways to reduce your fleet's fuel costs and save cash. 1. Upgrade to More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles The best way to improve your fleet's fuel economy is to get rid of your older, underperforming, gas-guzzling, high mileage vehicles and replace them with brand new models that are more fuel-efficient with higher MPG ratings. You may even consider upgrading to vehicles that rely on alternative fuels or hybrids for overall better fuel economy. 2. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Vehicles This is another great way to save money on fleet fuel. It’s important to schedule vehicle maintenance because it improves MPG [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T04:29:17-05:00July 23rd, 2021|Fleet, Fuel Prices|Comments Off

Cleaner Fuels: What to Expect

Cleaner Fuels: What to Expect - As we progress through 2021, the hope is that the use of biodiesel continues to rise. Did you know? 88% lower than ULSD, a cleaner-burning diesel fuel containing less than 97 percent less sulfur than low-sulfur diesel (LSD). 85% lower than CNG (compressed natural gas). This is a fuel gas that is made from natural gas and comprised mostly of methane. 65% lower than an EV (electric vehicle) Biodiesel is something that can make a big impact immediately. The best part about biodiesel is that it doesn’t need updates to equipment or infrastructure. Rather, the biodiesel blends are simple drop-in fuels. Supply is strong enough to meet demands all across the country. Did you know that biodiesel has seen a 600 percent increase in consumption in the last decade? New Ways of Using Biodiesel Biodiesel is getting used in more innovative ways as more fleets try it out. The exploration of higher blends will continue to happen, too. It used to be that B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% ULSD) blends were the gold standard; well now, they’re going even higher, up to B100. In fact, B100 pilots are faring well, even in cold climates. There [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-06-04T16:07:59-05:00June 4th, 2021|Biodiesel|Comments Off

20 Years Forward: The Prediction is Diesel Still on Top

20 Years Forward: The Prediction is Diesel Still on Top - More than 90 percent of commercial vehicles are currently being powered by diesel technology. Look ahead to 20 years from now, and most trucks on the roadway will probably be powered by a combination of fuels and technology, such as by hydrogen and fuel cells, or battery-electric, or even renewable natural gas or diesel fuel. But for the foreseeable future, diesel will remain the go-to technology fueling the country’s truck fleets. Predictions According to analysts, diesel will still be tops by 2040, at least in regard to Class 8 truck fleets. Here are some takeaways: Bloomberg New Energy Finance says only 19 percent of the heavy-duty commercial truck fleet in this country will run on electricity by 2040, translating to 81 percent of heavy-duty trucks running mainly on diesel and natural gas. IHS Markit says 80 percent of commercial truck sales in this country will run on diesel by 2040. According to The Fuels Institute, diesel will comprise 65 percent of heavy-duty truck sales and 86 percent of the whole fleet by 2040. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, only one manufacturer of a zero-emissions Class 7 and [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T02:54:55-05:00May 18th, 2021|Diesel Fuel|Comments Off

Choosing the Best Onsite Fueling Provider: 4 Tips

Choosing the Best Onsite Fueling Provider: 4 Tips - There are many factors to take into account when choosing an onsite fueling provider to keep your fleet going, from adequate training for drivers to the use of proper equipment during transport. It’s a fact that the logistics of 24/7 onsite fueling are complex and far-reaching. This is why you shouldn’t neglect doing comprehensive research on your onsite fueling provider. This will make sure you’re receiving safe and efficient services in a timely manner, while the provider meets stringent state and federal regulations. Check out these top four tips for choosing an onsite fueling provider you can rely on. 1. Search Outside Your Local Market It’s wise to expand your search beyond your local market when looking for an onsite fueling provider. Check out regional companies that have many far-reaching services who are able to meet the needs of a variety of customers over great distances. Regional providers are generally more efficient because of their bigger fleets, increased capabilities, and larger driver pool – even if you know you only require local services. Case in point: at Taylor Oil, we service the entire Northeast, from Boston to DC. 2. Safety [...]

By Vincent Gentile|2024-09-09T04:14:17-05:00April 20th, 2021|Onsite Fueling|Comments Off

DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): Tips and Best Practices

When purchasing and storing diesel exhaust fluid, known as DEF for short, it’s important to know how to use it correctly for safety. Because your business depends on diesel-powered vehicles, from tractors to dump trucks, you likely already know about DEF, which is designed to reduce the harmful emissions by diesel engines (when used properly). DEF also ensures your vehicles remain in compliance with air pollution regulations. Diesel exhaust fluid won’t undercut engine performance, unlike some emission reduction technologies. The use of DEF can significantly improve your fuel economy and horsepower production while reducing engine wear at the same time. The danger comes in when you use low-quality or contaminated DEF which can be harmful. Heed these tips and best practices when buying and storing DEF and related supplies. Only Buy the Highest Quality DEF DEF mixtures, comprised of urea and purified, deionized water, create a clear, non-flammable solution injected directly into the hot exhaust gases that come from your diesel engine, spurring a chemical chain reaction that removes nitrous oxide emissions out of the gases. If this chemical reaction is to happen properly, the DEF has to be of the purest and highest quality, as contaminants can stall [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T02:51:14-05:00March 18th, 2021|DEF|Comments Off