16 February, 2021
3 Minutes read
One of the main expenses of transportation companies is fuel; therefore, knowing the key factors that affect fuel spending and being able to reduce them will help in optimizing our fleet and increase its performance.
Fuel consumption can account for about 30% of the direct operating costs of your fleet, in addition to emitting polluting gases when using gasoline or diesel. Knowing and taking measures to control and reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles is a necessary action to perform proper fleet management.
Main factors affecting fuel consumption
Fuel control should focus attention on fuel consumption. The fuel expense of a vehicle depends on several factors that should be taken into account such as: type of fuel, age of the vehicle, and its condition. Also, weather conditions, road conditions (such as traffic or road damage), how the vehicle is driven, and some others need to be considered.
Many factors affect fuel control and consumption, but we can say the main factor is drivers. These assets of transportation companies are very often responsible for higher fuel consumption. Some examples of these expenses are: inefficient driving or fuel theft.
Measures to avoid high fuel consumption on fleets
Some measures that can be taken to control fuel consumption and reduce fuel costs are:
- Training in good practices and efficient driving.
- Addition of speed limiters to the vehicles.
- Performing periodic maintenance.
- Installation of devices that turn off the engine in long stops.
- Planning routes and assignments.
These are just some of the possible measures to take into account in order to control and reduce fuel consumption.
This control needs to be carried out with some variations. It can be done in different ways depending on whether the transportation company has a telematic service or not. If it does, fuel consumption is reported automatically, but if it doesn't have it, the report can be made either by the driver being the same one who reports that expense and can enter it in the system, or it can be communicated to the manager responsible for the fleet who in turn will include the data.
It is important that this data is recorded and monitored continuously. It does not matter if it is done every longer or shorter period of time or every few miles.
And also, the fuel supply must be taken into account. This factor also has an implication in the fuel consumption expense. For example, if it is a company with a large fleet of vehicles, having its own fuel tanks can bring advantages such as: discounted fuel price when obtaining large quantities, a clearer and easier refueling control, and greater flexibility. If alternative fuels are used, it is advisable to share the recharging stations with other companies.
All of this data must be considered later in the reports in order to determine what may be causing higher fuel consumption and what measures can be taken to reduce it.
The objective of all the above-mentioned is to control fuel consumption in an optimal manner and reduce your fuels costs while achieving excellence in fleet management.
Don´t miss: Fleet management: understanding related costs.
