AOL Finance featured PR for 2009 Seminar

Maryland-Based L.A. Fritter & Son Hosts Free Fuel Management Seminar to Assist Companies in Reducing Carbon Footprint & Streamline Fuel Expenses
Event features cost-saving info on available grants and the latest technology to reduce fuel consumption
PR Newswire
posted: 6 HOURS 48 MINUTES AGO


HYATTSVILLE, Md., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- L.A. Fritter, the leading name in fuel management systems and services since 1953, is hosting a FREE Fuel Management seminar in partnership with FuelMaster®, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Legacy Hotel & Meeting Centre (1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD), specially designed to reduce the carbon footprint and streamline fuel expenses of private enterprises, municipalities and governmental agencies in the Washington, D.C. area with special focus on integrated compliance and inventory solutions.
"We're continually implementing creative ways to use existing technologies to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency in vehicles," explains L.A. Fritter President Bill Flannery. "In doing so, we're making an impact on the alliance on foreign oil by showing our customers ways to stretch the dwindling resource in conjunction with the movement for alternative fuels & vehicle technology."
While many think that grants exist solely for biofuels and ethanol tanks, Clean Cities will share information about available grants available for reducing fuel consumption to further assist in bottom line savings.
Attendees will also learn about the L.A. test fuel management technology and how they can operate their fueling systems more efficiently and economically to save money including the key elements to streamlining their fleet fuel expenses.
"Our goal for our clients is to not use as much gasoline," said Flannery. "Essentially we assist them in how to get more while using less. The net impact is the same. They use less oil and less gas through our technology and fuel savings methods while decreasing their carbon footprint and save money."
Register at www.fuelmanagementseminar.com or call (301) 773-7800, Ext 14 for the free seminar, which includes lunch.
As a complete solution, L.A. Fritter provides turnkey systems from installation to ongoing maintenance and service after the purchase. L.A. Fritter keeps its customers fuel sites up and running 24/7. Contact L.A. Fritter for a free demonstration and quote at (301) 773-7800 or http://www.lafritter.com/ .

Contact: Susan Kricun, 602-265-2413 or 602-628-1350


CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

FREE FUEL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR REVEALS KEY ELEMENTS TO STREAMLINING
FLEET FUEL EXPENSES – HOSTED BY MARYLAND-BASED L.A. FRITTER & SON
Specializing in fuel management technology, L.A. Fritter shows how to operate fueling systems more efficiently & economically

WHO: Companies who want to save on fleet fuel costs
L.A. Fritter & Son (L.A. Fritter)
FuelMaster®

WHAT: L.A. Fritter Advanced Fuel Management Conference:
L.A. Fritter is hosting a FREE Fuel Management seminar specially designed to meet the needs of private enterprises, municipalities and governmental agencies in the Washington, D.C. area with special focus on integrated compliance and inventory solutions.

Attendees will learn the L.A. test fuel management technology and how they can operate their fueling systems more efficiently and economically to save money including the key elements to streamlining their fleet fuel expenses. These systems are geared for creating efficiencies on the dispensing side of the fueling process. They’ll receive and track relevant data tied to each vehicle. They’ll have real data they can use to reduce the cost of their fleet operations.

They’ll be able to track:

* Vehicle idle time
* Miles per gallon
* Location of the vehicle
* Incidents of speeding through a GPS system
* Amount of fuel dispensed on a regular basis

WHEN: Dec 2 , 2009

WHERE: The Legacy Hotel & Meeting Center
1775 Rockville Pike , Rockville MD 20852 – 301-881-2300


MORE
INFO: Visit www.fuelmanagementseminar.com to register and/or for more information.

L.A. Fritter, the leading name in fuel management systems and services since 1953, helps organizations better manage their fleet fueling tasks. From high quality equipment sales to expert installation and factory certified service to fuel management, its innovative, cost-effective solutions give customers more control over their fuel operation.

As a complete solution, L.A. Fritter provides turnkey systems from installation to ongoing maintenance and service after the purchase. L.A. Fritter keeps its customers fuel sites up and running 24/7.

Businesses interested in learning how to cut their fleet operating costs, can contact L.A. Fritter for a free demonstration and quote at (301) 773-7800 or www.L.A.fritter.com.

Fuel Management Seminar 2009

Improving and driving down costs is all over the news these days . Every organization is looking for ways to right size their business for the years ahead . Well at L.A. Fritter we have been selling fuel management since the 1960's - we know how important it is to track fuel consumption and related costs of running a fleet . Our interaction with customers tells us that most companies struggle with wringing cost of operating a large fleet . If fuel goes back to $4.00 a gallon does your company have a plan to minimize that impact on your operation ? Now is the time to explore technology that enables you to operate your fleet and related assets , don't rely on fuel vendors , employees or outdated or non - existent technology . Our goal for any company that operates on site fueling is to get you information you can use to drive down costs.

Let's face it our control over the cost of fuel is minimal and fluctuations are common . But if you could gain some control by controlling fleet costs - wouldn't that be valuable ?

Get on board with technology and get the data you need to run a fleet and control costs . We invite you to attend a great ( Free ) seminar - sign up at www.fuelmanagementseminar.com

Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage

What can I do to save gas?
Walk, bike, take a bus, or carpool when possible. Use your car only
when necessary. Public transportation authorities often have carpooling
information as well as transit services. If you own more than one vehicle,
drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.

Combine errands into one trip. Consolidate trips to destinations that

are near one another. Once you arrive, park and walk between destina
tions. Save errands for one afternoon and plan your trip so you don't
retrace your route. You not only save gas this way, but reduce wear-and-
tear on your car.

Drive your car wisely and maintain it properly. The way you drive
and take care of your car can make a big difference in your gas mileage.

What can I do to get better gas mileage when I drive?
You can greatly improve your mileage by having your car serviced regularly
and by driving wisely. Any of these eight points can help improve your
mileage:

Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts by
accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid
sudden braking.

Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling
burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.

Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases
gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk
rather than on roof racks.

Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent
by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.

Use your air conditioning only when necessary. Roll down the
windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.

Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-
speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to
make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have
a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy.

Your owner's manual will give you further information.

Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments
and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve
your gas mileage.

Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks. Tuneups
improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for
recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer's recom-
mendations, you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs,
dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission not going into high
gear.

What should I consider when buying a new car?
Understand your needs and buy accordingly. Get only the options
you really need. Optional equipment that adds weight to your car can decrease
your gas mileage (especially heavy options such as four-wheel drive). Automatic
transmissions generally degrade fuel economy. Larger engines and higher horse-
power typically result in lower gas mileage. If you need the additional power
and torque, be aware your gas mileage will suffer during all types of driving.

Check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles. Buy a fuel effi-
cient model in the size category that meets your needs. The Federal Gas Mileage
Guide, issued annually and free of charge at all auto dealerships, compares gas
mileage of similar models.

Question do you know where all your fuel is going ?

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A gas station clerk is accused of defrauding her boss out of nearly $50,000 by selling fuel to her family and friends for a tenth of a penny a gallon.


Police arrested 25-year-old Madeline Jordan on Sunday - along with her mother, brother, a cousin and two others - after setting up a sting at the BP station in South Charleston.

The station's owner told police last week he had noticed a significant drop in his income and found receipts that listed the deeply discounted rate.

Police alleged that for several months Jordan, of Nitro, had reset the price at the pumps every Sunday morning and allowed people she knew to fill up.

There was no immediate word if any of the six had secured attorneys to speak for them. The Kanawha County Courthouse was closed Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., and calls to the South Charleston Police Department were not answered.

Fuel Costs taking a bite out of Profits?

L.A. Fritter has been providing fuel management systems to combat ever increasing cost of fuel since 1953 .

ASK THE EXPERTS
Idling Solutions - Sponsored by Espar
How much Green House Gases does an average idling truck emit into our environment and at what level in GHG's do fuel fired heaters and APU's offset this?

Tires - Sponsored by Goodyear
Why do trucks with set-back axles seem to have more tire wear issues than trucks with set-forward axles?

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission today proposed an annual five to eight percent increase in the nation's fuel taxes for the next five years to fund urgent transportation repairs. The measure was passed by a nine to three vote, with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters among the dissenters.

The commission was formed to conduct a two-year study of the current state of the transportation industry and analyze future needs for both the short and long term, as well as sources of revenue, either as a replacement or a supplement to the current fuel tax.

The commission's report also focuses on transportation's role in homeland security and national defense, including a reduction in our dependence on foreign oil.

Recommendations by the committee include an expansion of public transportation, increasing highway capacity to reduce congestion and embracing new safety strategies to cut traffic fatalities in half within 17 years. The commission also proposed budgeting $200 million annually to develop new energy sources.

Ken Simonson, chief economist for Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) told Fleet Owner that the report indicates the nation needs to significantly rebuild its infrastructure. "This report shows the magnitude of the problems ahead of us," he said.

Simonson added that the report's proposal would be very helpful in raising enough money to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, depending on whether or not states also contribute additional funding.

AGC agrees with the report's recommendation to create an independent National Surface Transportation Commission. "Congress should cede some of the decision-making to an independent, non-political group," Simonson said.

The dissenting members, led by Secretary Peters, agreed that transportation reform is a necessary step but would not a support a federal tax to fund it, instead pushing for private capital, incentives and increased tolls to provide the needed funds.

The dissenting opinion states that raising fuel taxes is ineffective and ‘breeds wasteful spending' and does not consider alternatives they project to be potentially more effective. They add that the proposal would unwisely increase the Federal government's role in transportation issues and create an independent commission they consider impractical and reflective of bad policy.

"Raising fuel taxes won't improve traffic congestion, it will only perpetuate our ineffective reliance on fossil-based fuels to fund infrastructure and send more of Americans' hard-earned money to Washington to be squandered on earmarks and special interest programs," Secretary Peters said. "A better way forward is to provide incentives to states willing to pursue more efficient approaches and to invest federal funds more effectively to give commuters real relief from gridlock."

American Trucking Assns. president & CEO Bill Graves issued a statement on the effects of the proposal on the freight industry. "The Commission has provided a good starting point for Congress as we move toward Reauthorization in 2009," he said. "Fixing our infrastructure problems is, without question, a significant financial undertaking. Current revenue streams are failing to keep pace with infrastructure needs. The Commission report illustrates that any increased investment must be coupled with systematic reforms, which would be essential to any long-term solution.

"The national economy is directly linked to freight transportation," Graves added. "Therefore freight transportation must be an essential part of infrastructure design and planning. Through its report, the Commission acknowledges the need for a new and improved investment strategy. A strategy that supports not only the health of our highways, but the health of our future economy. One that includes a combination of steps designed to ease congestion, alleviate bottlenecks and repair aging infrastructure."

Biodiesel study shows similar results to 100% diesel

Biodiesel study shows similar results to 100% diesel

By Justin Carretta, online news editor

Jan 8, 2008 2:38 PM





ASK THE EXPERTS
Tires - Sponsored by Goodyear
What is the advantage of low profile tires over the standard tire? Also, can you mix them with standard tires on one axel and low profile on the other axel?

Idling Solutions - Sponsored by Espar
How much Green House Gases does an average idling truck emit into our environment and at what level in GHG's do fuel fired heaters and APU's offset this?



According to a study released by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), first-year results show 20% soy biodiesel blends (B20) perform similarly to diesel fuel in trucks.

"Although we have data from only the first year of the study, we are pleased with the results to date," said Don Heck, coordinator of biotechnology and biofuels programs at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA. "Preliminary results are that B20 biodiesel performs similarly to 100% diesel. We found a slight decrease in overall fuel efficiency for the B20 group of trucks, but it was not statistically significant. In fact, the difference was several times smaller than the driver-to-driver variability in fuel efficiency within each group."

The study, dubbed the " 2 Million Mile Haul", is sponsored by ISA, Iowa Central Community College, Decker Truck Line Inc., Caterpillar Inc., the National Biodiesel Board, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For the study, Iowa Central Community College has been collecting and analyzing engine performance data and conducting in-house testing of both petroleum and B20. According to ISA, the study also examines how fuel additives affect the cold-flow properties when blended with Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).

To test the differences between the fuels, two groups of 10 Decker Truck Line semi-tractors have traveled to either Minneapolis or Chicago using 100% No. 2 petroleum diesel or a blend of 20% biodiesel from Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and 80% No. 2 petroleum diesel. Fuel efficiency, maintenance records and fuel quality for both groups are monitored.

According to ISA, average fuel efficiency was 6.29 miles per gallon (mpg) for the petroleum group and 6.15 mpg for the B20 group after more than 1.5 million miles were driven between Oct. 1, 2006 to Oct. 1, 2007.

"Right now, the B20 performs similarly to the 100% diesel fuel in this study," said Heck. “Oil test data shows no appreciable differences between the fuels. We expect that the B20 group of engines will show less wear than the control group."

"The study is important because it shows that biodiesel can be interchangeable with diesel for use in over-the-road trucking," said Ed Ulch, an ISA director and treasurer of the National Biodiesel Board. "When the engines are torn down at the completion of the study, the final results are expected to show less engine wear with biodiesel. The study should prove that biodiesel provides longer engine life."

ISA reported a few problems with the B20 blend, admitting that a few filter plugging problems occurred early in the study. Changing the blend of the biodiesel fuel caused the rate of filter plugging to drop significantly. ISA reports that the B20, when mixed with a commercial fuel additive, didn’t cause any cold-flow issues during winter driving.

"The trucking industry is by far the single largest consumer of diesel fuel, using 38 billion gallons annually,” said Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development. “This study demonstrates in a real-world environment that biodiesel can be used successfully year-round."