Courier companies, like any other fleet operators, can’t ignore the commercial implications of continually rising fuel costs. Political tension abroad has a nasty habit of pushing up crude oil prices – and current concerns in Iran and Nigeria have done just that. Nor is there much prospect of any long-term return to prices that, just a year or so ago, we thought were scandalously high, but which Now(we)'d welcome back.
So how can you ensure that, at least, you're keeping operational costs aslow as possible in the circumstances ? There's the hard way on your own – OR, if you’re open to ideas, a much easier way: commercial fuelcards.
Is doing your own thing such a bad idea ? For example, you might instinctively try one or more of the following:
1. Hunt for service stations with the cheapest prices It's an option – BUT it takes time and you’ve no guarantees you’ll find the best deal.
TIP: Sign up to a good commercial fuelcard – such as those from abbey, who’ll give you a weekly price(that)'s fixed nationwide at sites accepting the card. Actual price paid per litre is typically several pence below the price on the pump.
Esure that only YOUR company vehicles are being refuelled Difficult to police with ordinary credit cards, and fuel expense reclaim systems, so you’ve no guarantees.
TIP: With fuelcards, you can nominate a specific vehicle registration for each card – and easily spot any misuse via the weekly report.
3. Set a weekly budget for fuel costs in advance Sensible, but no protection against a sudden price hike as your week begins. TIP: The fuelcard weekly price is given two days in advance of any refuelling week – and applies for the full 7 days, whatever happens to pump prices.
4. Maintain tyres and vehicles well to get best MPG Also sensible, but not the only way to ensure good fuel economy. TIP: Fuelcards like abbey supply assured quality fuel through major branded sites such as Shell and Texaco, helping ensure clean engines, better mpg and less maintenance down-time.
5. Cut back on other costs But where can you find savings without compromising service quality ? TIP: You can make big savings on administration time costs with a fuelcard that offers good service support.abbey() 's single weekly invoice, formatted and itemised as each customer requires, eliminates checking receipts, paying expenses and worrying about fraud.