Six ways fleet operators save on gas (and you can, too)

While you may long for $2 gas, the truth is that higher prices – in the $3 to $4 a gallon range – are the new normal. Here are six money-saving tips, used by fleet operators, to save money on fuel:

6. Purchase a more efficient vehicle

Gene J. Puskar/AP/File
In this November 2012 file photo, Waste Management driver Alan Sadler fills his truck with CNG gas at the company's filling station in Washington, Pa. Just as truck fleets are moving to more efficient trucks, motorists can save at the pump by moving to more efficient cars.

Since today’s higher fuel prices are not expected to drop anytime soon, many businesses are switching to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative fuel-based ones, such as those that run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Because CNG is not widely available in the US consumer market, new car buyers should consider “greener” hybrid or electric vehicles, or downsizing their current gas-guzzler. 

By using strategies that businesses employ to guard against fuel market volatility and persistently high gas prices, consumers can better adjust to the new normal at the pump and keep more money in their pocket.

– Matt Tormollen is president and CEO of Houston-based FuelQuest, a leading on-demand software and services company for fleet companies and other energy consumers.

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