Tips on Using Telematics to Reduce Fuel Costs

Fleets have been contending with many challenges during the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions have affected businesses across the U.S., and the cost of fuel is rising.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, they expect regular gasoline retail prices to average $3.71/gal in the second half of 2022, up from $3.00/gal in 2021, and expect on-highway diesel prices to increase to average $4.04/gal in 2022.

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 analyzing drivers’ behaviors, purchasing options, routes and maintenance-and proposing long-term efficiency solutions.

How to use telematics to monitor fuel expenditures

Fleet management technology can help organizations 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 fleets can 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 and make filing fuel taxes like IFTA easier.

Monitor other factors impacting fuel economy

Fleet management technology can also provide insights into driving behaviors and vehicle functions that have a direct link to fuel efficiency. 

• Speed: The faster a driver goes, the more it costs per gallon. 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 5 ways to reduce fuel cost 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.