Running a fleet of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) can be expensive, and one of the biggest ongoing costs is fuel. With diesel prices fluctuating and environmental pressures increasing, improving fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money — it’s about keeping your business competitive and sustainable.
Whether you operate a small regional fleet or a national haulage operation, small changes in fuel management can lead to significant savings over time. Here’s a practical guide to reducing fuel costs and improving efficiency in your HGV fleet.
1. Invest in Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained HGV runs more efficiently, which means less fuel is wasted. Common maintenance checks that directly impact fuel consumption include:
– Tyre pressure – Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which can push fuel consumption up by several percent.
– Wheel alignment – Poor alignment forces the vehicle to work harder, using more fuel.
– Air filters – Dirty or clogged air filters reduce engine performance.
– Engine tuning – Keeping engines tuned ensures optimum combustion efficiency.
Routine servicing also prevents small issues from developing into costly repairs that can take vehicles off the road.
2. Use Telematics and Fleet Management Software
Modern telematics systems provide real-time data on driver behaviour, fuel usage, and route efficiency. Fleet managers can monitor:
– Harsh acceleration and braking patterns
– Idling times
– Average speeds
– Optimal routing
By using this data, you can provide targeted driver training and adjust operations to improve fuel efficiency. Over time, these small optimisations add up to big savings.
3. Train Drivers in Fuel-Efficient Driving
Driver behaviour has a huge impact on fuel consumption. Training drivers to adopt fuel-efficient techniques can make a noticeable difference. Key practices include:
– Smooth acceleration and braking – Avoid unnecessary revving and hard braking.
– Using the highest safe gear – Lower revs generally mean lower fuel consumption.
– Reducing engine idling – An idling HGV burns fuel without moving an inch.
– Anticipating traffic – Planning ahead to avoid stop-start driving.
Reward schemes or performance bonuses for economical driving can also motivate drivers to adopt these techniques consistently.
4. Plan Routes for Efficiency
Every unnecessary mile driven increases fuel costs. Route planning should consider:
– Avoiding congested areas during peak hours
– Using roads that are less hilly where possible
– Minimising backtracking and unnecessary detours
– Combining deliveries into fewer trips
Modern GPS systems integrated with telematics can automatically adjust routes in real time to avoid delays and optimise fuel efficiency.
5. Reduce Vehicle Weight and Drag
Extra weight means more fuel is required to move the vehicle. Review what’s being carried and remove any unnecessary items from trailers and cabs. Additionally, aerodynamic modifications such as side skirts, roof deflectors, and cab extenders can reduce wind resistance — especially important for high-speed motorway driving.
6. Monitor Fuel Purchasing and Usage
Fuel theft and inefficient purchasing strategies can quickly eat into your profits. Consider:
– Using fuel cards for better monitoring and negotiated pump prices.
– Tracking fuel purchases against mileage and telematics data.
– Identifying any unusual fuel consumption patterns that might suggest leaks, theft, or mechanical issues.
7. Consider Alternative Fuels and Technologies
While not always practical for every fleet, exploring alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), biofuels, or even electric HGVs (as technology advances) can bring long-term savings and environmental benefits. Hybrid systems and energy recovery technology are also becoming more common in the commercial vehicle market.
8. Keep an Eye on Driving Speeds
HGVs consume significantly more fuel at higher speeds. For example, increasing motorway speed from 50mph to 60mph can raise fuel consumption by over 10%. Setting speed limiters not only saves fuel but also improves road safety and reduces vehicle wear.
Final Thoughts
Reducing fuel costs in an HGV fleet isn’t about one big change — it’s about making a series of smart, manageable adjustments. By combining regular maintenance, driver training, route optimisation, and better data monitoring, you can cut costs while improving efficiency and reducing your environmental footprint.
With fuel prices unlikely to drop significantly in the near future, now is the time for fleet operators to take proactive steps. The savings might seem small on a per-journey basis, but across an entire fleet and over the course of a year, the impact can be substantial.
