How to beat fuel rises
December 1st 2007

Cleaning companies need to be ready for likely diesel and petrol price rises later this year,warns fleet software specialist, cfc solutions.The company points out that while pump prices remain relatively low, crude oil costs are near to record levels and this is likely to put upward pressure on prices during 2008.

Andy Leech, business leader at cfc, says that many fleet managers believe fuel is an area where they cannot easily take control of costs and, because of this reason, do not adopt a longer-term fuel strategy.However, cfc's experience shows repeatedly that where managers take a proactive stance towards fuel use, costs can be controlled and even reduced.

"Our message is simple," says Leech." You don't have to simply face rising fuel costs with a grim face, swallow, and pay the bill.There is much that you can do to make very worthwhile savings on fuel.You can undertake simple steps that are not rocket science but will help cut down on your company fuel bill.

"It is a question of implementing these measures and ensuring that they stay implemented.The basic management actions are identifying wasteful drivers, checking which vehicles use more fuel, taking control of fuel buying by steering drivers towards cheaper outlets, and ensuring that your fleet drivers only cover necessary miles.All of these can easily be put in place using a fuel card and fleet software."