Fleet managers are facing a familiar but intense challenge due in part to current events: high fuel prices plus the strain of summer heat on equipment. While industry analysts project diesel prices to eventually stabilize, fuel is still a significant line item when your vehicles are running double shifts to meet demand.
At GPS Insight, we’ve analyzed data from thousands of diverse fleets to identify the best ways to help control costs. The consensus for 2026 is clear: you can’t control the price at the pump, but you can control waste.
Our playbook outlines three strategies to try. Let’s get started.
1. Cut back on idle time
Every hour of idling burns roughly one gallon of fuel. For a 50-vehicle fleet, just 30 minutes of unnecessary daily idling can result in over $15,000 in wasted fuel annually. During peak season, this problem worsens as drivers are more likely to leave engines running to keep the air conditioning on during stops or paperwork breaks.
Using GPS Insight Telematics, you can move beyond anecdotal evidence and set custom idle alerts. Instead of guessing, you receive real-time notifications when a vehicle exceeds your specific threshold (like 5 or 10 minutes). By identifying spots where idling happens more frequently – like at specific loading docks or yard exits – you can re-route or coach drivers to shut down. Fleets using our platform have seen immediate ROI just by reducing idle time.
2. Use OEM data and DVIR for maintenance
Heat is the natural enemy of your engine, cooling system, and tires. There’s no need to wait for a check engine light or a breakdown. By the time a driver reports a cooling issue on a hot summer day, the mechanical damage is often already done – and the fuel inefficiency caused by a struggling engine has already affected your budget.
What can you do? You can pull together OEM Data and Electronic Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR). By accessing diagnostic data directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer through the GPS Insight dashboard, you gain knowledge into engine health that basic GPS can’t provide. This way, you can monitor coolant temperatures and oil pressure in real-time.
Plus, digital DVIRs mean that pre-trip inspections are actually happening. When a driver notes a soft tire or a minor leak on their mobile app, your shop receives an instant notification. Fixing a low-pressure tire prevents blowouts – and properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3%. Proactive maintenance also means your fleet stays on the road during the year’s most profitable months.
3. Gamify efficiency with driver scorecards
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that hard braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding can lower a vehicle’s gas mileage by 15% to 30% at highway speeds. In a high-pressure season, drivers often feel the need to rush, which can also raise your fuel costs.
GPS Insight Driver Scorecards show exactly what’s going on with your drivers, since you can see fuel-efficient driving metrics. Our platform allows you to benchmark your drivers against company goals or industry standards. Starting a fuel savings incentive program ahead of peak season can pay for itself through fuel savings alone. When drivers know their performance is being measured – and rewarded – fuel costs decrease.
Case study – Sanford & Hawley
An example of how these strategies work is seen in the success of Sanford & Hawley, Inc., a lumber and building supply provider that faced rising fuel costs and safety concerns. With GPS Insight, they set 15-minute idle alerts, which allowed them to reduce excessive engine run-time and improve their average fuel economy by 12%.
Start saving today
By combining telematics, integrated OEM data, and driver coaching, you can have a fleet that is more profitable. As the economy continues to reward efficiency, there’s no better time to audit your waste.
Resources
Want to know more? Check out our site:
- 5 Fuel Efficient Habits for Your Fleet – Balance maintenance, idling, and careful driving to reduce fuel use.
- Improving Fleet Efficiency and Productivity – Cut fuel expenses.
- Fuel Efficiency & Real-Time Data – See what tools top-performing fleets use.
- Using GPS Tracking for Sustainability Goals – Right-size your fleet and track emissions.
- Fleet Efficiency Solutions Overview – See how alerts and fuel card integrations help stop fuel theft and waste.
