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The cost of fuel is governed by external factors. Diesel and petrol prices can fluctuate due to geopolitical events, with the current Middle East crisis causing a 35% price spike. Transport firms are sensitive to this price volatility. Their margins are tight, and fuel typically accounts for 30% of operating costs. Fuel surcharges (FSC) protect carriers to a degree, but what other measures can logistics businesses take to minimise pressure at the pump?
Efficiency is the key to getting the maximum miles from every drop of fuel. In practice, this means efficiency at every point, from planning to people to processes. When people and technology work in partnership, the benefits compound, adding up to significant mileage gains.
People: Driver Expertise and Training
Drivers are the first line of defence when it comes to fuel economy. Skilful, eco-aware driving can result in many more miles being covered per gallon. The key change for logistics businesses here is that driver skill is now measurable through driver telematics data.
Driver telematics use GPS technology and on-board diagnostics to record and analyse a vast array of information. It means that operations teams can drill down into the data to discover where driver-led efficiency improvements can be made, whether that’s reducing idling time, avoiding harsh braking, or reducing speeds.
Training can be tailored, and progress can be measured and rewarded. This targeted approach can help transport firms improve their MPGs right across the fleet. It’s a system that works for us, as Head of Invo Fulfilment, Gary Bevan, explains, “Seeing their eco-driving scores has helped our drivers take ownership of their fuel economy. This is important for us, as a colleague-owned business, and many of our drivers consistently achieve the highest A-rating, which makes a big difference in helping to manage our operational costs.”
Place: Mileage Matters
To complete the puzzle, operators must maximise every mile by planning every part of the truck’s journey. Proper planning procedures prevent empty loads, extended routes, or duplicate journeys. Logistics teams should synchronise delivery and collection to fully utilise fleet capacity.
Many transport firms use route optimisation software to make sure resources are used effectively, and we’re no different. AI-powered programmes can collate data such as delivery addresses, fleet details, timings and load capacity to plan routes.
Arguably, the sweet spot for route planning lies in the intersection between human and AI, as supply chain co-ordinator, Richard Bainbridge explains, “Dashboards give us our history, it’s good for the tracking and visibility side. It is a 2-way data stream, so that information comes in and out of the system, allowing us to plan responsively.”
An experienced operations team armed with AI software, vehicle trackers and live-view data can not only plan effectively, but they can also respond and adapt to on-the-road conditions in real time. This means that journeys can be proactively managed to mitigate the impact of road closures, vehicle breakdowns or unforeseen challenges.
Power: Vehicle Efficiency
Friction is the enemy of vehicle efficiency. Reducing friction helps teams to get the maximum MPG from their fleet. The point where the wheels hit the tarmac is a key friction point. The right tyre pressure and correct wheel alignment can improve fuel efficiency by 10% on average.
The other place to minimise friction is the vehicle itself. A smoothly running engine uses less fuel per mile, so replacing filters and regular oil changes are about more than vehicle maintenance. Modern vehicles are designed for fuel efficiency. Advanced aerodynamic shapes, lightweight materials and powertrain optimisation can all help reduce fuel consumption.
This is one of the reasons that Invo Fulfilment continues to invest in our fleet. Our vehicles help us to deliver the safe, reliable and efficient transport service that our partners rely on.
Transport businesses might not be able to control diesel prices, but they can control how they use it, and in today’s global climate, that’s more important than ever.
Purpose: Invo Fulfilment’s Straightforward Approach
One of the issues with fuel price volatility is that some transport providers use it to artificially inflate their charges. In some cases, fuel surcharges have evolved from being temporary, cost-saving mechanisms into permanent revenue generators. This is why trust and transparency between haulage providers and their customers are essential.
At Invo Fulfilment, we use the Government-approved dataset, and our surcharges are clear and only used when necessary. It’s part of our straightforward approach and how we operate as an EOT business.
Please get in touch to request a transport quote or to find out more about our services.
- Maximising your mileage: Driving efficiency in transport - April 21, 2026
- Invo Fulfilment Becomes a Colleague-Owned Business - April 2, 2026
- Why the Oil Crisis is Everyone’s Problem - March 26, 2026