01 July, 2022by golfleet
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Fuel economy: 8 tips to reduce fleet expenses

Check out important management tips for reducing fleet expenses and economical use of fuel in operations.

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In recent months, the Fuel prices have risen significantly. Thus, it is necessary to adopt strategies to avoid waste. However, fuel savings and reduced fleet costs are not always possible.

As announced by Petrobras, there will again be a increase in gasoline and diesel prices for distributors, respectively of 5,18% and 14,26%.

Soon, one of the missions faced by fleet managers will become even more complicated. After all, according to Journal of Northeast, the fuel costs represent on average 40% to 50% of the logistics cost, currently.

The increase in fuel prices has a direct impact on the cost of fleet operations and, consequently, on the manager and the final consumer. In this way, the entire vehicle distribution chain is affected, causing serious damage to the country's economy.

Finally, as a manager, it is important to be aware of changes in fuel prices. as well as search alternatives to reduce costs in the fleet, in order to keep developing the business.

Want to know how save fuel and reduce fleet operations costs?

Read on!

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Fleet fuel economy

First, it is important to understand that fuel economy is not just about filling up at cheaper gas stations. Therefore, several elements of the vehicle must be analyzed to understand performance in general.

Also read: Biofuel: what is it, what are the advantages and why use it in your fleet?

After all, the more optimized the power of the fuel is, the greater its energy efficiency. In this way, you can guarantee lower costs and the necessary income to carry out fleet operations.

Therefore, to achieve this decrease in consumption, it is necessary that the vehicle mechanics are in good condition. Thus, there will be no waste of fuel.

Finally, the first step for managers who want to reduce fleet costs while maintaining operational productivity is to analyze the condition of the vehicles.

Read also Light fleet run-in management: how to optimize and ensure the efficiency of the operation

Let's check some tips for reducing fuel costs in the fleet and understand how you can apply them to your routine.

Fuel: 8 tips for reducing fleet expenses | Golfleet

Tips for reducing fuel costs in the fleet

We know how the Fuel costs are a concern for managers, especially in times of crisis. These amounts are often significant for the overall business expenses.

Read also Predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance: what they are, main differences and which is the best choice for your fleet management 

Furthermore, these costs are directly related to the company's profits. Consequently, the more you save on gasoline consumption, the greater the profit margin that the manager will have in his company.

Among the main strategies that can be adopted to reduce fleet costs related to fuels are:

mechanical

Preventive maintenance of vehicles

A preventive maintenance must be present in light fleet management to reduce fuel-related costs. After all, monitoring fleet conditions allows setbacks that increase fuel consumption to be anticipated and avoided.

So, having a review schedule is very important for the company. Because in addition to identifying damage related to time and ensuring the exchange of parts at the right times, it can prevent harmful wear and tear caused by the situation on the roads.

Read also Fleet fuel management efficiency | Golfleet

So, vehicles that undergo maintenance frequently generate less expenses and present better performances, including fuel economy.

Optimization of fleet routes

First of all, make a good route planning, mainly in urban cities, is very positive for reducing fleet costs. Therefore, the use of management software, route applications and maps has been increasingly frequent by fleet managers.

Furthermore, the practical knowledge of drivers can also help in fuel economy, as it allows them to travel routes in a shorter distance and time.

Read also: Find out what changes with the new rules of the Brazilian Traffic Code

Finally, you need to carefully plan each trip, considering factors such as:

  • number of signals
  • traffic jams
  • main roads
  • local traffic
  • departure time

meet a fleet management software that has telemetry functionality, helps to reduce fleet costs.

Refueling at reliable fuel stations

Although you probably already know this, we need to highlight the importance of refueling at reliable stations. After all, who has never heard of the practice of mixing compounds to yield more fuel?

Therefore, be careful to avoid tampering or low quality, as expenses can become even greater. 

Read also Defensive Driving and Fleet Management: Preserve Lives | Golfleet

Fuel: 8 tips for reducing fleet expenses | Golfleet

mileage control

O fleet mileage tracking assists in identifying vehicles that are traveling further than expected. Thus, it is possible to calculate the fuel consumption of a given vehicle and understand which factors lead to an increase or decrease.

In addition, identifying vehicles that consume more can make you evaluate the possibility of replacing them with a more economical one. Likewise, the detection of the most common problems between vehicles of the same model.

Reduction in the weight of loads

The heavier the vehicle is, the more fuel is consumed.. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the maximum amount supported and how the weight will be distributed.

Read also Stay ahead of ESG with a fleet management system

On the other hand, employees need to be trained to identify excessive weight in fleets and comply with the stipulated standards.

Fuel: 8 tips for reducing fleet expenses | Golfleet

Idleness of fleet vehicles

Monitoring tools are important allies to track vehicle location in real time. After all, with telemetry you check the driver's performance and his behavior in traffic.

Read also Understand Proconve and how it impacts your fleet management

Furthermore, telemetry allows inspection of vehicle driving and that way you will know how it is being operated. 

So, to improve monitoring of speed, braking, sudden acceleration and idle times, don't give up on a fleet management system that has these functionalities.

Read also All about vehicle telemetry: what it is, how it works and benefits for fleet managementst

Good driving practices

In addition to introducing intelligent technologies such as a telemetry system, the driver training is essential to achieve better results and income from fleets.

Here are some elements that should be observed by managers:

  • defensive driving
  • speed limits
  • Correct use of brakes and accelerations
  • Knowledge of vehicle specifics

As a result, drivers will have practical and theoretical information to improve your behavior in traffic, ensuring fleet cost reduction, better performance and greater productivity.

Read also Traffic safety: importance of safe driving culture in fleet management

Tire pressure of fleet vehicles

On the other hand, since we are talking about the behavior and good practices of fleet drivers, remember the importance of tire calibration is also essential. 

After all, tires under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by up to 4%, consequently, the amount spent by companies.

Therefore, with this simple measure it is possible to extend the useful life of tires, postpone replacement costs and save fuel.

Fuel: 8 tips for reducing fleet expenses | Golfleet

Route management to reduce fleet expenses with intelligent software

So, the increasingly frequent use of technology in fleet management allows for greater control over fuel supply and cost reduction.

All the information necessary for managers' planning and strategies can be found, in a practical way, in the same place. This then allows a complete analysis of the costs of each vehicle per kilometer driven, as well as the behavior of each driver.

O Golfleet is a fleet management system that delivers more safety for the team, vehicles and employees. In this way, it allows us to understand the needs of the fleet and reduce costs, especially with fuel and maintenance.

With this information, it is possible identify waste and find solutions to save more on fuel and drive the company's growth.

Take advantage of all your opportunities and save more with Golfleet:

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