Tips on Using Telematics to Reduce Fuel Costs

Fleets have been facing many challenges during the pandemic.

Supply chain disruptions have affected businesses across New ZealandAustralia, and the cost of fuel is rising.

According to CommSec the key Brent crude futures price is $US95.64 a barrel, and now the Australian dollar is only worth around 71 US cents so the fuel rising is a clear challenge for Australians with a weakerweeaker currency.

Now, the price of petrol and diesel has skyrocketed in recent weeks. The price for petrol is 2.87845 NZD and 2.032.24 NZD for diesel. 

Source: https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/New-Zealand/gasoline_prices/

It’s imperative that owners, operators and fleet managers find ways to save money while increasing productivity in 2022 and beyond.

Technology can help save fuel and cut costs by analysing drivers’ behavioursbehaviors, purchasing options, routes and maintenance-and proposing long-term efficiency solutions.

How to use telematics to monitor fuel expenditures

Fleet management technology can help businesses keep tabs on key factors that impact operations, including fuel use. Reviewing GPS and fuel transaction information together enables fleets to identify patterns for improving efficiency and preventing misuse.

Here are some of the areas that telematics can help you monitor:

Fuel card integration.

Take control of fuel card costs with seamless fuel card integration, powerful reporting tools and near real-time fuel data.

Fuel card reporting data.

View fuel transaction history by vehicle to monitor fuel expenses and compare fuel purchases among vehicles.

Fuel theft and card abuse.

Detect fuel card fraud by viewing incidents where card purchases exceeded a vehicle’s tank capacity, or by identifying when a vehicle was not at a pump when fuel was purchased.

Fuel usage.

Monitor the CO2 emissions and fuel usage of each vehicle to decrease your environmental impact, increase cost savings.

Monitor other factors impacting fuel economy

Fleet management technology can also provide insights into driving behaviours and vehicle functions that directly link to fuel efficiency.

Speed: The faster a driver goes, the more fuel consumed and higher the costs.

Monitor when drivers are exceeding posted speed limits and use that information as part of driver training.

Idling: Idling wastes fuel. Receive alerts when a truck is idling for too long, and use this information to encourage drivers to reduce idle times.

Routing: Shorter routes increase fuel efficiency. Dispatchers can monitor traffic patterns so they can tell drivers the most direct route or send the closest driver to a particular job.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance can lower fuel costs over time. Get alerts when vehicles are due for maintenance based on date, mileage and other factors.

Download our 4 Ways to Reduce Fuel Costs free eBook for more tips on increasing fleet fuel efficiency.

Ready to see for yourself how a telematics solution from Verizon Connect can help your fleet control fuel costs?

Request a demo when it’s convenient for you.