As fuel prices continue to rise across Australia, fleet operators are being urged to find new ways to cut consumption, with industry experts warning that transport costs remain one of the biggest pressures facing businesses and supply chains.

The push comes as freight companies grapple with higher operating expenses that can ultimately flow through to the cost of goods delivered across the country.

Colin Hughes, APAC Senior Vice President, Optix, said, “Businesses are under increasing pressure to manage operational costs, and fuel is one of the biggest expenses facing fleet operators today.”

“Many fleet managers might not realise that simple changes to driver behaviour can significantly help to conserve fuel.”

For instance, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration can help fleets to reduce fuel consumption by up to 12%,” said Hughes

Industry experts say improving fuel efficiency has become increasingly important as operators look to protect margins without passing additional costs onto customers.

Optix has outlined three areas where fleets can reduce fuel use and operating costs.

Driver behaviour under scrutiny

One of the biggest opportunities lies behind the wheel.

Data captured through video solutions provides insight into driving habits, allowing fleet managers to identify behaviours that contribute to unnecessary fuel consumption and provide targeted coaching.

Fleet managers are encouraged to promote smoother driving habits, including gentler acceleration and reduced idling.

“Having open conversations with drivers allows you to nip bad habits in the bud. For example, it’s a common misconception that idling is more fuel-efficient than restarting the engine. Idling a truck for just 10 seconds requires more fuel than starting the engine,” said Hughes

With fuel representing a major portion of operating costs for many transport businesses, even small changes in driving behaviour can deliver savings across large fleets.

Congestion and delays are adding to fuel bills

Traffic congestion, roadworks and other disruptions are also emerging as significant contributors to fuel waste.

According to Optix, static route plans can quickly become outdated as conditions change throughout the day, increasing the risk of delays and unnecessary fuel consumption.

The company says dynamic route planning can help operators respond to changing conditions by using live traffic information, telematics data and vehicle-specific information to identify more efficient routes.

The approach includes:

● Real-time re-routing around congestion and incidents, so drivers aren’t sitting idling in traffic. Every minute of idling in a heavy commercial vehicle consumes meaningful fuel.

● Vehicle-appropriate routing – height, weight and load restrictions factored so drivers aren’t sent down unsuitable roads or forced into costly diversions and reversals.

● Multi-stop optimisation for distribution fleets, where the drop sequence is continually recalculated to minimise total kilometres and unproductive backtracking.

● Route deviation alerts, which flag when a driver leaves the planned route, allowing dispatchers to intervene before a small detour becomes an expensive one.

Hughes says a route built at 6 am is often out of date by 8 am. Dynamic route planning uses live traffic, telematics and vehicle profile data to continually re-evaluate the best path as conditions change.

“That’s what keeps trucks moving, drivers out of congestion and litres in the tank. Fleets that combine smarter route planning with driver coaching see the two reinforce each other; the savings compound,” he said.

Maintenance remains a key factor

Vehicle maintenance is also being highlighted as a critical factor in fuel efficiency.

Components, including engine fans, battery cables and tyre pressure, can all influence fuel consumption.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a 10% reduction in recommended tyre pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by 2%.

“Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity of your fleet. By staying on top of scheduled maintenance, potential issues can be resolved before they progress into more significant problems,” said Hughes

As transport operators continue to face cost pressures, industry experts say efficiency measures are becoming increasingly important not only for fleet profitability but also for limiting the broader impact of rising freight costs across the economy.