The year’s flying by, and we’re already in July – the mid-point of the business calendar. It’s the perfect time to pause, and check in on how your fleet is performing when it comes to fuel spend. Whether you manage a few company cars or a fleet of vans, here are some things to consider when reviewing where you’re at. Plus, show you how to course-correct if you need to and finish the year strong.
Track your fuel spend so far
Start by getting a clear picture on what you’ve spent so far this year – and how that compares to your original targets or expectations. The key things to look for are:
- Monthly fuel costs – Are they trending up or down?
- Changes in fuel price trends – Have external market shifts played a role?
- Average spend per driver or vehicle – Are there any clear outliers?
Remember to use reporting tools from your fuel card provider to view real-time usage and spot anything unusual across your fleet. If you use fuelGenie, the online account dashboard makes it easy. The goal here is to understand not just what you’ve spent, but why.
What’s eating into your budget?
Once you’ve reviewed your spending, the next step is to understand what’s driving up costs.
This could mean:
- Some vehicles using more fuel than others
- Drivers consistently filling up at more expensive stations
- Longer-than-necessary journeys due inefficient routes
- Poor driving habits like idling or harsh acceleration
These kinds of issues are surprisingly common, but easy to miss. That’s why it’s a good idea to review trends at least every few months, especially if your fuel costs are higher than expected.
Set targets for the rest of the year
Don’t worry if things aren’t quite on track right now, there’s still plenty of time to make up ground. A few simple changes can help you regain control over your fleet’s fuel usage:
- Set monthly spend targets for individual drivers or vehicles
- Share regular reminders about good driving habits
- Offer quick refreshers or training on driving efficiency
If you're using the fuelGenie app, you can track your fuel usage in real-time, helping you make sure that spend stays within your set limits.
Use summer to your advantage
The quieter summer months can give you breathing room to make some smart changes. Why not use July and August to:
- Reassess delivery schedules and route planning
- Review your vehicle maintenance to boost fuel economy
- Sit down with drivers and talk through ways to improve
- Launch a mini fuel-saving incentive or internal challenge
Even one small change – like rerouting a delivery run or checking tyre pressures – can help cut costs straight away.
Get More with fuelGenie
When it comes to managing your business finances, choosing the right fuel card provider can make all the difference – not just for your drivers on the road, but for your team in the office too.
fuelGenie brings you a wide range of benefits that help streamline admin, improve visibility, and boost control over your fuel spend.
✔ HMRC-approved invoices
Fuel receipts can be hard to track, especially when you're managing multiple drivers or sites. fuelGenie provides HMRC-approved invoices, making reclaiming VAT quick, easy, and fully compliant. No need to collect paper receipts or worry about missed claims. Everything is captured digitally, saving you time and helping you stay audit-ready.
✔ Simple fleet tracking tools
With fuelGenie’s online account management, you can track spend by driver, vehicle, or team. Spot fuel use trends, flag unusual activity, and monitor costs in real-time, so you always know where your money’s going. It’s perfect for business owners and fleet managers who want better insight without the spreadsheets.
✔ No card fees, no contracts, no surprises
Unlike some providers, fuelGenie comes with no account or card fees. You get competitive pump prices, with no transaction fees, card charges, or minimum spend requirements. Everything’s clear and easy to manage, helping you keep budgets on track.
✔ More locations and rewards with fuelGenie+
If your business covers longer routes or nationwide deliveries, upgrading to fuelGenie+ brings even more flexibility. You’ll get access to thousands of additional stations, including most Shell garages – perfect for mixed fleets or drivers needing 24/7 access.
You’ll also unlock ShellGo+ loyalty rewards, giving drivers the chance to earn money off fuel, hot drinks, snacks or car washes. Plus, higher-canopy pumps and extended facilities make refuelling easier for vans and larger vehicles on the move.
It’s an easy way to stay in control of your fuel spend, reduce admin, and make your budget go even further.
