Tips for Affordable Nationwide Fleet Travel

Managing to keep your fleet on the road in this economy is a small feat in and of itself; but are you doing everything you can to keep your nationwide travel as affordable as possible? Imagine that, with just a few little changes, you can stop trying to survive and start to really thrive in spite of the gloomy economic forecast. Nationwide fleet managers around the country are using these simple strategies and tips to make a difference in their bottom lines - can’t you do them too?

Start using gas cards - Gas cards are the future of efficient fleets everywhere. They eliminate the messy cash, check, and receipt log system and provide managers with the tools they need to accurately and discreetly monitor their fleet’s fuel consumption and costs. Gas cards allow you to place restrictions on how much gas can be used, when it can be used, and even what time of day it can be used and deliver up to the minute statements for you to peruse online in real time. Cut down on exaggerated cost reimbursement and often get a sweet little per gallon discount every time your fleet fuels up.

Make your gas card a fleet Mastercard - Signing up for gas cards for your fleet that are Mastercards as well means you get all the control of a gas card with all the benefits of a tricked out credit card. Fleet Mastercards give you points on every dollar your fleet spends, meaning you can start turning those points in to give your drivers some perks for their great service.  Can someone say “awesome holiday party“?

Review the routes - Access roads, highways, and cut throughs are changing all the time; is your fleet using a route that has been outdated by the massive highway revamp of the last twenty years? Check with each of your drivers and remap their routes using an up to date atlas. Is there a faster way for your fleet to get where they need to go? Can you talk them out of going ten miles out of their way to hit that favorite diner? Are there fueling stations en route that are more convenient than the ones they normally stop at? Fleet drivers tend to be creatures of habit when it comes to their routes. Asking the question “is there any way we can get you there faster?” can make a big difference in your overall fuel and time costs.

Update your rigs - Are your trucks as modern as they can be? Would a thousand dollar upgrade potentially save you a few thousand in operating costs? Rig technology is advancing every year, and the recent enthusiasm in energy efficiency is making some simple things, like head light lamps and heating systems, cheaper to maintain than ever. Spending a few bucks now to deep clean your engine lines or fuel injector system can help reduce fuel waste and allow you to get the most mileage for your buck.

Most managers today are so focused on keeping everything from falling apart; they are missing golden opportunities to advance their fleets to the next level. There has been no better time in recent memory to trim the fat and send your nationwide drivers out on the road with the most affordable rigs and routes possible. While everyone else’s bottom line is wavering, why not use this time to strengthen yours? Making small changes now can determine who is the leader of the pack when the economy levels out.

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