Fuel Card Article

A New Years Resolution for Fleet Managers

In spite of Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delaying a proposed increase in fuel duty of 3p per litre, it still makes perfect sense for fleet managers and those with a mobile workforce to have a closer look at the benefits which can be reaped by using fuel cards. The increase in fuel duty was set for January 2012, however the Chancellor has delayed this proposed increase until August 2012. This has been described as a victory for common sense by the RAC an has also been welcomed by the campaign group FairFuelUK. However come August, we'll all be stung for an extra 3 pence per litre, which will have a huge impact of fuel costs for many logistics companies running large fleets. Even smaller companies with only a few vehicles on the road will feel the pinch from this increase in fuel duty, as will many owners of private vehicles.

The beauty of using fuel cards for petrol and diesel purchases is one pays a rate slightly lower than the displayed pump prices. Commonly known as fixed pricing, the cost of fuel per litre is based on bulk prices and is set on a weekly basis. Fleet managers can check the current 'fixed' price at any time of the day or night through a secure section on their fuel card provider's website, where the3y can also check their fleets current fuel expenditure, showing where and when each vehicle has drawn fuel, and the individual cost of each vehicles fuel. Fuel cards are the perfect new years resolution for fleet managers or any other business with vehicles spending a significant amount of time on the roads. Although insignificant on a daily bases, the savings that fuel cards offer over the course of a year are substantial.

Sole traders and individuals who spend a lot of time on the road as a part of their normal working week may also be able to benefit from using fuel cards as 'personal' fuel cards are on the horizon. Although no specific details are currently available regarding personal fuel cards, they are likely to offer the same set of benefits which are available to larger businesses such as logistics and delivery companies. From a financial point of view, keeping all fuel purchases in one easy to access account means that both individuals and businesses can keep a tighter reign on fuel purchases and easily identify areas where saving could be made. Being able to access data such as the location of where fuel is drawn compared with a delivery route, for example, could highlight areas where the route may be modified to further increase fuel efficiency.

With no realistic end in sight to the recession, every penny counts just as much as every drop of fuel does, so why not do your expenses a favour in 2012 by taking a closer look at the fuels cards we have available; Texaco Fastfuel, euroShell, Keyfuels & UKfuels. For further details on our range of fuel card, don't hesitate to contact Cambrian fuel Cards on 01633 677677.