Fleet tracking firm, SageQuest, has released an online eBook which helps drivers to improve the fuel efficiency of their driving. The firm, part of the Fleetmatics group, has released its 'Four Habits of Fuel Efficient Fleetsî guide, providing an easy-to-digest overview of how drivers can use GPS systems to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and create cost savings. The book describes how drivers can adjust their driving speed and idling times in order to reduce fuel consumption, and use GPS systems to provide monitoring solutions. By proactively monitoring speed, SageQuest say that drivers can improve miles per gallon performance by 7-23 per cent. The AA suggests that travelling on the motorway at 80-85mph, rather than 70mph, increases you fuel consumption by 25 per cent. GPS tracking systems will then enable fleet managers and drivers to monitor driving speed, allowing speed thresholds to be developed and alerting drivers when they knowingly or unknowingly exceed these limits. SageQuest also suggests that by idling for one hour, for example when stopping to fill out paperwork, drivers can increase fuel costs in the same way as driving an additional 25 miles. GPS systems can allow fleet operators to set limits for idling time and identify which drivers are the worst offenders; by calculating the impact of reduced idle times on fuel costs, firms can also improve overhead visibility. The e-book also says that GPS systems can allow fleet operators to select the closest driver for each job, maximising fuel efficiency and customer service; by knowing exactly where your drivers are and when, this also improves visibility and job monitoring. SageQuest also suggest that fleet tracking can allow central management of fuel transactions, connecting fuel card programs to mobile workforce management and GPS tools, rather than relying solely on manual input. This improves the accuracy of a driver's fuel records, cutting down on the costs of untrue driver estimations and fuel not used for business purposes. SageQuest's UK managing director, Peter Bingham said: 'Fleet managers are facing consistently rising fuel costs and one of the leading impacts on vehicle fuel consumption is driver conduct. 'Through employing the latest 'Value-Added' GPS tracking technology you can begin to understand the 'why?' and the 'how?' of a driver's behaviour, equipping you with the wisdom to make confident decisions and truly change behaviour that drives up fuel costs.î
