Who’s Winning, You or Your Fleet Fuel Program?
The answer should be both. You and your fleet fueling program should be working together in harmony. However, with diesel fuel prices going up and down like a yo-yo, and your work schedule getting busier, not easier, it probably feels like neither is winning. And, why?
Perhaps you feel helpless against rising diesel fuel prices. And, in fact, they are out of your control. Even minor fluctuations in pricing can have a big impact on your bottom line. Your focus on crude oil and gasoline is magnified because you have a daily need for them. Gasoline is powering your cars and diesel fuel is moving your trucks down the highway. However, keep in mind, prices on all commodities change constantly. There are so many being traded each and everyday that you don’t worry about, let alone even heard of. When’s the last time you checked out the current trading price for pork bellies? Well, don’t bother. Focus instead on putting a good fleet fuel management program in place that will gain you control, cost savings and less worry.
Another reason you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle is the obstacle of staff consolidation. Over the past few years most companies are letting people go and bouncing employees around to various departments where they are strapped with new responsibilities outside of their skill set. Not everyone is readily prepared or experienced to take over a fleet fuel program. Because fuel can be a moving target and managing it is very time consuming, it tends to get pushed down on most people’s list of priorities. That is a costly mistake because it can be such a huge part of a company’s budget. Big, important tasks can fall through the cracks, and money spent unnecessarily where it could be saved.
You may also be getting sub-par attention from your service vendors who are suffering the same staff consolidations. Fleet card companies, fuel providers, and mobile fueling companies can also be understaffed and overwhelmed. As a result, there is slower customer service, especially, and inevitably, when important issues need to be addressed and resolved. There can be increased mistakes with fueling purchases such as over-charges and also the possibility theft. Even if someone is trying to manage it all, chances are they do not have the time or experience to deal with the day-to-day aspects.
So, how can you win?
* Make fuel cost a priority.
* Review current processes.
* Put a fuel audit program in place.
* Determine proper staffing and/or outsourcing.
* Look over your current fuel card program.
* Evaluate fuel stops for your drivers.
* Determine optimal bulk fuel purchases.
* Collect, analyze and act on useful data from your fuel program.
There are lots of policies and procedures within a company’s fuel program that should be addressed and modified in order to get your company back in the driver’s seat. If you’re realizing that fuel management is just not a core competency of your company, then it’s a good time to consider outsourcing. Let a team of experts provide you with the proper benchmarking, automation controls and information so that you and your fueling department can become a winning combination. For more information please Visit: www.fuelmanagementsokolisgroup.com
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