What is the ratio between hours idle and miles driven?

Q: Many of our vehicles will idle for long durations while roads are closed for water and sanitary repair. What is the ratio between hours idle and miles driven?

A: Allowable idle times will vary with equipment utilization and geographics, meaning for example, a cement tractor will have a higher idle time than a long haul tractor. The average target ratio you should be attempting to obtain is 5 percent or lower.

Operator incentive programs for lowering idling times work tremendously well. Put a buck or two in the operator's pocket for keeping his idling time down is very effective and will lower your fuel costs and maintenance expenses. Hope this helps.