Managing a fleet of vehicles isn’t cheap. It can be difficult to cut costs and maintain efficiency at the same time; difficult, but not impossible.

Some of the most cost-saving measures are incredibly simple concepts. If you can integrate these tactics into your fleet strategy, then you’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save.

Educate your drivers in the art of fuel efficiency

As much as 60% of fuel waste comes from poor drivers—drivers who don’t know how to accelerate efficiently and who idle too much.

You can train your drivers using driving simulators, and keep them up to date on the latest fuel-saving techniques. A well-trained driver is a more efficient driver, and you’ll save a bundle in fuel costs by educating your entire fleet.

Take advantage of fuel cards

The process of tracking receipts and reimbursing employees for fuel can be time-consuming and full of potential problems. Fuel cards allow you to centralize your fuel-buying process, reducing the time and money you spend sorting out fuel costs.

Many fuel cards offer discounts as well, leading to even more savings.

Use GPS tracking devices

Planning the most efficient route can be a challenge, taking in many factors like distance, driving conditions, and speed limits. A GPS tracking device, coupled with fleet management software, can give you real-time data to make route planning quick and easy, allowing for adjustments to be made on the fly.

Maintain your vehicles

A good-looking fleet is going to bring in more business, and well-maintained vehicles last longer and are more fuel-efficient. Regularly checking tire pressure, for example, can improve your fuel economy by as much as 5%.

FleetServ is currently developing an app called FleetVu, which will help you track your fleet’s maintenance and regulatory compliance. With this new app, scheduling and staying on top of your fleet’s maintenance and emission strategy will be easier than ever before.

If you apply these simple tactics, managing your fleet will be much easier in the long run. Oh, and you’ll save money, too.

photo credit: jakebwotha via photopin cc