If there is one thing that is always constant it is the frequent changes in fuel prices. These days it is hard to know whether it is going to cost $20 or $50 to fill up the tank. For those in industries where vehicles are used on a regular basis, it can be difficult to keep costs low without the help of a variety of different resources, from a vehicle tracking system to stringent employee guidelines. Here are a few ways to improve fuel consumption that can make going to pump easier on the wallet.

Improved Driving Techniques

The way that a fleet’s drivers handle their vehicles can have a big impact on fuel use. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration, hard braking or speeding, can result in a bigger fuel burn in almost all vehicles. When employees improve their driving techniques, fleet managers are able to see a large reduction in fuel consumption. Even simply going the speed limit can reduce fuel use by up to 14 percent.

Optimized Routes

Getting from point A to point B efficiently is a challenge than most fleet managers face. While one route may be the shortest, it may not be the best option if there are a lot of obstacles in the way. Idling through traffic or construction can use up a lot more fuel than simply hitting the road without many stops. By making sure that the routes drivers use are the most efficient, fleet managers can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Optimization software makes the job easy by identifying the best routes possible.

Reduced Idling

A vehicle does not have to idle for very long before the effects are seen on fuel use. Even if drivers are not leaving their trucks running for hours at a time, the few minutes here are there can take a toll. Encouraging drivers to shut off their vehicles any time they need to stop for even a short period of time can help improve fuel economy. Some fleet managers utilize contests or incentives to promote reduced idling. A tracking system provides a vehicle snapshot because they accurately record how much time is spent idling in the vehicle.

Minimized Unauthorized Use

Depending upon the policy of an individual company, unauthorized use of a fleet vehicle can be minimized to improve fuel economy. Some businesses allow employees to drive vehicles home as an added benefit, but use outside of work parameters can often result in fuel purchases for unauthorized activities. Some companies utilize fuel cards that only allow for gas purchases up to a certain amount, while others use tracking software to identify how much fuel is purchased and how often. These telematics can show if the fuel being used in vehicles coincides with the work reported by an employee.

Proper Maintenance

Vehicles that are not maintained regularly may begin to be inefficient when it comes to fuel use. Making sure that the tire pressure is adequate, the engine is running correctly and that there are no signs of physical damage to a vehicle can ensure that it is using gasoline resourcefully.

By utilizing these tips, fleet managers may be able to see an improvement on the amount of fuel that their fleet consumes on a regular basis.