5 effective ways to save fuel in transport

Fuel prices have stabilized. However, for the TSL industry, fuel remains the largest operating expense, accounting for over 40% of total expenses. Recent research shows that high fuel prices and highway tolls are among the three main challenges facing Polish transport companies. What actions should carriers take today to achieve real fuel savings? Here are 5 effective ways.

  1. Intelligent refueling planning

Random refueling was standard practice in many transport companies. The driver decided en route where and how much fuel to fill, which was, of course, a highly inefficient practice. Responsibility for monitoring and planning refueling should rest with a specialist, such as a freight forwarder equipped with the appropriate tools. Freight forwarders benefit from modern telematics and the TMS transport management system, among other features. This allows for efficient and comprehensive fuel management. Drivers fulfilling orders receive clear instructions from the forwarder regarding how much fuel to use and where to refuel – in real time. The TMS system is integrated with fuel cards, GPS, and telematics, providing the forwarder with access to selected, valuable data on fuel refills and fuel consumption. This information can be easily analyzed to plan and implement appropriate optimization measures.

  1. Selection of refueling points

Although the fuel market has stabilized recently, there are still significant disparities between fuel prices in different European countries, and even at individual stations within a single region. Experience shows that carriers aren’t looking for savings in other countries—they don’t modify routes specifically to fuel up cheaper in places like the Czech Republic, Belgium, or Spain, where fuel prices are objectively favorable. The basis for fuel savings is the effective selection of refueling points along a driver’s route – those that currently offer the best pricing and are optimal in terms of location and infrastructure. Lower fuel prices may not generate significant savings if a driver is forced to detour from the main route. The TSL industry today has solutions that enable constant control over fuel prices, and drivers use selected refueling points along the route, located in strategic locations for carriers, such as near borders.

  1. Driver training in eco-driving

More and more large transport companies are seeing eco-driving as a source of significant fuel savings, reaching up to 20%. Training for professional drivers in economical and eco-driving is becoming standard. What are the most important principles of eco-driving in the transport, forwarding, and logistics industry? The basic principle is to drive—whenever possible—on cruise control, especially on long journeys. Modern trucks have advanced cruise control systems that automatically adjust speed and other driving parameters to the terrain, translating into real fuel savings. The second important principle of eco-driving is avoiding excessively long stops with the engine running. Turning off the engine reduces fuel consumption and extends the vehicle’s service life. The third principle is the need to evenly distribute the load on the trailer. This practice creates less drag, and therefore lower fuel consumption. Route optimization is also crucial, as discussed in more detail in the next section.

  1. Individual route planning

Reducing fuel consumption requires skillful route planning. Today, freight forwarders are supported in this task by intelligent telematics integrated with the TMS system. Each trip can be planned for the lowest fuel consumption or the cheapest way to reach the destination. Transport technologies help plan routes to avoid traffic jams, avoid toll roads, and minimize empty runs. Additionally, freight forwarders can consider the preferences and driving style of individual drivers – as personal factors also impact fuel consumption.

  1. Regular fleet inspections and services

A vehicle’s technical condition significantly impacts fuel consumption. One cause of excessive fuel consumption is insufficient tire pressure. Regularly inspecting and maintaining a transport fleet in good technical condition is essential for fuel optimization, but also for avoiding much more serious financial consequences (and more). It is estimated that a single faulty truck generates losses of approximately 60 000 PLN. With large fleets, meeting inspection and service schedules would be difficult. Fortunately, fleet managers now receive automatic notifications of scheduled maintenance via telematics integrated with TMS systems.

Summary

Fuel is a key operating cost in transportation. It accounts for over 40% of the industry’s external expenses, even exceeding wage costs. Carriers seeking real fuel savings should focus on changing fueling standards to ensure that the process is precisely controlled, with decisions about where and how much fuel is to be refueled made by an experienced forwarder or other specialist, supported by innovative technologies.