In the wake of new data released yesterday by the RAC showing UK diesel prices climbing sharply toward all-time peaks, smart mobility and telematics specialist ABAX has urged commercial fleet businesses to review controllable on-road fuel waste.
With UK fleets currently facing pump prices approximately 12p higher per litre than continental European competitors, fuel now accounts for more than a third of typical commercial operating budgets. Filling a single light commercial van regularly surpasses £120, placing severe pressure on small to medium-sized enterprises and large hauliers alike.
However, analysis of commercial telemetry data indicates that up to 15% of total fuel consumed across fleet operations is lost to avoidable operational factors, including stationary idling, undetected mechanical friction, and erratic road momentum.
Kristian Lodes, On Road Specialist at ABAX, commented:
“Forecourt prices are dictated by global oil markets and wholesale margins, but how that fuel is burned on the road is entirely within an operator’s control. Smoothing acceleration and keeping safe following distances eliminates the accordion braking that quietly drains fuel tanks day after day. When Drivers understand how their road vision directly protects fuel reserves, everyone wins.”
Four key operational areas where fleets can immediately curb fuel waste:
Eliminating unnecessary stationary idling: Commercial diesel engines burn between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of fuel for every hour spent idling. In a typical fleet of 25 light commercial vehicles, reducing 40 minutes of daily kerbside idling per vehicle saves over £14,800 in fuel each year.
Smoothing driver momentum and preventing tailgating: Harsh acceleration followed by heavy braking converts expensive diesel into wasted heat and brake dust. Telematics combined with smart dash cams provides real-time coaching, helping Drivers maintain rolling momentum and cutting fuel burn by 10% to 15%.
Digitising daily vehicle walkaround inspections: A single tyre under-inflated by just 7 psi increases rolling resistance and raises fuel consumption by up to 5%. Replacing manual paper checks with mobile app inspections ensures low tyre pressures, sticking brake callipers, and fuel cap leaks are rectified before vehicles leave the yard.
Deploying live GPS dispatch: Allocating jobs based on real-time vehicle positioning strips out unnecessary dead mileage and detours, ensuring the closest available Technician or Driver is routed directly to the customer.
According to financial modelling released by ABAX, a 25-vehicle fleet targeting these four operational areas can realistically achieve more than £24,000 in net annual fuel savings, effectively counteracting recent forecourt price hikes.