Every business wants to find ways to minimise their outgoings and maximise profits, and when you operate a fleet of commercial vehicles it can be difficult to manage. This is because there are plenty of costs associated with running a fleet that cannot be cut. For example, fleet operators need to ensure that all their vehicles and drivers have the right insurance, and all the vehicles need to be properly fueled for the journeys they’ll be taking.
It is possible to shave money off your fleet related expenses by shopping around for the best insurance rates, but things can be a little tricker in terms of cutting fuel costs. The only way you can really control the expense of your fleet running costs is to choose carefully where you get your fuel from, and use it as efficiently as possible.
One of the most fundamental things you can do in this regard is to choose your vehicle types wisely. Not all vehicles have the same fuel economy and will not give you the same miles per gallon and it should be a high priority for you to look for cars and vans that are as efficient as possible. Not only is this good for your business bank account, it’s also the more environmentally responsible choice. Choosing economical, low emission vehicles for your fleet also usually means you can avoid congestion charges.
Maximise your fleet savings
The right driving technique can help reduce your fuel consumption even further by using engines more efficiently. Fuel efficient driving is a skill that can be taught, so it’s worth making sure your fleet operators are trained to be skilled in efficient driving. The most important thing they can do is to drive smoothly, and this means reducing sudden braking and acceleration. Instead, drivers should focus on gradual changes in velocity and should maintain good distances from the vehicles in front of them to avoid having to make sudden stops.
Some people believe that it uses more fuel to switch off and then restart their car or van engine than it does to leave it idling. This is not true, however, and it is much more fuel efficient to switch off the engine if you're going to be stationary for more than a minute or two. Even better, look for vehicles that have an automatic stop start system that switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary for a certain amount of time, and restarts it again when the accelerator is pressed.
Where possible, plan your routes carefully and make sure that refuelling stops that are compatible with your chosen fuel card plan are available along the route to avoid drivers having to go out of their way to refuel. A carefully planned route can save lots of money, especially over time. You can use software to help you plan your routes to be more efficient, and this can also save you a lot of time too!
One thing that you cannot afford to overlook as someone who owns and operates a commercial fleet is the maintenance needs of your vehicles. A properly maintained and managed fleet is the best way to make sure your vehicles are legally compliant and will not fall foul of safe operation laws. The best way to maintain your fleet is to make sure all your vehicles are serviced on a strict schedule in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Servicing should include maintenance on the engine and filters, oil and fluid changes, and checking the tyres to ensure they are compliant and filled to the correct pressure.
One of the most important things you can do to save money on your fleet expenses is to choose fuel cards that are geared towards your needs. Providers partner with fuel retailers in order to bring you the very best possible prices, and they’re also extremely convenient for drivers to use. All they need to do is present the card after filling up at a partnering station and the company will be charged at a later date. These cards also make it a lot easier for fleet owners to monitor their fuel spend and keep track of their drivers’ activity on the road.