Counting the benefits of effective fuel management
Niki Holt, head of commercial at Certas Energy, examines the potential financial and efficiency gains of fuel management solutions, from fuel card adoption to telemetry systems
Rising operational costs, continued driver shortages and impending net zero carbon targets have contributed to a challenging period for the transport and logistics industry. Now more than ever, it is critical for fleet operators to look at ways to make their operations as efficient, cost-effective and future-focused as possible – and optimal fuel management is central to achieving this objective.
From fuel cards to bulk buying and telemetry systems, there are a variety of convenient and smart solutions available to help. Here, we explore these options and outline the potential gains from leveraging fuel management technologies and solutions.
1. Helping with financial forecasting
Fuel cards can offer significant cash flow benefits for businesses. While all fuel costs are influenced by external market fluctuations, fuel card holders are less impacted by this volatility, enabling businesses to forecast costs more accurately. The Certas Energy fuel card offers fixed weekly and Platts-linked pricing, discounts on diesel purchases at Certas Energy refuelling sites nationwide, and the additional benefit of stable pricing for AdBlue.
2. Offering complete fuel visibility
Complete visibility of where, when and how much drivers refuel can make all the difference for fleet managers when trying to save costs and prevent fraudulent usage. Fuel cards can further benefit here, by tracking fleet spend and limiting access to make the process more straightforward.
Fuel cards supply a steady stream of data that helps businesses monitor fuel consumption trends, while also providing a clear audit trail that protects them from fraud.
As the cards can also be seamlessly integrated with telematics systems, fleet operators can identify opportunities for better fuel management, through improved workflow planning, efficient refuelling and route optimisation. Fuel cards also alleviate administrative burden by streamlining back-office processes and reducing admin fees.
3. Driving down downtime
Faced with demanding delivery schedules and continued challenges around driver shortages, convenience is key when it comes to refuelling.
Certas Energy offers 30 specialist high-speed HGV refuelling bunker sites nationwide, as well as a number of LCV/LGV refuelling locations. These dedicated HGV sites enable refuelling at up to 120 litres per minute, compared to 40-60 litres per minute at a standard motorway forecourt, saving crucial time and maximising efficiency.
Certas Energy fuel card holders also have access to an extensive network of refuelling stations, with cards accepted at over 3,400 sites nationwide, including a high number of HGV refuelling stations, supermarkets and 24-hour sites.
With the Certas Energy dedicated fuel cards app, drivers can access real-time information on fuel card-friendly forecourts and high-speed refuelling site locations along their chosen route, to avoid costly and time-consuming diversions.
4. The benefits of bulk buying
For businesses with the capacity to store large quantities of fuel, buying bulk fuel can offer cost-saving and efficiency opportunities through effective budget planning and lower long-term fuel costs. With some alternative fuels having a prolonged shelf life, such as Shell GTL Fuel and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), ordering in bulk helps ensure fleets are always on the go, all year round – at the same time as supporting sustainability goals with lower operational emissions.
5. Stay on track with real-time fuel monitoring
Transport companies that opt to bulk buy their fuel can benefit from telemetry systems for their fuel storage tanks. The Certas Energy FuelWise system helps improve cost-efficiencies by remotely monitoring fuel usage and spend in real time. The app notifies users when fuel levels are running low – or automatic top-ups can be set up – ensuring fleet operators never run out of fuel unexpectedly.
Telemetry systems can also play a pivotal role in fuel security and safety, as the app user is instantly alerted of a sudden dip in fuel which could indicate a theft, spillage or leakage. This enables swift remedial action to be taken, increasing the possibility of recouping costs and helping businesses avoid unexpected downtime from depleted fuel stores.
Keeping the wheels turning
Sustaining high levels of productivity and keeping a lid on costs are always high on the fleet operator’s agenda. With the persistent demands placed on the sector, it can be difficult to know where to turn and how to take action to achieve these objectives.
By utilising fuel management technology, proactively managing fuel spend and usage, and seeking a reliable and steady fuel supply, operators can remain productive while optimising spend and efficiency.
As a trusted fuel partner of the logistics industry, we have the requisite expertise, industry insight, and service solutions to support UK businesses as they navigate the evolving landscape and drive their fleets forward into the future.
