In an article recently in Inbound Logistics, CFO’s are still very concerned about diesel fuel prices and where they will go. I suspect given the recent ups and downs the market has had over the past couple of years, along with continued uncertainly there are challenges to be met. Depending on your type of company; trucking, food & beverage, private fleet or service fuel can represent more than 25% of fleet costs.
A survey conducted by Green Road Fleet found the following about companies and drivers. Almost all polled expect diesel fuel prices to rise in the next year. There were 55% of the companies with specific goals to reduce fuel costs and improve fuel savings. The other companies were just going to continue to do what they are currently doing.
The majority of fleet managers feel their drivers are not concerned with reducing fuel consumption or improving miles per gallon. What I wondered aloud do the drivers not care or do they not understand what it means to improve MPG and reduce idle time. Are they shown information how well they are doing? Or are they just left out in the dark?
Diesel fuel prices will go higher or lower that is a given but either way there are fuel savings to be had, companies need to focus in on those fuel savings. Sometimes this becomes a difficult task because there are so many moving parts. A successful fuel management program starts with leadership and good organization. Then is continually followed and managed to provide results to management and drivers.
The best way to a successful fuel program is to have a fleet fueling czar. Someone who knows all of the ins and outs about fuel management and how your company can get fuel savings and keep the fuel saving. You might not have one on staff so you might need to outsource. gsokolis@sokolisgroup.com I will be happy to help.
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