Approximately 60% of a fleet's operating costs come from fuel. As fuel prices fluctuate constantly throughout the globe, and most companies' drivers log about 20,000 miles per year on average, it's important that companies pursue fuel-efficient technologies.

Fuel cost reductions are a priority

Increasing fuel prices can have a significant impact on overhead costs and profitability for heavy-duty truck fleets. The goal of fleet vehicles is to use the least amount of fuel possible over the distance traveled to improve fuel efficiency and lower costs. Even small cuts in fuel consumption can have a significant impact.
In order to optimize fuel efficiency, many companies operate recent models, which have higher MPG ratings, better aerodynamic performance, and more fuel-efficient systems. Fleets can improve fuel efficiency by eliminating older, less fuel-efficient, and higher mileage vehicles.
Fleet managers and owners can track fuel usage with next-generation GPS tracking software if new vehicles are not feasible. They can track fuel consumption and other factors that affect fuel economy. These factors include driver behavior and training, vehicle maintenance, and route optimization.

Using technology to increase fleet fuel efficiency

With the help of telematics, organizations can better understand where their fleet vehicles go, the routes they follow, and where fuel efficiency improvements can be achieved. Technology can be especially helpful in keeping up with areas not directly related to fuel economy standards but can have a large impact on reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Driving Behaviour: Every gallon of diesel that is wasted by a truck creates 22.1 pounds of CO2. Driving too fast, accelerating too quickly, and braking hard all lower fuel economy by 33% on highways, and 5% on city streets. 

Organizations can make fuel savings and better adhere to environmental emissions standards by using telematics to monitor driver behavior and coach actions that cause a negative impact on fuel efficiency.
Fleet managers can also set speed parameters and receive automatic alerts if any of their vehicles are speeding. Using electronic systems, speed can be detected and recorded, and compared to posted speed limits. 
The routing and dispatching process: To increase fuel efficiency, drivers must shorten routes and be more informed. Telematics systems can streamline route optimization and identify drivers who engage in driving behaviors that decrease MPG
To assist drivers in making informed route choices, telematics provides real-time information that minimizes mileage while on the route, including yard approach and exit, out of corridor alerts, and real-time updates.

Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly maintaining fleet vehicles can help keep fuel costs down during a fleet's lifespan. In fact, keeping an engine properly tuned up can improve gas mileage by up to 4%. Fleet managers can use telematics systems to alert them when vehicles require maintenance based on date, mileage, or engine warnings. 

Tracking expenses: In order to control costs, fleet managers must track fuel card usage. Telematics can help managers identify fraud by comparing fuel card use to the vehicle's real-time location. It can also detect any anomalies when compared to vehicle averages and integrate fuel cards to streamline cost reconciliation. Telematics can also help fleet managers track where and at what price their vehicles are being fueled in relation to nearby fuel prices.