Saving on Fleet Fuel Costs

From Hawaii’s average $3.31 per gallon of gas to Montana’s average $2.31 per gallon of gas, fuel prices are always fluctuating — and currently, they’re on the rise.

With this increase in fuel costs, the pressure on fleets to maintain their yearly budget strengthens. Plus, with ten months left in the year, there is plenty of time and potential for additional increases.

As a fleet manager, you always have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Though you can’t predict fuel prices for the rest of the year, there are steps you can take to proactively maintain your budget. Keep your tanks full and budget safe with these fuel-saving tips.

1. Educate your drivers

From idling to speeding, inform your drivers of the biggest fuel-wasting actions. Show them how to stay aware of how much fuel they’re using and how to eliminate unnecessary waste. Many drivers are unaware of their fuel usage, so make this education part of your training. By including incentives for the best fuel-saving behaviors, you can encourage your team to reduce their fuel spend and costs. You can also encourage drivers to make these fuel-saving behaviors a habit so you can see greater improvements across the board.

2. Follow regular maintenance schedules

Each vehicle is fine-tuned machine, so it depends on regular maintenance for peak performance. Whether your fleet is made up of trucks or passenger vehicles, develop a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it. Monitor the condition of your tires, regularly change your oil, and fix any issues that appear as soon as you’re aware of them. Take care of your vehicles so they can offer the best fuel economy possible.

3. Watch gas station prices

No one cares about your fleet like you do and it may be harder to keep your drivers on board with this strategy — but you should still try. Fuel prices fluctuate based on distance, so encourage your drivers to look for stations with the best prices. Remind drivers to start looking for a place to refuel before they dip too close to empty, giving them more time to find the best prices.

4. Utilize telematics

Telematics devices are the best way to monitor fuel usage and wasteful driving behaviors. With GPS tracking capabilities, your devices can also ensure your drivers are always on the best routes. With the ability to see idle time, speeding data, and routing information, you can find the behaviors that most need correcting and improve fuel savings for every driver.

How do you save on fuel costs?