Centrad says continued pressure on fuel costs is encouraging operators to take a closer look at how greater visibility across their fleets can improve fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary operating costs.
Fuel has long been one of the largest operating expenses for commercial vehicle fleets. When global energy markets become volatile, as they have in recent months, already tight margins come under even greater strain.
For haulage firms, fuel can account for as much as a third of total running costs. Coach and bus operators typically spend between 10% and 15% of their operating budgets on fuel. For van fleets, fuel commonly represents between a quarter and a third of total operating expenditure.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US demonstrated just how quickly those costs can escalate, with crude oil prices peaking at one point at around $120 per barrel and diesel briefly exceeding 200p per litre at some UK forecourts.
Although prices have since begun to ease, the disruption serves as a timely reminder that fleet operators remain exposed to events far beyond their control.
Improving visibility to reduce fuel consumption
Geoff Cross, Managing Director at Centrad, said, “Ultimately, there is very little operators can do about the price displayed on the forecourt. What they can control is how efficiently that fuel is being used across their own fleet.
“Operators aren’t intentionally wasting fuel, but it’s often the small day-to-day inefficiencies that go unnoticed. Excessive idling, harsh acceleration, speeding and poor anticipation all increase fuel consumption, particularly across larger fleets. The challenge has always been having the visibility to identify these behaviours before they become ingrained.
“As a former fleet operator of more than 30 buses, I’ve been there myself – that includes as a driver. Historically, identifying these issues required significant manual intervention. Connected video telematics, combining AI-powered fleet cameras with live vehicle data, provides operators with a much clearer understanding of what’s actually happening on the road.”
Rather than relying on isolated data points, operators can now combine telematics with video evidence to understand not only where fuel is being consumed, but why.
With many fleet operators now looking beyond simply recording footage, connected platforms that combine AI-powered cameras, telematics, remote system health monitoring and operational data are providing a far more complete view of fleet performance.
Bringing these technologies together gives operators greater visibility of driver behaviour, vehicle utilisation, fleet health and the factors influencing fuel efficiency, while also taking into account factors such as traffic conditions, route demands and wider operational pressures.
Coaching drivers through connected technology
Geoff continued, “The real value isn’t simply collecting more data. It’s about turning that data into meaningful insight. Connected video gives operators the context behind every event. It allows them to understand the reasons for fuel-inefficient driving rather than making assumptions based on figures alone.
“That completely changes the conversation with drivers. Instead of using cameras or telematics purely as monitoring tools, operators can use connected insight to coach and support their drivers more effectively. Reviewing real driving events alongside AI-generated insights enables far more constructive conversations. It helps drivers understand where small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference to fuel consumption, vehicle wear and road safety.
“Ultimately, the biggest savings don’t come from the technology itself – they come from the behavioural changes it enables. The focus is therefore shifting beyond just security and compliance. Connected fleet data is increasingly being used to improve visibility and support better decision-making across the business.
“By providing greater insight into fuel-wasting habits, operators can address these behaviours through targeted, evidence-based coaching. Even small changes in driving style can deliver significant annual savings across larger fleets. It also helps to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce unnecessary wear and tear.”
