Summer doesn’t slow down the need for patient care. If anything, the demand for non-emergency medical transport only grows, especially with seniors needing rides to dialysis, check-ups, and follow-ups. But while you’re focused on reliability and comfort, the heat brings challenges that can quietly impact your bottom line.
From high-idle hours to overworked A/C systems and driver fatigue, hot weather adds a layer of pressure on NEMT fleets. Here’s how to keep your vans running efficiently, your drivers focused, and your patients comfortable, all while saving on fuel this summer.
- Manage Idle Time Without Sacrificing Patient Comfort
It’s tough: you don’t want to shut off the van when a patient is onboard. But idling burns serious fuel, up to a gallon an hour. Multiply that by multiple pickups, long waits outside clinics, or delays in hospital parking lots, and you’ve got major fuel waste.
Encourage drivers to turn off the engine when safe to do so, especially if the patient isn’t onboard yet. Use sunshades and park in shaded areas to keep interior temperatures down. If your vehicles are equipped with idle reduction or auxiliary cooling features, make sure those are being used properly.
- Keep A/C Systems Efficient and Well-Maintained
You’re in the business of comfort and care, so when air conditioning systems are overdue for maintenance, they start overworking the engine and fuel consumption spikes. Have cabin air filters changed regularly and check refrigerant levels as part of your summer prep and regular inspections.
Train drivers to avoid blasting the A/C at max during idle time. And if you have high-roof or large-capacity vans, using rear air settings only when necessary can help reduce load on the system.
- Prepare for Inspection Season
Summer is prime time for roadside checks. DOT officers are especially alert to commercial vans and accessible transport vehicles. Top issues that can trigger violations include:
- Tire blowouts from hot pavement
- Leaking fluids from overworked engines
- Cracked hoses or broken A/C belts
Stay ahead with proactive vehicle checks. Make sure brakes, tires, and cooling systems are being inspected weekly and empower your drivers to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
- Help Drivers Beat the Heat Mentally
Your drivers do more than drive, they assist passengers, help with mobility devices, and often deal with tight schedules and emotional patients. Add long hours and a hot cab, and heat fatigue sets in quickly.
Make hydration a priority. Encourage breaks in shaded areas between trips, and stagger shifts so drivers aren’t working during peak afternoon heat. A clear mind and alert driver don’t just protect the van, they protect lives.
- DPF Issues Can Sneak Up in High-Idle Zones
If you’re running diesel vans, especially full-sized ones, pay attention to DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) performance in the summer. Repeated idling and slow-speed driving can trigger more frequent regens or clog the system entirely.
Watch for warning lights and schedule DPF cleanings more frequently during hotter months. It’s better than getting sidelined on the way to a critical appointment.
- Control Fuel Costs with the Energie Fuel Card
Fuel prices don’t care about your schedule, but we do. The Energie Fuel Card helps NEMT companies access discounted fuel rates at locations throughout your jurisdiction and at over 60,000 locations nationwide, control spending by driver or vehicle, and get real-time reports that make it easier to manage your fleet.
Whether you’re running two vans or twenty, the Energie Fuel Card gives you the tools to stay on time, under budget, and ready for whatever the summer brings.
Want to see how much your fleet could save this season?
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