High Gas Prices Squeeze Drivers, Fleet Managers Hit Hardest
-->
Across the nation drivers are feeling the squeeze at the fuel pump. But imagine how fleet operators must feel. These are people whose job and income depends on operating a fleet of vehicles.
Gasoline prices have risen substantially in recent weeks. The current national average price for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $3.92.
This price is three cents more expensive than one week ago, 17 cents more expensive than one month ago, and 28 cents more expensive than one year ago.
Robert Crawley, owner of Robert’s Coffee and Vending Service in Longview, TX, told the Longview News Journal his firm operates a fleet of about 20 delivery trucks and service vehicles.
Crawley said, “compared to this time last year we’re spending about $500 more a week on gasoline. So far, we’ve absorbed the expense and haven’t had to pass it along to our customers.”
But, he said, if the price of fuel for his vehicles continues to rise and stays at inflated levels for an extended period of time he expects that extra expense to be added to the cost of goods and services for his customers. Crawley said he does expect to trim expenses by dropping some accounts that are not profitable or are only marginally profitable to service.
“We may drop some of our smaller accounts,” he said of actions planned soon to counter the rising fuel cost. “We can’t afford to pay drivers, keep the trucks on the road and pay for gas too for some of the smaller accounts — it’s just cost prohibitive.”
gps kids watch-fleet-tracking-system/vehicle-location/”>gps kids watch fleet tracking system – street view” src=”http://www.fieldtechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/gps kids watch-fleet-tracking-system-street-view-300×180.png” alt=”gps kids watch fleet tracking system – street view” width=”300″ height=”180″ />High Gas Prices Driving Fleet Tracking System Sales
Fleet tracking system sales appear to be increasing this year, mostly due to this year’s recent surges in gas prices. When gas prices top $4 per gallon, companies start looking for ways to save money. Managers start paying attention to how their employees are driving, and for ways to increase operating efficiencies.
Small changes can have a big impact on a large scale, and the cost savings can really start add up. Many are surprised to find out that a fleet tracking system can help them to see immediate results and cut costs across the board. In today’s challenging economic climate, profit margins are slim and companies must implement as many cost-saving initiatives as possible.
In order to remain competitive, companies have to look very closely at every penny spent. Because a fleet tracking system can provide an ROI in less than six months and immediately reduce fuel consumption, plus produce ecological benefits, companies both large and small are utilizing them to create profitable, sustainable fleets.
Businesses are realizing they can no longer ignore the built in inefficiencies within their operations. “Wireless fleet management systems can put a spotlight on a driver’s habits that consume excessive fuel and emit unnecessary pollution. The most frequent of these activities include excessive speeding, idling and sudden acceleration and stops.
Filed Under best auto gps, GPS kids watches | Leave a Comment
Gas Prices Near $4 a Gallon – Up 17 Cents in One Month
-->
Motorists across the country have felt the pinch of steadily rising gas prices in recent weeks.
On Wednesday the current national average price for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $3.92, reported the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. This price is three cents more expensive than one week ago, 17 cents more expensive than one month ago, and 28 cents more expensive than one year ago.
While the national average price continues to rise, the rate of increase has begun to slow.
So why are the gas prices so high? Industry experts cite Middle East tensions, pipeline disruptions, refinery problems, and now, the seasonal switch to the pricier summer blend.
“The main thing is the tension in Iran, where they are threatening to disrupt about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply,” said Cathy Hein, a spokeswoman for AAA Carolinas. What’s built into the rising prices is a “future fear of what could happen,” she said.
The other major factor is the current switchover by refineries to the cleaner-burning summer blends of fuel.
“That disrupts supply a little bit, too,” Hein said.
Gas prices typically rise in the spring as refiners shut some operations and reduce supply in order to switch from producing winter grades to less-polluting summer blends.
But this year, the refining market in eastern North America is even tighter as several refineries have been closed amid competitive pressures.
Speculators are plowing money into gasoline futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange in anticipation of further closings, notably a large Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia. The company is looking for a buyer for the facility, which has been squeezed by high crude prices, slack demand in the eastern U.S., and growing competition from mega-refineries in India and China.
As a result, consumers are paying more for their fuel.
Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.22 to close Tuesday at $104.01 a barrel in New York, and Brent crude was down 57 cents to finish at $124.86 a barrel in London.
A Fleet Tracking System Can Help You Reduce Your Monthly Fuel Costs
If your family or your business has been affected by this year’s rising gas prices, then you may want to consider purchasing a fleet tracking system. A fleet tracking system can provide an ROI in less than six months and immediately reduce fuel consumption up to 20%.
In today’s tough economic climate, profit margins are slim and companies must implement as many cost-saving initiatives as possible. In order to stay competitive, companies have to look very closely at every penny spent. Utilizing a gps kids watch fleet tracking system can be one of the most cost effective means to manage and reduce fuel consumption.
Filed Under best auto gps, GPS kids watches | Leave a Comment
« go back — keep looking »