Taylor Oil Co., Author at Taylor Oil Company

Safety Throughout the Year

Safety Throughout the Year - As the owner of a fleet of vehicles, whether construction or transportation or something in between, you know the importance of safety – all the year through. But as 2019 comes to a close, it’s especially important to give ourselves reminders of why safety is critical when it comes to managing your fleet. With the holidays comes more traffic on the roadways, which means you must focus on creating safer roadways for everyone out there. Think about creating a safety culture of sorts at your company to place a big priority on staying safe, both for your drivers and for everyone else on the road. It should be a way of life. Make that your New Year’s resolution as a responsible fleet owner! Guaranteed, you will see the ripple effects extend far beyond what you thought could be possible. Here are a few ideas for you to implement. Create a Safety Program with Rewards Rewarding people is always a nice incentive, a great motivator if you will. Safety should be at the core of who you are and what you deliver. Train your employees to put safety at #1. To move this along, reward members [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-12-22T17:35:34-05:00December 22nd, 2019|Safety Tips|Comments Off

Did You Know? Biodiesel Can be Used Year Round

Did You Know? Biodiesel Can be Used Year Round - With chilly fall temperatures now upon us, now’s the perfect time to begin preparing your fleet’s fuel for winter operations. One of the myths of wintertime fuel is that biodiesel cannot be used in cold weather. However, the truth is that biodiesel blends can be used year round, everywhere ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is used. All diesel fuels need the proper maintenance to ensure optimal winter performance. Biodiesel is no different. Explaining Cold Flow Regardless of what fuel you use, it’s vital to make sure cold flow properties are adequate for your climate during winter. There are two important cold flow measurements necessary for standard No. 2 diesel fuel and biodiesel: Cloud point (CP): This is the temperature at which wax or gel crystals first show up in the fuel, giving it a cloudy or hazy appearance. Cold filter plugging point (CFPP): This is the temperature at which larger crystals form and begin to clog up the fuel filter. In general, CFPP indicates the lowest temperature for optimal vehicle operation. To guard against engine power loss, the CFPP must stay below wintertime low temperatures. Cold flow properties for diesel [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-11-21T10:25:41-05:00November 21st, 2019|Biodiesel|Comments Off

Truck Fleet Management Strategy: Minimizing Downtime is the Tip of the Iceberg

Truck Fleet Management Strategy: Minimizing Downtime is the Tip of the Iceberg - When determining a strong truck fleet management strategy, your first thought may go directly to minimizing downtime. This is an easy go-to strategy, which is certainly valid, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. There are many other components of a good strategy that can help you save money, time and stress. It’s no secret that truck fleet management presents several challenges, including: Minimize vehicle downtime Avoid unnecessary expenses Stay on top of ever-changing compliance requirements But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is lacking the expertise necessary to adequately manage all aspects of your fleet, including sourcing the proper equipment with the proper specifications for the proper application. Attempting to solve these problems through the use of multiple vendors and systems only serves to make matters worse. Now you have too many balls up in the air, and you may lose one. In order to manage your truck fleet in the most efficient way, you have to implement a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the unique needs of your fleet on top of your company’s objectives. In essence, you need a wide breadth of skills that [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-09-20T13:32:49-05:00September 20th, 2019|Fleet|Comments Off

Top 5 Trucking Trends

If you are in the trucking industry, you will want to keep a close eye on these top trends for the remainder of 2019. 1. Driver Shortage and Wages The driver shortage is still the top challenge as reported by fleet owners. Some fleets are reporting that more than a third of their trucks were empty at any given time last year. One company said of the 800 drivers they interviewed over the past year, they only hired two – and neither one of them showed up to work, according to Trucking Info. Driver wages are expected to increase this year, with driver pay conditions being more favorable today for drivers than a year ago. 2. The Economy The economic outlook is not as great as it was one year ago. It’s the second longest economic expansion in our history. Good news is, there is enough momentum to take us through the first half of the year. After that, there are definitely some economic indicators that seem troublesome, such as the stock and housing markets, tax cuts in favor of buybacks rather than capital investment, tariffs and trade wars, etc. In general, experts are predicting a slowdown as we [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-08-22T16:42:02-05:00August 22nd, 2019|Trucking Trends|Comments Off

Marine Fuel and Oil Spills: What to Do

Marine Fuel and Oil Spills: What to Do - Oil spills endanger public health, poison the drinking water, devastate natural resources, and disrupt the economy. But as we have become more dependent upon oil-based products, the risk for spills goes up. Oil and fuel from boats contain toxic components that come with harmful physical effects and can pose threats to public health and the environment, says the EPA. As a boater of any kind, fuel spills are likely always on your mind. If you spill fuel or oil into the water, what steps would you take to mitigate the situation? Here are some helpful tips if this happens to you. #1: Identify the cause and source of the spill. If you can, stop it at the source immediately. #2: Notify the marina or fuel dock right away because they may have oil absorbent pads and booms to contain any spills that may occur. Dispose of used absorbent materials properly as hazardous waste. #3: If the spill produces a sheen on the water, notify the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Give them the following information: Location of the incident Cause or source of the spill Type and amount [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-07-18T14:31:26-05:00July 18th, 2019|Marine Fueling, Safety Tips|Comments Off

Summertime Tips for Truckers

Summertime Tips for Truckers - With summer comes warmer temperatures and more people on the roadways taking trips. This is a great time of year but also dangerous as we contend with soaring temps and increased traffic. Here are some ways truckers can stay safe this summer. 1. Check the Brakes You may not realize it, but the temperature can have a big impact on your brakes. Brake fading can happen when the temperature outside gets hot. This is due to the loss of friction because brake components are no longer able to absorb the heat, which leads to increased stopping distances and decreased brake life performance. Routine maintenance is a must to ensure brake fading doesn’t occur. 2. Keep Your Tires Inflated Properly The summer heat can cause tire blowouts. That’s because tires tend to inflate with rising temperatures. When those inflated tires make contact with hot surfaces such as asphalt pavement, that friction, combined with high speeds, can result in blowouts. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, especially in summer. Regular maintenance of your tires will also extend their useful life. 3. Protect Yourself From the Sun Many truckers don’t realize the level of sun exposure [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-06-20T16:43:41-05:00June 20th, 2019|Safety Tips|Comments Off

Top Truck Driver Safety Tips

Top Truck Driver Safety Tips - The American Trucking Association and its Share the Road highway safety program encourage drivers of all kinds to pay close attention when going through work zones. Maintaining safety on the nation’s roadways is of paramount importance. This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week took place April 8 through 12, with a theme of “Drive Like You Work Here.” Share the Road professional truck drivers, with millions of accident-free miles under their belts, offer these safe-driving tips to keep both motorists and workers safe during the spring and summer construction seasons. Work Zone Safety Tips Heed these tips when driving through or near construction or work zones. Be on alert for changes: Speed limits are often reduced in work zones. In addition, traffic lanes and patterns may change, and people will be working on the road or on the shoulder. Have patience and consideration: Work zone crew members are working hard to make sure the roads are efficient and safe. Keep this in mind when sitting in traffic near a work zone. It’s their job to keep you safe, not aggravate you and make you late for work. Slow down: Speeding is a top cause of work zone [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-05-14T08:40:44-05:00May 14th, 2019|Safety Tips|Comments Off

Top 5 Trucking Trends

Top 5 Trucking Trends - If you are in the trucking industry, you will want to keep a close eye on these top trends for the remainder of 2019.1. Driver Shortage and WagesThe driver shortage is still the top challenge as reported by fleet owners. Some fleets are reporting that more than a third of their trucks were empty at any given time last year. One company said of the 800 drivers they interviewed over the past year, they only hired two – and neither one of them showed up to work, according to Trucking Info.Driver wages are expected to increase this year, with driver pay conditions being more favorable today for drivers than a year ago.2. The EconomyThe economic outlook is not as great as it was one year ago. It’s the second longest economic expansion in our history. Good news is, there is enough momentum to take us through the first half of the year. After that, there are definitely some economic indicators that seem troublesome, such as the stock and housing markets, tax cuts in favor of buybacks rather than capital investment, tariffs and trade wars, etc. In general, experts are predicting a slowdown as we head into [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-04-11T13:08:20-05:00April 11th, 2019|Trucking Trends|Comments Off

Heavy Equipment Motor Oil Misconceptions

Heavy Equipment Motor Oil Misconceptions - There may be a lot of information out there on the best oil selection and maintenance practices for your fleet, but much of that info is untrue. With so many common myths still plaguing the construction industry, we are here to set the record straight, particularly when it comes to heavy-duty diesel engine oils and lubricants. Myth #1: Don’t Switch Oils There’s a belief out there that if you start with one oil you should stick with it no matter what. That’s not true. Some people feel that when changing brands of oil, an increase in oil consumption occurs. However, many things contribute to the increase of oil consumption; switching oil brands halfway through just isn’t one of them. Oil consumption and pressure are affected by many factors, including: Filter condition Contaminant loading Engine component condition Oil contamination levels Incorrect readings of oil pressure or levels That being said, when switching brands, some engine manufacturers say that for a short period of time, there may be a harmless increase in elements such as aluminum, copper, potassium, and lead. Always consult with your engine manufacturer and oil provider to find out more about these temporary [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T04:09:15-05:00March 21st, 2019|Engine Oil|Comments Off

Construction Site Fuel Spill Containment Tips

Oil and fuel spills can have devastating impact on the environment as well as human health and safety. The best approach is prevention; however, when a spill does happen, it’s important to contain it immediately so its impact is minimized. From slips and trips to toxic scalds and burns, spills pose a great risk to employees, contractors and visitors. When left unchecked, spills can seep into waterways and soak into ground water, leading to contamination of drinking water, and threats to plant and wildlife as well as human health. Heed these tips to prevent extensive spreading and environmental damage until trained spill control professionals can arrive on the scene: Train your workers to employ proper spill prevention practices when working with oil and fuel sources. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safe handling of materials. Post a visible worksite map that shows the location of oil and fuel sources. Make sure employees know in advance which spill situations they can safely contain and which ones are not safe to handle. Along with storage instructions and supervision, give workers product recommendations -- spill pads, rugs, and booms. Oil spills spread 100 times faster in wet weather than dry; you [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2019-02-16T10:15:17-05:00February 16th, 2019|Fuel Spills|Comments Off

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