We all know that fleet fueling prices have gone up. We see it everyday at the pump. We feel it in our wallets. But why? Is it because of supply and demand? Is it because of volatility in the Middle East? Just what exactly is driving diesel and gasoline prices higher? It's simple. The way this fleet fueling professional sees it, it's all because of a four-letter word that begins with F.... Read More

The answer should be both. You and your fuel program should be working together in harmony. However, with diesel fuel prices going up and down like a yo-yo, and your work schedule getting busier, not easier, it probably feels like neither is winning. And, why?

Perhaps you feel helpless against rising fuel costs. And, in fact, they are out of your control. Even minor fluctuations in pricing can have a big impact on your bottom line. Your focus on crude oil and gasoline is magnified because you have a daily need for them. Gasoline is powering your cars and diesel fuel is moving your trucks down the highway. However, keep in mind, prices on all commodities change constantly. There are so many being traded each and everyday that you don’t worry about, let alone even heard of. When’s the last time you checked out the current trading price for pork bellies? Well, don’t bother. Focus instead on putting a good fleet fuel management program in place that will gain you control, cost savings and less worry.... Read More

It's really hard to believe that diesel fuel prices and gas prices are falling, especially if your local gas station hasn't lowered prices yet. Ok, I realize that MOST of us have not seen the lower fleet fueling prices at the pump yet. This is basically because most retail locations are taking their time lowering their prices—and your fueling costs. But yesterday, in the fairly small town where I live, the price for gas at a low-cost retail station was down to $3.93 a gallon. A half mile away it was $4.09 a gallon, and half mile in the other direction it was $4.19 a gallon. Knowing the fueling market as well as I do I recognize that even that low-cost retail station is making a nice margin. The others are knocking it out of the park, but that isn't good for consumers. Keep watching, prices will drop down near you soon, fueling costs will get better, trust me.... Read More

Yes, crude oil had its biggest weekly loss in terms of dollars since 1983. 5 straight days of loss has brought crude oil down to a Friday close of $97.47 a barrel. You might ask yourself why are my diesel fuel prices still high? It will take a few weeks for it to hit the retail market. For the week crude lost almost $17 a barrel. For every dollar crude goes up or down it relates close to 3 cents a gallon for diesel fuel prices or gas prices. I hope a light bulb is going off in your head right now because yes a $17 loss to the barrel means diesel fuel prices should go down 51 cents per gallon and the same is true with gas.... Read More

It certainly seems that "outsourcing" is the buzzword across most industries these days. Fleet fuel management is no exception. If you are the president, finance or operations manager, or even fuel manager at a fleet company, you should already know that now is the time to outsource your fuel management. I'm not talking about outsourcing to a company located outside of this country, say India or China. There are companies with fuel management experts located right here in the good ol' U-S of A. They have extensive experience with diesel fuel prices, fuel cards, mobile fueling and overall fuel management in almost every aspect of the business.... Read More

I feel strongly that client communication is essential, especially when there are major global issues impacting the fuel industry. We're all reading the headlines and the news can be scary. In fact, I believe that the main driver of increasing fuel costs is not supply and demand, but fear and uncertainty.... Read More