Telematics makes fleet fuel benchmarking easier and more precise by providing real-time data on fuel use, vehicle performance, and driver behaviour. This data helps fleet managers:
- Identify fuel inefficiencies and reduce costs, which can make up 25–33% of operating expenses.
- Track metrics like miles per gallon (MPG), idling time, and fuel costs per mile.
- Spot wasteful driving habits such as harsh braking or speeding, which can cut fuel efficiency by up to 40%.
- Monitor CO₂ emissions to meet UK regulations and sustainability goals.
For example, companies like Tarmac improved fuel economy by 30% within three months of using telematics. Tools like GRS Fleet Telematics offer features such as dual-tracking for theft prevention, route optimisation, and driver scorecards. These systems can reduce fuel costs by 15–20% and improve efficiency by 12%.
Quick Takeaway: Telematics turns raw data into actionable insights, enabling fleets to save money, improve efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Webinar | Telematics For Efficient Fuel Management | Teltonika
Understanding Telematics Data for Fuel Metrics
Telematics systems turn raw vehicle data into practical insights, making it easier to benchmark fuel performance. By gathering detailed information from various sources within each vehicle, these systems create a full picture of fuel consumption patterns across an entire fleet.
Data Points Captured by Telematics Systems
Telematics systems collect a range of data that’s vital for monitoring fuel efficiency. This includes total fuel usage, idling fuel consumption, miles per gallon (MPG), and engine diagnostics.
But it doesn’t stop there - telematics also tracks driving behaviours that directly impact fuel costs. These systems monitor speed, acceleration, braking habits, and excessive idling, all of which can significantly affect fuel consumption. Additionally, data on vehicle condition, such as tyre pressure, engine performance, and maintenance needs, provides further insights into what might be influencing fuel efficiency.
Some telematics systems process billions of data points every single day. They also gather route efficiency data by analysing journey times, distances travelled, traffic conditions, and any deviations from planned routes. This helps fleet managers pinpoint whether fuel inefficiencies are caused by driving behaviour, vehicle health, or external factors like traffic congestion.
These detailed measurements form the backbone of benchmarking standards specific to the UK.
UK Fuel Benchmarking Measurements
In the UK, fleet operators use certain measurement standards tailored to local practices and regulations. MPG remains the most widely used metric for fuel efficiency, although many telematics systems also provide data in litres per 100 kilometres to support international comparisons and standardisation.
Fuel cost tracking is another key feature, with metrics such as cost per mile and monthly fuel expenses calculated in pounds (£). Since fuel typically represents 25–33% of a fleet’s operating costs, precise tracking is essential for budgeting and cost control.
CO₂ emissions tracking has also gained importance. Telematics systems calculate emissions by combining data on fuel consumption, vehicle specifications, and journey details. Other metrics include temperature (°C), distance (miles and kilometres), and weight (tonnes and kilograms), ensuring compliance with UK road regulations.
How Telematics Combines and Standardises Data
Once the data is collected, telematics platforms standardise it across diverse fleets, which is especially useful for mixed fleets with vehicles from different manufacturers. This process, known as data normalisation, translates varied vehicle data into consistent formats. For instance, a Ford Transit and a Mercedes Sprinter may report engine data differently, but the telematics system ensures both are converted into comparable metrics for benchmarking.
Real-time processing ensures that fuel data stays up-to-date. On average, fleets can achieve up to a 14% reduction in fuel costs by using telematics effectively. This is largely due to the system’s ability to quickly identify inefficiencies and provide immediate feedback.
Telematics also integrates external variables, such as weather, traffic conditions, cargo weight, and route details, into its calculations. By factoring in these elements, the benchmarks reflect real-world operating conditions.
Historical data analysis adds another layer of value. By looking at trends over time, telematics systems can identify seasonal patterns, gradual wear and tear on vehicles, or sudden efficiency drops that might signal mechanical issues or changes in driver behaviour. Data validation, like cross-referencing GPS data with engine diagnostics, ensures accuracy, helping fleet managers make reliable, informed decisions.
This standardised and real-time data provides a solid foundation for setting accurate fuel efficiency benchmarks.
5-Step Guide to Creating Fuel Efficiency Benchmarks
Setting up fuel efficiency benchmarks is all about turning telematics data into practical goals. This approach allows fleet operators to set achievable targets and measure progress over time. By building on real-time data and metrics, you can create benchmarks that make a real difference. Let’s break it down into five steps.
Step 1: Collect Baseline Data
Start by gathering baseline data for every vehicle in your fleet. Telematics systems provide real-time data through GPS tracking and on-board diagnostics, capturing key fuel-related metrics. To establish a baseline, monitor each vehicle’s fuel economy over a representative period. Don’t forget to account for various operating conditions - urban routes, motorway driving, and mixed terrains all impact performance differently. Look at metrics like route performance, idling, diagnostics, and overall fuel consumption to get a full picture.
Step 2: Organise and Analyse Data
Once you’ve collected the data, organise it into categories that make comparisons easier. Group similar vehicles together - like a Ford Transit and a Mercedes Sprinter - since their fuel efficiency can vary even if they perform similar tasks. Break data down further by vehicle type, driver, route, and time period. This can reveal patterns, such as which routes are the most expensive or where inefficiencies might be creeping in. Analysing diagnostic trouble codes or fuelling location data could also uncover issues like unauthorised activity or maintenance needs.
Step 3: Choose Key Performance Indicators
Focus on KPIs that reflect both performance and cost. For UK fleets, miles per gallon (MPG) is the go-to metric, though litres per 100 kilometres can also provide useful context. Another key metric is fuel cost per mile, which is crucial given that fuel typically accounts for around 60% of a fleet’s operating costs. Keep an eye on engine idling too, as excessive idling wastes fuel - real-time alerts can help curb this. Tracking CO₂ emissions is increasingly important for compliance, while other KPIs like unauthorised mileage, harsh driving behaviours (e.g., aggressive braking or acceleration), and route efficiency provide a deeper look into performance. Driver behaviour plays a massive role in fuel efficiency, so monitoring this is essential.
Step 4: Identify Trends and Problems with Telematics
Telematics data can uncover patterns that might go unnoticed otherwise. For instance, aggressive driving - like harsh acceleration and heavy braking - can slash fuel efficiency by 15–30% on motorways and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Seasonal changes in fuel consumption might point to weather or traffic shifts, while historical data can guide route planning. Maintenance issues often show up in telematics too, like under-inflated tyres reducing fuel economy by 3.3%. Even something as simple as driving 5 MPH over 60 MPH can cost a truck an extra 0.7 MPG on average. Telematics can also flag unexpected fuel drops, helping managers spot potential theft. Creating Driver Scorecards to compare performance across drivers, vehicles, and time periods can highlight both best practices and areas needing improvement.
Step 5: Set and Update Benchmarks
After analysing the data and identifying trends, set benchmarks that reflect these insights. Start with goals that are realistic yet challenging, like cutting overall fuel consumption or reducing empty miles. For example, GCI Gravel Conveyor saved over £70,000 annually on fuel tax reporting by accurately tracking off-road usage. Benchmarks should evolve as your fleet changes or conditions shift. As Danny Brashear, a former Fleet Manager and Senior Industry Consultant at AssetWorks, emphasised:
"Asset availability is critical - you need to provide vehicles and equipment back to your customers as quickly as possible to meet their operational needs."
Telematics can help fleets achieve fuel savings of 15–20%. Integrating telematics with Fleet Management Software can simplify the process by automating reports and consolidating data through custom dashboards. Keep monitoring progress and adjust targets as needed. Benchmarking isn’t a one-time task - it’s an ongoing cycle where today’s achievements set the bar for tomorrow.
Using Telematics for Ongoing Improvement
Benchmarking is just the starting point - continuous telematics monitoring is where the real progress happens. The real power of telematics lies in its ability to track performance consistently, enabling fleets to make targeted adjustments and achieve lasting fuel savings over time. Below are some key strategies for using telematics to refine benchmarks and enhance fleet performance.
Monitor and Adjust Benchmarks in Real Time
Once benchmarks are set, keeping them relevant requires constant monitoring and adjustments. Telematics systems provide real-time tracking, allowing fleets to adapt benchmarks as conditions shift. This technology helps organisations monitor critical factors like fuel consumption, idling, and mileage, offering insights that can prevent small issues from becoming costly problems.
For example, combining GPS data with fuel transaction records can reveal patterns that boost efficiency and reduce misuse. Monitoring CO₂ emissions tied to fuel use also helps fleets compare monthly progress, identifying which vehicles or drivers excel and which need improvement.
Custom alerts add another layer of efficiency by flagging fuel waste immediately. This is especially vital now, as rising fuel costs across Europe - Brent crude oil prices have surged by 53% recently - make real-time monitoring essential for managing expenses effectively. By integrating fuel card data and tracking metrics like fuel economy (MPG) and levels, fleets can uncover efficiency opportunities as they arise.
Use Alerts and Reports to Drive Action
Real-time alerts and detailed reports transform raw data into actionable insights. Alerts for behaviours like excessive idling or speeding allow for immediate corrective actions, while consumption reports help pinpoint inefficiencies.
Fuel consumption reports generated by telematics systems offer a clear view of how vehicles are using fuel, helping fleets identify areas to improve. Driver Scorecards, created using telematics data, provide personalised feedback on fuel efficiency and safety, encouraging better habits.
In-cab alerts offer instant feedback to drivers when aggressive behaviours, such as rapid acceleration, are detected. Rewarding drivers who consistently practise fuel-efficient driving and tailoring training programmes using telematics data can further enhance efficiency. Colin Sutherland, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Geotab, explains:
"A more conscientious, safe driver improves overall fleet fuel efficiency."
Support Environmental Goals
Telematics doesn’t just improve operations - it also helps fleets achieve environmental objectives. By cutting fuel use and emissions, fleets can align with environmental standards in the UK. A well-managed telematics system can lower fuel consumption by up to 15%, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Reducing idling time is another impactful strategy. For instance, cutting idling by just 30 minutes per vehicle daily can save thousands of gallons of fuel annually and substantially lower emissions. A study by Natural Resources Canada found that if every Canadian reduced daily idling by three minutes, CO₂ emissions could drop by 1.4 million tonnes annually - the equivalent of removing 320,000 vehicles from the road.
Telematics data can also guide sustainability efforts by identifying vehicles suitable for transitioning to electric or hybrid models. Additionally, poorly maintained vehicles can cost fleets up to 15% more in fuel. Telematics alerts for maintenance schedules based on mileage or time ensure vehicles stay in top condition, while monitoring diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels keeps operations running smoothly. These data-driven strategies not only reduce costs but also support greener operations.
Using GRS Fleet Telematics for Fuel Benchmarking
GRS Fleet Telematics provides UK fleets with tools to establish precise fuel efficiency benchmarks, addressing the specific challenges faced by British businesses. Its system combines cutting-edge technology with practical features designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
GRS Fleet Telematics Benchmarking Features
At the core of GRS Fleet Telematics' benchmarking system is its dual-tracker technology, which ensures uninterrupted data collection and helps identify unusual fuel level drops. This technology works alongside eco-driving analytics to monitor key driving behaviours such as acceleration, braking, and idling. The system also uses live GPS data and geofencing to track fuel usage across various operational zones. Customisable dashboards make it easy for fleet managers to interpret data, streamlining the benchmarking process.
Eco-driving analytics play a crucial role by identifying driving habits that directly affect fuel consumption. For instance, acceleration and idling patterns are flagged, helping managers and drivers take corrective actions. The mobile app provides real-time updates, enabling immediate responses. With features like route optimisation, UK fleets have reportedly saved up to £320 million annually. By tracking vehicle usage, driver habits, and route efficiency, the platform ensures accurate benchmarking and highlights areas for improvement.
Benefits for UK Fleets
UK fleet operators can see clear benefits from GRS Fleet Telematics, starting with significant cost reductions. The system’s real-time monitoring can cut fuel consumption by up to 20% and improve fuel efficiency by 12% in miles per gallon (MPG). Given that fuel accounts for 25–33% of operating costs, these savings are substantial.
Security is another major advantage. The dual-tracker system boasts a 91% recovery rate for stolen vehicles, ensuring operational continuity and reliable data collection. The platform also complies with GDPR regulations, with robust encryption to protect sensitive data. By identifying inefficiencies like excessive idling - which can increase fuel costs by up to 40% - the system helps fleets optimise performance. Additionally, UK-specific support provides guidance on local fuel pricing, regulations, and driving conditions.
GRS Hardware and Software Options Comparison
GRS Fleet Telematics offers three hardware packages tailored to different benchmarking needs. All packages include a monthly subscription of £7.99 per vehicle, covering SIM data, account manager support, and access to the full platform.
| Package | Hardware Cost | Theft Recovery Rate | Benchmarking Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | £35 | 75% | Basic real-time tracking and fuel monitoring |
| Enhanced | £79 | 85% | Primary tracker with Bluetooth backup |
| Ultimate | £99 | 91% | Dual tracking with immobilisation for top security |
The Essential Package (£35) is ideal for smaller fleets just starting with fuel benchmarking. It includes a single wired tracker for basic real-time tracking and fuel monitoring.
The Enhanced Package (£79) offers a primary tracker with Bluetooth backup, boosting theft recovery rates to 85%. This option is suited for fleets needing greater data reliability for advanced benchmarking.
The Ultimate Package (£99) provides dual tracking and immobilisation, achieving a 91% recovery rate. It’s designed for fleets requiring maximum data security and comprehensive benchmarking capabilities.
Additional perks include free installation when paired with GRS Fleet Graphics for fleet branding, as well as white-label branding options for larger fleets to customise their interface. Regardless of the hardware chosen, the £7.99 monthly subscription ensures consistent costs without compromising on analytical capabilities.
Conclusion: Improving Fuel Efficiency with Telematics
Telematics is reshaping how UK fleet operators approach fuel efficiency and benchmarking. By leveraging data-driven insights, fleet managers can move away from guesswork and adopt clear strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
For instance, vehicles equipped with telematics systems have been shown to achieve up to 20% better fuel efficiency. In 2021, 55% of fleets reported a noticeable reduction in fuel costs after implementing vehicle telematics software. A standout example is Hill Country Construction, which integrated telematics with its fuel management system across a fleet of 180 vehicles. The result? A 13% reduction in fuel consumption and annual savings of £650,000.
"Fleet strategy is no longer just a long-term planning tool - it's a day-to-day necessity, especially when it comes to managing fuel costs." – Verizon Connect
The benefits don’t stop at initial savings. Continuous monitoring amplifies results over time. By 2023, US-based fleets adopting efficiency monitoring systems saw a 15% drop in operating costs during the first year, with savings growing to 20–25% by the second year. For UK operators, platforms like GRS Fleet Telematics provide the tools to achieve similar success. With dual-tracker technology boasting a 91% recovery rate and pricing starting at £7.99 per month, it’s an affordable yet effective solution.
Environmental advantages are just as impactful. By tracking emissions and idle times, fleets can cut their carbon footprint by 20% or more. This aligns with the UK government's increasing focus on regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact, helping fleets stay compliant while safeguarding profitability.
To maximise these benefits, fleet managers should regularly analyse telematics data, offer driver training, and refine strategies based on real-time insights. This proactive approach ensures fleets can stay ahead of fluctuating fuel costs while simultaneously meeting sustainability goals. With telematics, fuel benchmarking evolves from simply tracking data to actively driving improvements - delivering both cost savings and environmental progress.
FAQs
How does telematics help identify and address fuel inefficiencies in a fleet?
Telematics is invaluable when it comes to identifying where fuel is being wasted. By analysing driving behaviours - like harsh acceleration, speeding, and sudden braking - it highlights actions that lead to higher fuel consumption. With this information, fleet managers can introduce focused driver training to encourage more efficient driving habits.
These systems also monitor fuel usage, flagging unusual patterns such as unexpected consumption spikes or inconsistencies between vehicles. Armed with this data, businesses can fine-tune routes, cut down on unnecessary idling, and ensure vehicles are running as efficiently as possible. The result? Lower costs and a reduced impact on the environment.
What KPIs should you track with telematics to improve fleet fuel efficiency?
How to Use Telematics to Improve Fuel Efficiency
If you're looking to boost fuel efficiency with telematics, it’s all about keeping an eye on the right metrics. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Fuel consumption per mile or kilometre: Measure the amount of fuel used for each unit of distance travelled. This can help you pinpoint where fuel is being wasted.
- Driver behaviour metrics: Keep track of driving habits like harsh acceleration, speeding, or sudden braking. These actions can have a big impact on fuel consumption.
- Vehicle utilisation rates: Check that vehicles are being used effectively and not left idling for long periods unnecessarily.
- Fuel usage trends: Look at patterns over time to identify areas for improvement and see how changes are affecting fuel efficiency.
By consistently tracking these metrics, you’ll have the insights needed to make smarter decisions, cut down on fuel costs, and get the most out of your fleet.
How do telematics systems help fleets reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainability goals?
Telematics systems are a game-changer when it comes to helping fleets reduce their carbon footprint. By streamlining routes, they cut down on unnecessary travel and, in turn, lower fuel consumption. This not only trims vehicle emissions but also makes day-to-day operations more efficient.
Beyond route planning, telematics encourages eco-friendly driving habits. Drivers receive real-time feedback on behaviours like harsh braking or sudden acceleration - both of which are notorious for wasting fuel. Fleet managers can also keep a close eye on fuel usage, pinpoint inefficiencies, and roll out strategies to make operations greener.
With telematics, businesses have a practical way to work towards their environmental targets while boosting overall efficiency.
