‘Smart fleet management cuts fuel costs by 30 percent’

MANILA, Philippines — With pump prices still high, logistics-dependent businesses should invest in fleet management solutions to cut operational strain and reduce fuel costs by up to 30 percent, according to global technology firm Cartrack.

“As fuel prices show no immediate signs of stabilizing, adopting intelligent fleet management systems is no longer optional but essential,” Cartrack chief strategy and marketing officer Carmen Calisto said.

Sustained fuel price volatility, Calisto said, continues to pressure businesses, making operating expenses harder to predict and forcing companies to reassess how they manage their vehicle fleet daily.

She noted that even small inefficiencies such as unnecessary idling, poor route planning and unmonitored driving behavior can accumulate into significant fuel losses when scaled across large fleets.

“With better visibility, these inefficiencies can be significantly reduced. Fuel price volatility is a reality businesses must adapt to,” Calisto pointed out.

The sustained rise in fuel costs has driven up operating expenses for businesses, while some, particularly in the retail sector, have had little choice but to raise prices to keep up.

Cartrack, which operates in at least 23 countries including the Philippines, provides vehicle telematics solutions that help businesses monitor and optimize fuel consumption across their fleets.

Telematics is a system that uses GPS and sensors to track driving behavior and a vehicle’s location.

“Our smart fleet management solutions empower companies to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption while improving overall operational efficiency,” Calisto said.

Through driver behavior monitoring, for instance, businesses can identify and correct costly habits such as speeding, harsh braking and excessive idling.

Hard braking and aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 40 percent, according to the Department of Energy.

DOE estimates also show that a private car owner may waste over P3,700 a month due to these driving habits. Losses are much higher for bus and truck operators, reaching as much as P12,480 monthly per vehicle.