Today’s small to medium sized businesses need to watch every penny. Between the volatile economy, and an increase in both inflation and competition, running a business is very hard. Part of maintaining profit every year a business must first manage and protect its money in the best possible way to ensure every dollar is accounted for and nothing is wasted.
Fuel costs alone for a business that depends on vehicles as part of its operations can cost several hundred to several thousands of dollars a month. It is imperative that fuel is monitored and the best use of fuel (which routes to take) each day for each job is administered. There is no sense taking a route which seems like “just another way to get to the job site” when in reality that route is costing a business owner anywhere from half a gallon of gas a day to a few gallons more than would be needed to pay if the driver took a different route.
It has be reported by several independent businesses that idling alone wastes several hundred dollars to several thousand a year of fleet managers’ fleet budget in fuel costs alone. Keeping an eye on idling is a way to eliminate it and save a business money. Idling also causes wear and tear, increasing maintenance costs on vehicles not to mention idling for extended period of times is illegal in some states. This all amounts to unnecessary costs to the everyday business owner. Costs that could put that business owner out of business.
Comparing MPG between one vehicle and another can decipher which vehicle should be utilized depending on the route. Perhaps some vehicles are gas hogs and should be replaced with a more fuel efficient vehicle. This information can be obtained from fleet telematics.
With telematics that uses diagnostic technology integrated many statistics like fuel, mileage, and idle time can be recorded. Fuel usage according to routes and also be obtained with such telematics. This means a that the shortest routes can be learned instantly wherever a job site is ensuring fuel will be saved.