Fleet managers keeping pace with a changing world face three stark new realities: tighter margins, stricter CO2 emissions legislation, and a growing need to prove environmental credentials during customer transactions. This has put greater pressure on fleet managers and changed the nature of the role they perform. In particular, it has elevated the importance of effective fuel management due to its inherent ability to influence all three critical elements.
Thanks to independent research from Shell, we have a better view of the fuel management practices of fleet managers and drivers in the U.S. Our research gives us insight into what impacts fuel consumption, the greatest barriers to managing fuel more effectively, and solutions for how managers can manage fuel consumption more efficiently.
One hurdle to saving fuel and reducing emissions is the limited knowledge of what impacts fuel consumption. U.S. fleet managers believe the following factors impact fuel: Regular maintenance of fleet vehicles (57%), the way drivers drive their vehicles (55%), the weight carried by vehicles (53%), and the way routes are planned (45%).
But the research also shows that in the U.S., 77% of fleet managers believe their business could cut its fuel spend by more than 5% simply by improving how fuel is managed. Three in ten even believe a savings of more than 10% could be achieved. When asked how, 46% said increasing driver adoption of fuel-efficient driving techniques holds the key.
Fleet managers identified the following driving behaviors they believed to cause the most unnecessary fuel consumption:
- Speeding (53%)
- Hard accelerating (52%)
- Harsh Throttle (51%)
- Over-revving (50%)
- Braking Distance (49%)
- Unnecessary weight (48%)
- Ineffective use of cruise control (46%)
- Idling (46%)
- Coasting (45%)
- Harsh braking (39%)
But they also said that changing these behaviors is a major challenge, with getting driver buy-in a key barrier, meaning that drivers would have to be convinced of the benefits of fuel consumption and then actually improve their driving behaviors.
The results of the study, however, suggest the responsibility should not rest entirely on drivers. For example, just 39% of fleet managers train drivers how to drive efficiently. This may be because over a third of fleet managers are not held responsible for fuel consumption anyway. It’s also up to managers to act on those areas they’ve identified as areas they can reduce fuel spend, like regular vehicle maintenance and managing excessive vehicle weight.
At Shell, we believe every fleet can cut fuel usage by implementing five simple steps:
- Invest in training drivers.
- Encourage buy-in by offering small incentives to top performers.
- Plan routes by taking fuel consumption into account.
- Maintain vehicles regularly.
- Choose high quality fuels and lubricants.
Additionally, the Shell Fleet Navigator™ Card delivers fuel savings that allow fleet managers to drive smarter and improve bottom lines along the way. To learn more about the unprecedented control and customization that the Shell Fleet Navigator™ Card offers call 888-212-8916 or visit www.shell.us/fleetnavigator.
