For nearly every business that relies on a fleet of trucks or vans, fuel is one of the top two operating expenses, right alongside labor. While you can’t control the price at the pump, you can implement powerful strategies to control how much fuel your fleet consumes. Moving beyond simply telling drivers to “go easy on the gas” can unlock significant savings that flow directly back to your business.

The Power of a Fuel Card Program

One of the most effective first steps in managing fuel costs is implementing a fuel card program. Unlike a standard credit card, a fuel card allows you to set specific purchasing controls. You can limit spending to fuel only, restrict purchases to certain times of day, and set gallon limits per transaction. This detailed transaction data gives you a clear view of every dollar spent, helping you identify inefficiencies and completely eliminate unauthorized purchases or fraud. You know exactly where, when, and how much fuel each vehicle is consuming.

The High Cost of Idling

An idling work truck can burn up to a gallon of fuel per hour, costing you thousands of dollars per vehicle each year for zero productivity. Whether a technician is completing paperwork or running the HVAC system during lunch, that idle time adds up quickly. Telematics systems can precisely track and report on idling events, allowing you to identify which drivers or jobs are contributing most to the problem. You can then use this data to set clear company policies and coach drivers on reducing unnecessary engine run time. Information from the U.S. Department of Energy shows just how impactful idle reduction can be.

Don’t Forget the Tires

An often-overlooked area of fuel efficiency is tire maintenance. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. A tire that is just 10 PSI below its recommended pressure can reduce fuel economy by 1% or more. Implementing a simple policy of weekly tire pressure checks across your fleet is a nearly zero-cost way to ensure you’re not wasting fuel.

Related Article on WorkTruckNetwork.com: How to Choose the Best Fuel Card for Your Small Business