NAVFAC P-300 Management of Transportation Equipment

3.7 Guidelines for Achieving Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy
3.7.1 Vehicle Usage Reduction. Vehicle usage should be reduced to that essential
to mission accomplishment. Walking and use of bicycles should be encouraged where
appropriate. The most fuel efficient mode of transportation consistent with total cost
effectiveness should be employed, considering the following:
a. Bus Systems. Maximize use of scheduled bus systems where
economically feasible and justified by passenger density.
b. Pooling. Maximize vehicle pooling. Establish pickup points and follow
the practice of every Navy vehicle operating where practicable with a full payload of
passengers and/or cargo.
c. Taxi Service. Where economically feasible, establish a radio-dispatched
base taxi (feeder system) employing passenger vans for multiple random-passenger
transport to connect with or supplement the regularly scheduled bus routes.
3.7.2 Operation of Vehicles in a Fuel Efficient Manner
a. Ensure that the vehicle is the minimum weight and size for the payload.
Remove unnecessary loads, but carry maximum payloads. Moving the total vehicle
weight and its load accounts for 80 percent of the fuel consumed.
b. Plan and schedule trips to reduce the distance traveled, but avoid idling in
heavy traffic.
c. Avoid prolonged engine warm-up.
d. Accelerate slowly. Allow automatic transmission to shift into high range
by easing off accelerator as soon as possible. With a manual transmission, shift into
high gear as soon as possible without lugging engine. Avoid high acceleration starts.
e. Drive at a steady speed. Anticipate needs for a slower or faster speed to
avoid rapid acceleration and braking, as both operations waste fuel. Braking dissipates
energy in the form of heat.
f. Reduce vehicle speed to that really necessary. Normally, the best fuel
economy is achieved with the transmission in high gear at speeds between 30 and 40
miles per hour (mph). Wind resistance at speeds in excess of 40 mph results in a
significant increase in fuel consumption.
g. Eliminate engine idling while waiting.
h. Limit use of electrical accessories. Turn off lights and heater when not
needed.
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