Fuel efficiency techniques every transport operator should know

Fuel is the lifeblood of any fleet — and it's getting more expensive to pump through the system. For fleet operators, managing fuel costs isn't just a line item on the budget; it's a constant battle. Whether you are running a long haul interstate fleet or focused on regional and metro deliveries, reducing wasted fuel spend is essential for both profitability and sustainability. In fact, fuel is often one of the top three operating expenses for businesses. Many are unable to pass along price hikes to customers. The rollercoaster of diesel prices doesn’t help either, peaking at more than $2.30 per litre in 2022 and remaining above pre-pandemic levels. But the real question fleet managers are asking now isn’t just “How much?” — it’s “How much of this fuel spend is being wasted?” And more importantly, “What can we actually do about it?”.

Let’s talk about it. 

Idling: The silent fuel killer

One of the most common forms of fuel waste is excessive idling. It might seem negligible, but North American research shows that vehicle idling can consume one to two litres of fuel per hour, or for a vehicle such as a diesel truck, up to four litres per hour. This not only leads to wasted fuel but also increases harmful emissions. Fuel efficiency telematics solutions provide the tools to monitor and manage idling. Geotab, for example, offers tools like the Trips History Report and Last 3 Months Idling Trend Report to give you visibility into idling times and trends. You can also set up idling rules and alerts to proactively address this issue, identify repeat offenders and implement driver training. Dubbo Council, for example, was able to address its idling issues. In some cases, vehicles were idling for more than 28% of the time that they were in use. For some vehicles, such as graders, this could affect the resale value by $50,000 through depreciation.  

Maintenance: Fuel efficiency's best friend

Vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in truck fuel management and overall fleet fuel consumption. Seemingly small issues, such as underinflated tyres, can lead to a notable decrease in fuel economy; for every PSI below the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure, you could be losing 0.2% in fuel efficiency.  Neglecting regular maintenance, like oil changes, air filter replacements or failing to keep diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels topped up can also reduce fuel economy by approximately 4%. Telematics solutions enable proactive maintenance, helping transport operators avoid these fuel-draining problems. Geotab offers solutions like dynamic vehicle maintenance reports and engine fault monitoring, which keep fleets informed about the state of their vehicles. By staying on top of maintenance, fleets not only reduce fuel waste but also extend vehicle lifespan and minimise downtime.

Accuracy is key

Accurate fleet fuel consumption reporting is essential for effective fuel management. Without precise data, it's difficult to identify inefficiencies. Telematics for fuel savings provides the accuracy needed to track fuel consumption, monitor fuel expenses and reconcile them with other vehicle data. Geotab's Fuel and EV Energy Usage report, for example, offers a detailed view of fuel economy, distance traveled and monthly fuel usage. Integrating fuel card data with a telematics platform enhances this visibility, enabling fleets to compare fuel purchases with actual consumption, identify discrepancies and prevent unauthorised use.    

The human factor in fuel efficiency

Geotab’s research in North America clearly demonstrates that driver behaviour has a substantial impact on truck fuel management and overall fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving translates into higher fuel costs. By driving at 90kmh instead of 100kmh, you can reduce fuel use by nearly 10%, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Driver practices can lead to energy‐consumption differences of up to 30% for the same route and vehicle among different drivers. Telematics systems can monitor these behaviours and provide valuable insights for driver coaching. Geotab's platform allows for the creation of rules-based alerts that notify managers of aggressive driving events. Driver scorecards can further help identify risky drivers and track trends in driving behaviour. In-vehicle feedback can also be delivered to drivers in real-time, promoting safer and more fuel-efficient habits. By addressing driver behaviour, fleets can not only reduce fuel consumption but also improve safety and lower maintenance costs.   

Your partner in fuel waste reduction

Telematics provides an interconnected ecosystem that empowers fleets to fundamentally transform their fuel management. Saving up to 40% of your annual fuel costs starts by tackling idling, enabling proactive maintenance, delivering precise fuel reporting and shaping positive driver behaviour. Telematics provides a 360-degree view of truck fuel management and the levers to control it.

As adoption of fuel efficiency solutions grows and average fleet fuel consumption improves, it's clear that an integrated approach is the key to unlocking substantial telematics for fuel savings and a more sustainable and profitable future for fleets. Unlike locked-in platforms that limit your options, Geotab’s open ecosystem gives you the freedom to build a fleet solution that works for you, integrating with the specialised tools you need. Don't get stuck with a rigid system. Geotab's open platform partners with the best in the transportation and logistics industry, giving you a future-proof solution that evolves with your business needs.

Find out more about how Geotab can help you put a cap on fuel waste