Fuel costs still fleets’ biggest challenge, research finds

New research commissioned by Barclaycard has reportedly found that reducing fuel mileage costs remains fleet managers’ single largest concern, with 33 per cent of those questioned highlighting it as a major challenge.

Despite this, the research also found that only one in five used fuel cards, and only 56 per cent said they were able to monitor total fuel costs. Meanwhile, only 41 per cent said they captured data on fuel costs in pence per mile, and one in six could monitor real-life MPGs.

While hauliers have enjoyed somewhat of a reprieve from high diesel prices in recent times, the findings come in the wake of suggestions that the chancellor George Osborne may choose to end the government’s fuel duty freeze in April, following his failure to mention the levy in his recent autumn statement.

31 per cent cited fraud prevention as a key priority, while improving driver behaviour and managing driver expenses were identified as major challenges by 24 and 20 per cent of respondents respectively.

Meanwhile, a quarter of fleet managers said that adhering to HMRC and other regulatory requirements was one of their biggest concerns.

John Bostock, account development director at Barclaycard, said: “Our research brings home not only the great number of challenges facing fleet managers today – from meeting compliance standards to the growing importance of controlling costs and reducing fraud – but also highlights the limitations of traditional fuel management systems to meet these changing demands. A more holistic approach to fuel management is clearly needed.”

Bostock argued that fuel cards such as Barclaycard’s Fuel+ could provide improved visibility of operators’ fuel purchases and business journeys, while also ensuring HMRC compliance.

“New generation reporting systems such as this are going to be vital for fleet managers if they’re to continue to keep costs under control and adhere to the latest regulations,” he said.