Fuel Article

Building and using your relationship with your fuel card supplier
Once you have assessed and determined your fuel management needs, you can find out which fuel card companies can fulfil these requirements. You will probably end up with a long list of fuel card providers and most will have programs that will allow fleet managers to purchase fuel at favourable rates and that will allow you to manage your fuel purchases and monitor driver efficiency. The next step is to whittle them down to a few providers that have a decent history of providing cards which will suggest that they know what they are doing and are a trusted supplier.

Arrange to meet or speak to these companies and determine which one most closely matches your needs. Do not be afraid to ask searching questions or to ask for examples to prove what they are telling you. A lot of providers will also tailor make a package to fit exactly with your business.

Once you are happy you have found the company which is your best fit, organise a full demonstration of their system and get some feedback from your fleet staff on how easy the software is to manage and how it integrates with your current set up. Whilst in this process speak to the people that you will be dealing with on an ongoing basis and build a strong relationship. These people will be a major part of your fuel management and they can offer a valuable insight into cost savings you may benefit from. As most problems arise out of poor communication if you open lines of communication and trust now you will benefit in the long run.

This is a two way process and it is important to remember that the best business relationships involve give and take. Although you need to ensure your fuel card needs are met and you are receiving full benefit from their services it is also possible to ask for too much or ask for something that is beyond the fuel cards companies control and you need to recognise these instances. When something goes wrong with fuel cards, do not panic; I am sure it can all be resolved quickly with immediate communication.

Many successful program integrations leave little doubt that there are many advantages to a managed fuel card solution package. But if you follow best practices and build relationships with your provider you will be able to benefit from probably more features and experience than you thought were available.

When you’re ready to roll your fuel card program out to your drivers ensure you continue with the communication and supply them with a fuel card policies document and training so they buy into the process.

Contact Cambrian Fuelcard Services and tell them about your fuel card needs, ask them to provide a solution and to help educate you about the process and benefits, you’re sure to find an expert with the time and the willingness to help you.