On-site fueling is one of those upgrades that feel powerful on day one but only grow in value as you understand their value better. If you don’t track metrics, you will actually feel that on-site fueling is powerful, but be unable to leverage that power to expand to other yards and routes.

Tracking a few core metrics in the first month of operation is crucial to measuring progress and making improvements. These 5 metrics provide ROI, highlight problems, and increase operational efficiency by measuring what really matters.

1. Minutes Saved per Vehicle per Week

This function was typically performed by fueling units prior to the installation of a bulk fueling system. Units would go to a fueling station, wait in line, fuel up, and then return to service. A bulk fueling system eliminates all of these steps by having the unit 100% of full prior to operation, thereby saving time and increasing productivity.

Even small time savings can have a big impact on your daily operations. For example, saving 10 minutes per vehicle each day adds up to about 4,000 to 5,000 minutes or a full work week every month for a fleet of 25 vehicles. We’re always looking for new ways to improve workflows.

Track it by:

  • Average minutes saved per unit
  • Total hours saved per week/month

2. Off-Route Miles Eliminated

Those miles you didn’t think about can add up with the Hidden Costs of off-route miles. Those off-route miles add up to extra fuel usage, increased tire and brake wear, and an increased risk of an accident. Reduce off-route miles with on-site fueling.

Track:

  • number of fueling detours eliminated
  • miles driven for fueling (before vs after)

This metric measures the relationship between on-site fueling and maintenance cost savings beyond labor savings.

3. Fuel Spend per Mile or per Engine Hour 

The way that fuel is being used per unit of operation. For example, how much fuel is being used per mile traveled or per hour of use.

Although the immediate total cost of continuing to use fuel to trade may not decrease, there is also an increase in efficiency per unit of output.

Track:

  • Cost per mile (for fleets)
  • Cost per engine hour (for heavy equipment)
  • Cost per route or job type

This also plays out in on-site fueling operations, where improved route discipline can reduce idle time, resulting in better ratios while serving the same total gallons.

4. Variance and Anomalies 

When you have all your data like vehicle weight, fuel type, and mileage in one place, it’s easier to spot trends. For example, if a vehicle starts using more fuel than usual, it could mean there’s a problem, such as overloading, using the wrong fuel, or a mechanical issue.

  • a leak
  • unauthorized use
  • mechanical issues
  • poor driving behavior
  • idling habits

Track:

  • week-to-week consumption variance by unit
  • top 10 outliers each month
  • unexplained gallons (shrink)

This is where on-site fueling comes into its own as a control system.

5. Downtime Events Linked to Fuel

With the MP126, you can drive farther on each gallon of fuel, and you’re also less likely to run into fueling problems.

Track:

  • Missed dispatches due to low fuel
  • Emergency refueling events
  • “Ran out” incidents
  • Tow calls related to fuel issues
  • Derate/limp mode events (where applicable)

Even though this model lets you go longer between refueling, fuel-related issues can still happen. These are usually due to needing more frequent refills or better tank monitoring.

Why these 5 matter

We considered other important metrics too, and together, these help you grow or scale back your fueling program as needed. They show your team where you’re making gains and where you might be losing out, so you can save time and avoid mistakes.

This is what an on-site fueling program with clear reporting and flexible scheduling can offer.