The nation’s economic downturn has trickled down to the fleet managers of the world. Fuel budgets are being lowered, and business seems to have almost come to a screeching halt for most trucking companies compared to what once was.
One third of fleet managers are losing staff, while only around 5% have seen their staff increase. This means you’re fleet managers are expected to do more with less. Programs are being rearranged for cost-saving ideas. Every decision is being dissected to make sure it is the right choice and best for the company’s bottom line.
Maybe the most important program for a fleet manager is their fuel program. What are the margins on your fleet fuel cards? Who’s making the decisions to where the drivers purchase their fuel? A fuel consultant could help solve this problem. Fleet management is a tough job. Fuel prices change every day, and the station that is the lowest one day, could be the highest the next day.
This is a pennies business and like Benjamin Franklin said, “A penny saved is a penny earned”. If you save a couple of pennies on each gallon your fleet’s savings will be tremendously increased. With an economy coming out of a depression, a fleet fuel program will help struggling companies weather the storm until a brighter economy comes along. With the right fuel planning, your company too can be successful.
