• Possible oil embargo talks against Iran
• North Korean leader is dead
• U.S. leaves Iraq

Any of these things going on at one time could make a fleet manager worry that pump prices will soon be taking off but all 3 at one time.  It might be time to review your guide to fuel savings or better yet the special guide to diesel fuel prices not going to $5. Yes, I said $5 a gallon.  I am not saying it’s going to happen but one never knows.

The thought of having and embargo against the #2 OPEC oil producer Iran is scary.  The U.S. is putting itself out there with many other countries and trusting countries that aren’t always the most trustworthy.  Let’s say these other OPEC and non OPEC countries can’t keep up with the daily production of Iran.  The laws of supply and demand will surely kick in as will your diesel fuel cards credit limits.

North Korea you remember these people, the ones that the war is still not over for the last 40 years.  Ok, maybe you remember them better as the country with nuclear weapons that always threaten to use them.  New leader coming into office since the other leader died.  What will that person be like; nice friendly or a crazy nut? Crazy nuts tend to make all world traded markets on edge.  Stocks tend to go down and oil prices well, look toward the sky because that is where your diesel fuel prices would be heading. 

It is great that the U.S. is finally able to leave Iraq.  Iraq couldn’t take care of themselves while we were there what is it going to be like now that we left.  Hold your guide to better fuel management or daily review of my fleet fueling costs.  If Iraq can’t control their country your fleet management skills will truly be coming into play.

Think about this.  What happens if we cut off Iran from selling fuel? Iraq can’t keep it together so Iran decides to mess with Iraq.  Scary?  Diesel fuel prices won’t be the only thing this fuel management guy will be thinking about.  

Let’s all hope that it’s a safe and happy new year and all of this stuff will go the right direct.  This way you can just call the Sokolis Group 267-482-6159 to help you lower your fueling costs.

Julian Hutton’s article The Power of Perseverance caught my eye as I was flipping through the February issue of Smart Business Philadelphia.  Hutton referenced the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” And I thought, how true. But, a lot of people just don’t know how to get stronger and lack the tools to weather this economic storm.

Fleet fuel businesses that have solid foundations, are prepared and have strong leadership will survive. Hutton wrote, “Leadership is the single most important factor in any organization. It is the deciding factor between mediocrity and excellence, between success or failure.” How true. Now take a moment and look internally at your own company dynamics. If the corporate leaders and fuel managers at all levels do not have the necessary experience, know-how, or even the time, then the economic punches will always hurt. No need to raise the white flag and surrender just yet. You can survive. You can be stronger. And I can help you.

Consider this. Even if your business leaders are strong and smart, or perhaps you are even one of those excellent leaders; it may still be time to look at outsourcing your fleet fuel management. Outsourcing can maximize employee productivity and increase profitability. Maybe I’m saying something you already recognize; an outside fleet management company may have more time and resources than you and your company. Or, perhaps a light bulb just went on. Please keep reading, especially if you’re still unsure.

Reaching out for expert advice is not a sign of weakness. It is actually a sign of smart leadership. Outsourcing will give you access to a team of fleet fuel professionals who are focused on saving you money. They will be able to establish a custom fleet fuel delivery program that reduces scheduling hassles and lowers your fuel costs by strategically positioning fuel where you need it, when you need it. Their personalized programs can cut on-site and over-the-road fueling expenses through mobile fueling, Card Lock and Truck Stop programs.

A good fleet fuel management company should have a large vendor network and strong negotiating power in order to secure lower fuel prices than you could independently; giving you the huge benefit of even bigger fuel savings. From an administration perspective, the company can also implement custom back-office processes and technology improvements that will produce more significant savings. They can establish and perform fleet fuel audits that identify any pricing discrepancies and possible fuel theft. They actually put your own money back in your own pocket. Money you may not even realize you’ve been missing all along.

Once you acknowledge that it’s time to outsource your fleet fuel management, make sure the company has a tried and true track record of good client relationships; a team of focused, dedicated fuel experts; and fuel buying muscle. It is essential that you established good relationships with trusted experts in all aspects of your business.

Okay, I’ve offered you a lifeline. It’s time to strengthen the foundation of your business. No more just dodging punches. Time to be proactive and put external fleet fuel management systems in place that will immediately start helping your company’s performance. Be prepared and you will persevere.

Crude oil finished the week higher which means diesel fuel prices will go up causing a continued strain on fleet management.  Many believe the news for 2011 we be diesel fuel prices and gas prices and what thereincreasing fueling cost will do to the economy.  This week strong factory data lead diesel fuel prices higher, making some fleet companies question how their fuel management system will for controlling fuel savings stand up with increasing fueling costs.

Several fleet companies expressed concerns to Sokolis Group staff on what fuel management strategies we will be using to control fleet fueling costs. We were able to talk to fleet manager that their fleet management solutions were in very good hands. The continued communications we have with fuel companies, fleet cards, fuel cards, mobile fueling companies and fleet credit card services helps us position our clients with fuel savings or diesel fuel prices cost controls that might not otherwise be available to most fleet management programs.

Several new fleet companies have been calling inquiring about how they use their fleet card – fuel cards and is there potential to have more fuel savings if they switch fuel cards, fleet cards or fleet credit cards. As our fuel consulting team will explain those fuel savings depend on what fuel card or fleet cards they are using today. We try to provide fleet managers a clearer understanding just what their fuel management system could be up against and fuel cards or fleet cards alone might not be the full answer. With their fleet management programs they might need to consider mobile fueling, truck stop fuel, card lock fueling and frank conversation with their current fuel companies, fleet fueling, fuel card provider in efforts to reduce increasing fueling cost.

Until next time, think about your fuel management knowledge and ask yourself do you and your company has the right tools to be able to handle possible $4.00 diesel fuel prices? Listen if you don’t its ok. If you’re a fleet manager you don’t have the time or fuel management system tools. If your a Vice President or Director you need to step in now before your fueling budget is lost for the year and it’s only January.

Gasoline also will increase, to an average $3.17 this year, also up 17 cents from last month’s forecast. That’s up from a $2.78 average last year, DOE said, and the motor fueling will rise to average $3.29 next year. “Rising crude oil prices are the primary reason for higher retail prices, but higher gasoline and distillate refining margins are also expected to contribute to higher retail prices,” the report said. Most fleet management budgets will be shocked by the $3.40 diesel fuel prices but I think the DOE could be off 10% for fleet fueling raising that number closer to the $3.70 range.  Taking the right steps now with your fuel management system will help your fuel savings and fleet management concerns later. 

Listen, if you didn’t do a fueling hedge a couple of months ago, you still can but most fleet companies won’t because they feel they are complex and a risk.  With that said, we don’t necessary agree that having some of your fueling in a hedge or a fueling collar or call is bad.  If you don’t have them in place as part of your fleet management solutions or aren’t going to put them in place, then your diesel fuel prices will be going up.  The question is by how much?  Does your fleet manager understand the fueling market?  Do you think your company has full control of your fleet fueling or do you need some fleet fuel management help?  If you think you need help, think of it this way.  If you boat has a leak, you would get it fixed, you wouldn’t wait until you had to pull out the life preservers.  Would you really want to do that same sort of thing with your fueling budget that for most fleet companies represents one of the largest expenses on the profit and loss statement?

The answer is no of course you don’t want your fleet management budget or fuel management waiting after the fact.  Will you? Will you? Fuel cards, fleet cards, mobile fueling, fuel audits do you have the staff, the time to make sure when your diesel fuel prices go up they are being watched and helping your control the increases. 

With these diesel fuel prices going higher, it can certainly hurt the economic recovery that the country is currently happening.  Upcoming blogs.  Is OPEC the bad guy? Do you need diesel fuel additives in cold weather?

If your business relies on rubber hitting the road, whether it’s fleet management, simple fuel companies delivery service or a mobile fueling service company ROI is important to you.

TOP 5 REASONS TO HAVE SOKOLIS GROUP, FUEL MANAGEMENT & FUEL CONSULTING ON YOUR TEAM IN 2011:

1. Reduce Fleet Fueling Costs: Have Sokolis Group negotiate fueling deals with your fuel card or fleet card program for either your over the road purchases or truck to truck mobile fueling vendors. Then we will continue to track your drivers to make sure they are utilizing your “network” providers for greater fuel savings.

2. Reduce Operating Costs: Allow Sokolis Group to handle your fuel cards, fleet cards, fleet credit card program and maintenance to reduce your back office expense. Let us streamline your purchases for your fleet fueling program and track down credits when owed.

3. Reduce Fuel Theft Costs: Sokolis Group will continue to fueling audits on your fleet fueling purchases to make sure there are no fuel theft purchases occurring no matter what means of fueling.  Reporting this to your managers for follow up procedures. Reporting same day deliveries along with tracking your MPG per unit.

4. Increase Confidence: Sokolis Group will coordinate and get fueling when you need it when you need it, freeing you from scheduling hassles and fueling related overtime. This will be done by our outstanding account managers, who will make sure all of your mobile fueling, fleet cards, fuel cards and fleet fuel cards are working for you

5. On Going Fleet Fuel Support: Sokolis Group is able for all of your fueling needs. Continuous fuel planning, monitoring and reporting. On-going communication with your team along with monthly reporting.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know when it comes to your fuel management, you have a staff of people working for you and montioring diesel fuel prices, mobile fueling costs, fuel cards, fleet cards and providing you fuel savings.

Last day of twenty ten is here and diesel fuel prices have raised over the past few months, as a fleet manager, if you want to try and control your fleet management, have a solid fuel management program in place to control your fleet fueling prices.  2011 will not be an easy year for most fleet companies looking for fleet management solutions.  All signs for an increase in diesel fuel prices are there and when fleet fueling costs increase so will diesel fuel additives.  With fuel savings being possibly difficult to achieve, fleet fuel management, fleet credit card, fuel cards, fleet credit card services, mobile fueling all might be your best friend when it comes to fueling.

What can you do today to help your fleet management solutions for 2011, nothing?  Relax it’s a holiday weekend and your fueling and fleet management issues will be there on Monday, January 3^rd so spend sometime with the family and celebrate you made it through another year.  Now Monday when you walk into the office it’s start to work hard over the next couple of weeks on your fuel management system and what fleet management services are going to be a priority for your fleet companies operations.  If you’re a fleet manager, we think this is a good way to attack your fleet management programs. 

• Review you’re your current fleet cards, fuel credit card, fleet card, fleet fuel card, fleet credit card services, fuel cards almost every fleet companies operations use one of these fleet management programs as part of its fuel savings plan.
• Review your fuel companies, mobile fueling, fleet fueling, and mobile fueling service these are fleet management services that are brought to your fleet companies and without your knowledge can increase your diesel fuel prices if you are not performing fuel audits.

After taking these fleet management actions, you should have a fair to good understanding where your fuel management system is at for 2011.  If you, your fleet manager or fuel manager is not sure what are the next best fleet management services you should be taken, call Sokolis Group at 267-482-6155 we will be happy to help with fuel savings.  If through your fuel analysis on your fleet fuel management program you found you need help with fuel cards, mobile fueling, diesel fuel additives, fleet cards, fuel card program you need to take action now.  If the Sokolis Group isn’t going to be your fuel management direction, then you need to call your fuel companies fleet manager up and find out what diesel or gas margin they are charging your fleet companies operation.  See if you can provide a fuel audit or have a fuel audit done for your company before approaching your mobile fueling, fleet fueling and fuel companies fleet fuel manager, you as a fleet manager will know if you have fuel savings or if your diesel fuel prices are higher than they should be.  As you talk to your mobile fueling or fleet fueling supplier and they explain to you why your fuel savings aren’t as what you expect and explain to you that you are paying the correct diesel fuel prices, you as the fleet fuel manager for your fleet companies operation would know if your fuel companies be honest with you.  If the mobile fueling company is being honest with you, its time to bring in a new fleet fueling company for better fuel management.

This same holds true for your diesel fuel cards, fleet cards, fleet credit card as part of your fleet management program.  With proper fuel auditing, fuel analysis, fleet management consulting your company will know if the fuel card or fleet card company is giving you the best deal for your fleet management solutions.  If you have bulk fueling, you are going to want to make sure your fuel inventory management is in solid shape for 2011.  If your fleet fuel management does not have a good fuel inventory management program this is an area where fueling theft can take place cutting into your fuel savings.  

The worse thing you can do for 2011 for your fuel management system to control diesel fuel prices is to do nothing.  Sokolis Group has done fuel audits on hundreds of fleet companies from small companies to large Fortune 500 companies.  We have yet to see fleet fueling by any of these companies to be flawless.  They all could use fuel consulting help.  If they all got a little fuel consulting, fleet management consulting help their fueling program and fuel savings would be well ahead of their competitors.  With Twenty Eleven and diesel fuel prices looking to be stronger than in recent times, take consideration into the fact that your probably not a fuel management expert and if as a fleet manager you are, you probably don’t have enough time in your day to properly put solid fleet management in place and do all of the other fueling solution above.  Happy New Year.

The paperless desk:

Remove all paperwork from your desk – create files for your projects, reference folders for information you need to access regularly, a reading file for articles, reports, journals and FYI documents and a daily files for administrative, miscellaneous and day specific tasks. Keep your files on shelves or in drawers. The only thing on your desk at any point in time should be information relating to the task or project you are currently working on.

Stationery drawer:

Keep stationery in desk drawers rather than on your desk. Get rid of all clutter and keep your desk clear for essential items relating to the current piece of work you are doing.

Inspire yourself:

Surround yourself with positive images. Keep a photo or phrase that motivates you in view to remind you of and motivate you toward continually striving for your goals.

What are some of the things that work for you? Share with us…

When a fleet vehicle needs a tire replacement, occasionally you may find that only two tires need replacement rather than all four. Most people believe that the tires with the best tread should go on the front of the vehicle, especially for vehicles with front-wheel drive. Actually, the best tires should always go on the rear of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. Why? The tires with best tread will naturally grip the road better and resist hydroplaning compared to a tire that has some miles on it.

Say you are driving on a curvy road in a summer thunderstorm and while you are in the middle of the curve your car enters a large area of standing water. If the best tires are on the rear of the vehicle, they will grip the pavement longer than the front tires. You will feel the front tires begin to lose traction and for most people, the natural instinct is to take your foot off the gas pedal to gain control by allowing the vehicle to slow. Unfortunately, if the best tires are on the front, the rear tires will lose traction first causing the rear of the vehicle to slide. In this situation, many people will not turn into the skid to regain control but turn against the skid. This causes the vehicle to spin out.

Good tires on your vehicle will help with your fuel usage. It will decrease how often you need to fuel your vehicle within your fleet. For more information and fuel savings, reach out to Sokolis Group at 267-482-6155 or via website at www.sokolisgroup.com.

1. Keep tires inflated properly
   • Underinflated tires waste fuel.  You should check tires on a regular basis.  This is simple and a potential lifesaver.
2. A well tuned engine burns less gas.
   • The right parts and fresh oil keep your engine running smoothly which requires less fuel.  Get regular tune-ups and inspections.
3. Get the junk out of the trunk.
   • Did you know that for every 250 pounds your engine carries the car loses about one mile per gallon?  So remove all the unnecessary items and carry only what you need.
4. Find the cheapest fuel
   • Ok so this one is at the pump.  Finding the cheapest fuel in your area can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
5. Don’t top off the tank
   • We should all listen to this advice.  Too much gas will just slosh or seep out so why waste the extra pennies? Those pennies do add up.
6. Drive intelligently and slower
   • By making fast starts or sudden stops you are just overexerting your engine which burns extra fuel.  Driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve your fuel economy by two miles per gallon.
7. Avoid long warm-ups/cool downs.
   • On cold winter mornings or hot summer afternoons your car doesn’t take more than a minute to get ready to go, so don’t waste the extra fuel by letting it run for five minutes.
8. Combine errands into one trip
   • Before heading out you should plan your trip.  Come up with the most efficient route and combine errands into one trip if possible.
9. Tighten up the gas cap
   • Gas easily evaporates from the tank if it has a way to escape.  Make sure your gas cap is on tight and if it is loose buy a new one.
10. Buy a fuel efficient car
    • There are plenty of good options out there right now.  If you are in the market for a new car factor in long term fuel costs.

To find out more ways to save money on fuel contact Sokolis Group at 267-482-6155 and talk with one of your fuel specialist today.

This difficult task may require some to hire a professional to ensure the job gets done correctly and accurately.

Sokolis Group are not tax professionals. Nonetheless, the fuel audit process preformed by Sokolis Group for our clients has resulted in a vendor refund in the amount of $3,940 due to improperly billed county taxes.

Sokolis Group is a team of professionals dedicated to ensure our clients are receiving the best possible fuel price in today’s market.

Sokolis Group offers fuel consulting, vendor management, accurate analysis of your current fuel suppliers invoices and will put in place fuel vendors who are the best fit for your fleet management organization.

Do you have an in-house team of dedicated individuals overseeing your fuel purchases ensuring the best possible price?

Sokolis Group can help you achieve fuel savings, call one of our fleet fuel specialists today at 267-482-6155 or www.sokolisgroup.com.