Although the continued fuel duty tax, announced on the 6th of March by the Chancellor, has been welcome news, prices at the pump are still reaching record highs.
With fuel costs remaining one of the highest expenses each month for fleet operators, ways to counter these climbing prices should be considered to protect profit margins. From tracking systems and effective route planning to implementing new telematics solutions, there are plenty of options available for fleet operators looking to save on this core cost. Here are our top tips for countering climbing fuel costs:
Implementing route optimisation to save on fuel
It sounds simple, but reducing miles is the quickest way to reduce the cost of fuel. Granted, drivers still have a job to do and a route to take, so installing an effective route optimisation programme is key.
We partner with specialist businesses including
Improving driver behaviour through training
Harsh breaking and acceleration, idling and ignoring optimised routes are all key contributors to increased fuel consumption and should therefore be a training focus for drivers.
Our driver performance system monitors driver behaviour across a fleet, showing operators exactly who might need additional support and in what areas.
Operators may also want to adopt an incentive-based training programme, rewarding good driving practices through vouchers or bonuses, or implementing annual rewards to reduce fuel wastage.
Utilising a long-term telematics solution
As well as identifying both good and bad driver behaviour, fully integrated telematics systems can help capture other essential data such as incidents, average speed, distance covered and time.
This means that if speed limits are breached or recurring issues with individuals are reported, operators are made aware and able to actively rectify poor driving behaviours and wasteful practices.
Conducting regular vehicle maintenance
General vehicle wear and tear can also contribute heavily to fuel consumption if the fleet is not maintained or looked after properly. From poorly inflated tyres to skipped vehicle services, failure to maintain regular upkeep will result in a low-performing fleet.
By installing a transport management system, data can be captured centrally and fleet operators can see patterns and trends that will help decision-making when considering fleet maintenance works.
With fuel costs taking up such a large percentage of a business’ expenditure, fleet operators must be proactive when it comes to reducing running costs. By investing in long-term technology and providing thorough training programmes to drivers, cost pressures caused by fuel can be mitigated and margins protected.
Take a look at our smart transport solutions that can help reduce fleet running costs.