Learn tips for overcoming common fleet management data analytics issues and the value of partnering with Link2Pump.
Visiting the gas station is a routine duty for drivers in charge of fleets. Fleet operations vary in their refueling frequency, with some requiring daily stops while others make only a few weekly visits. The distance to the gas station also differs, with some drivers having to travel significant distances off their planned routes while others have the convenience of a station just a short distance away.
As fuel prices continue to climb, it’s more crucial than ever to grasp the significance of fuel’s influence on your fleet’s financial performance. Every visit to the fueling station consumes time for the journey, payment, refueling, and return to the intended route.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of off-route fleet refueling for businesses, Geotab conducted an extensive analysis using connected vehicle data from fleets operating in significant U.S. markets. The goal was to offer valuable cost-related insights that can assist businesses in identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Key findings
- On average, drivers deviate from their route by two miles when refueling.
- Drivers typically allocate approximately 8 minutes for refueling during each stop.
- When drivers make a fuel pit stop, their vehicles usually have around one-third of their tank capacity remaining.
- Each refueling stop at a gas station extends a trip by more than 20 minutes.
- Refueling at gas stations results in an average emission of 3 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere every month.
Distance by region and fuel optimization
Across all geographical areas, trips to the gas station often lead vehicles to deviate from their intended routes. However, when examining this off-route phenomenon by region and city, there’s considerable variation. For instance, drivers in Austin experience just one-sixth of the off-route miles compared to Los Angeles and a mere one-eighth compared to Washington, D.C. On a broader scale, the state of California logs nearly three times the off-route miles compared to Texas.
Expanding these statistics over the course of a year, a driver and their vehicle in Washington, D.C., will accumulate over 425 additional miles due to refueling trips. The regional average for additional miles accrued by drivers and their vehicles falls within the range of 200–250 miles annually.
Despite the variance in the number of extra miles driven, one consistent observation emerges: drivers are not optimizing their refueling visits.
Average fuel utilization
With drivers going to the gas station an average of seven times per month and with one-third of a tank of gas left, they are making more trips to the gas station than necessary. This study also showed that 85% of vehicles go to the gas station with half a tank of gas remaining.
The profound analysis of this common task uncovers the cost of off-route and inefficient refueling practices to both businesses and the environment.
The time required to get to the gas station, pay, refuel and get back on route, in addition to the number of essential and non-essential fuel stops, is significant. Overall, current refueling practices offer potential for optimization.
How to manage fleet fuel costs
Managing fleet fuel costs doesn’t have to be complicated. As this study has shown, many drivers are refueling earlier than necessary and, as a result, are burning more fuel in the process.
Fuel management software is a valuable tool for any fleet manager looking to optimize fuel efficiency, reduce expenses, and improve operations. With its accurate fuel consumption monitoring, simplified data management, enhanced security, increased efficiency, and cost-saving features, fuel management software can help you streamline your fuel management process and make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Link2Pump is a cloud-based fuel management system tailored for businesses pumping fuel from bulk storage tanks. By managing and automating the fueling process, fleet managers and business owners prevent fuel theft, simplify the entire reporting process, and support decision-making with comprehensive data in real time.
If you are searching for alternatives to improve your productivity and bottom line and want to learn more about our solution, please get in touch.
In the sunny state of California, where sustainability takes center stage, the city of Roseville has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that is reducing its environmental footprint and setting an inspiring example for the world. The initiative? Converting organic waste into renewable fuel to power their solid waste trucks. Let’s dive into this remarkable journey towards a cleaner, greener future.
In a world grappling with the challenges of climate change and pollution, innovation is key to finding solutions. Roseville has risen to the occasion by turning a problem into an opportunity. Organic waste, which often ends up in landfills, is now being repurposed into renewable fuel for the city’s fleet of solid waste trucks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a circular economy.
The heart of this remarkable transformation lies in anaerobic digestion, a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. In Roseville’s state-of-the-art facilities, organic waste, including food scraps, yard trimmings, and sewage sludge, is collected and processed through anaerobic digestion. This process not only diverts waste from landfills but also captures biogas, a valuable source of renewable energy.
The biogas produced through anaerobic digestion is rich in methane, a potent greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere. However, Roseville doesn’t let it escape. Instead, they capture and purify the biogas, transforming it into renewable natural gas (RNG), a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Fueling a Greener Fleet
The real magic happens when this RNG is used to power the city’s solid waste trucks. These trucks, once contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, are now running on clean, renewable energy. This transition reduces the city’s carbon footprint and improves air quality for Roseville’s residents.
Converting organic waste into renewable fuel isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a win-win for the community. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduced Emissions: By using RNG to power their solid waste trucks, Roseville has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner, healthier atmosphere.
- Economic Growth: By investing in innovative waste-to-energy solutions, Roseville is creating green jobs and fostering economic growth within the community.
- Resource Conservation: Organic waste is a valuable resource that can be repurposed, reducing the strain on landfills and conserving valuable landfill space.
A Model for Sustainable Cities
Roseville’s journey from organic waste to renewable fuel serves as an inspiring model for cities worldwide. It demonstrates that with vision, investment, and commitment to sustainability, even the most challenging environmental problems can be turned into opportunities for positive change.
As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change and reduce pollution, Roseville shines as a beacon of hope. By converting organic waste into renewable fuel to power their solid waste trucks, they are leading the way towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This remarkable initiative shows that with determination and innovation, we can turn trash into treasure and transform our cities into cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities.
