Latest Fuel News

Fuel has been at the top of may fleet managers’ agendas recently following the steady increase in costs over the past few months. With this in mind, here’s a few pointers to help keep these costs in check:-

1 Monitoring

Fleets need to manage their fuel costs closely to manage them. This is easier said than done if you’re using a pay and reclaim system because fuel cost claims are spread throughout the company making it harder to break down to specific cost centres and departments.

By using a fuel card, it’s much easier and faster to calculate usage and associated costs thanks to regular management information that details each transaction by user / vehicle as well as splitting the VAT element out for accounting purposes.

2 Vehicle Choice

Although the driver has the most significant impact on fuel economy, it still pays to provide the most efficient vehicles.

Compare the claims of manufacturers about their vehicles and search the relevant models according to their fuel economy and CO2 emissions using data services such as running costs on www.fleetnews.co.uk

3  Speed

Scientists have estimated that 2.1 million tonnes of CO2 would be saved each year if UK drivers obeyed the speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways, saving 800 million litres of fuel.

According to Northgate Vehicle Hire, driving at 85mph rather than 70mph uses 25% more fuel and driving at 70mph rather than 60mph uses up to 9% more fuel.

4  Tyres and Oil

Research by Kwik-Fit found that 12 million motorists could cut costs at the pump by a combined £1.4bn in the next year alone, simply by keeping their tyres inflated to the correct pressure.

But fleets don’t just need to keep their tyres inflated, they also need to buy the right ones. Real-world tests of Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tyres showed tyre life increased by 25% and fuel economy improved by 2.5%.

In addition, choosing the right oil and fuel can also have an impact.

For example, Total claimed its “Excellium” premium fuel can improve a car’s economy by 4%, while Total Lubricants says its Quartz Ineo ECS oil can improve fuel economy by up to 60% in the starting phase

5  Technology

Tracking technology can make fleets more efficient and economical by allowing employers to see exactly how their vehicles are being used. Tracking systems can help identify and eliminate duplicate journeys, unauthorised private usage and improve routing.

Forecourt Fuel Ltd have recently joined forces with “Fleet Efficiency Ltd” and are now able to offer preferential rates for telematics services to our account holders. For further information, please contact Nick Hayton on 01524 858169 or by e-mail at nick.hayton@forecourtfuels.com

6  Aftermarket Equipment

Some fleets may be alarmed by the idea of tinkering with the engine bay of their vehicles, but Diesel Power Tuning claims it can pay dividends.

THE DPT system, of which Randstad is the UK distributor, is aimed at all diesel engined cars and offers claimed savings in both fuel used and emissions generated of between 5% and 10% on any diesel engine.

DPT has been fitted to Titan Travel’s fleet of 180 VW T5 Minibuses. Their target of 8% savings in fuel and emissions is already being achieved.

7  Buy Fuel At A Fixed “Wholesale” Rate On A Fuel Card

By purchasing your fuel on one of our fixed rate fuel cards at commercial rates, our customers can normally expect to save around 3 pence per litre off the national average and potentially more if they regularly use motorway service stations.

For further information and a free, no obligation price comparison, contact Becky Bond on 0845 450 4958 or complete our online enquiry form at http://www.forecourtfuelcards.co.uk/further-info.html and we’ll contact you.

8  Reduce Mileage

Home working has rocketed in popularity recently as employers aim to beat rising fuel prices.

A GE Capital solutions, Fleet Services, survey showed that 96% of fleet decision makers say fuel costs are reducing business mileage. In addition, 94% say homeworking is also reducing the number of business miles travelled.

According to the AA, 300 of its employers are saving 90,000 litres of fuel, or 620,000 miles commuting each year by working from home.

9  Driver Training

Putting your drivers through their paces and showing them the green way to drive can have a dramatic impact.

Even the most frugal driver may have something to gain from the techniques offered by experts behind the wheel.

Of of the biggest driver training schemes focused on fuel economy has been carried out by the Government funded SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) programme, which found average economy improvements after half a day’s training of 16%.

10  Communication

To really make a difference you have to get drivers on board. Successful initiatives can include fuel economy league tables, which list the most frugal drivers on the fleet.

Including incentives for the best drivers can have a positive effect on mileage. Inform them of the lowest fuel rates available and provide updates and tips on how to manage mileage and improve fuel economy.