Fleets should ensure they are maximising the potential of their fuel data to minimise ongoing price increases, says FleetCheck.
Barrie Wilson, strategic relationship manager at the fleet software specialist, explained many tended to look at fuel as a lump sum cost rather than at an individual driver and vehicle level.
‘Most fleets tend to have a fuel card in place and negotiate costs at a macro pricing level,’ he said. ‘This is obviously an important element of control but further gains can be achieved by using data and software to highlight issues on a granular basis.’
Perhaps the single most important point was to look at the miles per gallon (MPG) being achieved by individual drivers, he said, which could sometimes differ by double figures.
‘Driving style is generally the single biggest determinant of the amount of fuel used. The difference between the best and worst performing drivers in similar vehicles on similar roads is sometimes remarkably high.
‘Of course, there can be extenuating circumstances such as the routes being covered and the payload carried, but tracking MPGs can identify those with the heaviest right feet. Subsequent training and other targeted measures can often be remarkably effective.
‘The same principle applies to vehicles. It is not unknown for individual cars and vans to use an obviously disproportionate amount of fuel and subsequently uncover a mechanical issue.’
Barrie said analysis of data could also help to highlight cases where employees are tempted by rising prices to steal fuel, either by purchasing additional amounts or syphoning it from their company vehicles.
‘To detect this, it is essential that distances covered and MPGs are accurately recorded and assessed – something that can be done easily by analysing your fuel data. Any sudden drop in fuel economy can be a cause for suspicion.
‘Effective deterrence can be as simple as letting drivers know you are scrutinising fuel expenditure and mileage, and any significant fuel theft will result in not just dismissal, but the police will also be notified.’
Barrie said the rising price of fuel remained a major concern from fleets and was sometimes placing them under extreme budgetary pressure.
‘The arrival of the £2 litre of diesel is a deeply unwelcome development, and we are talking to our users regularly about best practice ideas around data and software that can help them contain petrol and diesel expenditure.’