Exclusive Fuel Discounts: The Smart Way to Save on Transport

Ask any fleet owner, and they will say fuel costs make up a significant portion of their budget. These costs can account for 40 percent of expenses. Operating costs skyrocket when fuel prices increase or the fleet is improperly managed. Using fuel-saving strategies, a business owner can cut costs by up to 30 percent, improve efficiency, and boost profits. What are some proven methods to bring these costs down? 

Fuel Cards

Every owner and manager should consider getting fuel cards for your fleet drivers. These cards help control spending and make tracking expenses easier for owners and managers. The business can minimize unauthorized purchases and better handle its budget. These cards provide fuel discounts and may offer savings on other items fleet operators frequently use, such as vehicle maintenance and lodging.

Route Optimization

Fleet owners must optimize routes to reduce fuel costs. A lack of route planning leads to unnecessary mileage and high fuel costs. Drivers also need to optimize their routes with the help of GPS. The navigation system can alert them to traffic congestion, allowing them to alter their routes accordingly to save time and fuel. 

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Upgrading to fuel-efficient vehicles can lower a fleet’s operating expenses. Hybrid and electric vehicles are options, but the company should also look into advanced diesel vehicles. Look for vehicles with aerodynamic designs and lower vehicle weights to reduce costs and improve fuel efficiency. 

Fuel-Saving Techniques

All drivers should be trained in fuel-saving techniques, such as smoothly accelerating and maintaining steady speeds. Gentle braking also enhances fuel efficiency, and drivers must reduce idling. Idling wastes fuel and puts additional strain on the engine, which can lead to early replacement. Some vehicles now have auto-shutdown features to minimize idling time. When drivers must stop, they should turn off their engines. This can result in significant fuel savings. 

Fuel Management Systems

Every fleet vehicle should have a real-time fuel management system. This system helps the owner uncover efficiencies and determine consumption patterns. Each vehicle needs this system to reduce fuel waste. 

Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel and lasts longer. Drivers should check the tire pressure weekly, schedule routine oil changes, and replace filters to decrease fuel consumption and ensure smooth operation. Inefficiencies caught early save the owner money, so the driver should request routine brake and transmission inspections to reduce the risk of excessive energy loss. 

Track Fuel Prices

Every fleet owner should track fuel prices. Using this information, they can determine the best time for drivers to refuel. Furthermore, the owner should figure out whether some stations are consistently cheaper than others and use them whenever possible. 

Minimize Weight and Drag

Drivers must remove excess weight from their vehicles to lower fuel usage. They need to also make aerodynamic adjustments to minimize wind resistance. When driving at high speeds, they must close their windows to minimize drag and consolidate shipments to reduce the number of trips. The goal is to maximize load efficiency while reducing weight and drag. Finding the right balance between the two is essential for lowering fuel costs. 

Telematics and data analytics can help a fleet owner reduce fuel consumption. The owner should also follow industry trends to learn about new technologies that may save them fuel. Fuel costs decline when fleets implement these strategies, and their bottom lines increase. They can take the funds saved and roll them back into fuel-saving strategies. When multiple techniques are used, the fuel savings quickly add up.