SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Pitt Ohio’s Terminal Talk: Summer Savings

separatorJuly 22, 2025

Summer is officially here, which means school’s out, pools are open, and a fun vacation is just around the corner! If you’re planning to hit the road this summer for a cross-country family road trip, or even a quick weekend getaway, take a page out of the PITT OHIO fuel savings play book and reduce your emissions in the process! Our drivers and maintenance team members understand the core tenants below and by implementing them each day, we can ensure safe, on-time deliveries that save money on fuel and reduce carbon emissions. 

Low angle side view of car rushes along the highway at sunset

Planning Ahead

  1. Be familiar with your route. Sometimes GPS service is unreliable, or weather conditions can reduce visibility. In case of road closures, you’ll want a backup plan to get you where you need to go. Knowing where to fuel up along your route will save time and stress too!

  2. Inspect any spare tires for your vehicle. Expect unexpected road conditions, having a spare tire ready to use could be the difference between arriving at your destination or getting towed somewhere else. 

  3. Pack an emergency roadside kit. Having access to basic equipment like jumper cables, reflectors, water and phone chargers can provide peace of mind and increase safety and survival odds.  

Smart Driving is Safe Driving

  1. Be Alert. Being well-rested and prepared before getting behind the wheel increases drivers’ readiness and decision-making on the road. 
  2. Drive Defensively. It’s tempting to race to your destination, but speeding can be dangerous and decreases MPG performance. Following the speed limit optimizes fuel use and creates a safer road environment for all travelers.
  3. Maintain your speed with cruise control. This option lets the car manage the fuel use while the driver can focus on the road. (Just don’t fall asleep at the wheel!)
Check the tire pressure with a Tire-Pressure Gauge

Mindful Maintenance

  1. Properly inflated tires can improve MPG by up to 3%! The United States Dept. of Energy reports that for every 1 psi (pound per square inch) drop in tire pressure, gas mileage decreases by 0.2%. Spend the quarter for the air, save a few dollars at the fuel pump.
  2. Reduce the weight in your vehicle. Anything that you don’t need for your road trip is only going to weigh you down -- get rid of it to boost your MPG performance! 
  3. Service your vehicle before a long road trip. Oil changes, lubricant replacements and tire rotations extend the longevity of your vehicle and reduces risk of a roadside breakdown. 

These practices are more than just tips & tricks for a long road trip.

The PITT OHIO drivers and maintenance crews work diligently to follow these best practices, keeping our roads and employees safe. Many of these efforts can go overlooked, but the PITT OHIO team appreciates them and thanks you! If you’re planning on traveling, take a page out of our play book and drive safe and smart this summer! 

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