It is a fact of almost every trucking and fleet management business that these 5 ways of draining fuel are widespread and often become common practice for some employees and a chronic problem for the company. An employee in bad faith will quickly expose security gaps and opportunities for personal gain. Regardless of the motive or method, misuse of company funds is theft and should alert company management to serious problems with its employees. Detecting this kind of abuse can sometimes be a serious challenge for the fleet manager or the responsible employee. Here are some of the most common methods of stealing fuel from company vehicles:

1. Draining fuel directly from the tank

Undoubtedly, this is among the most popular methods that truck drivers practice. When a vehicle’s consumption rate is overstated or the company’s fuel consumption control is understated, the driver is allowed to abuse, whether he is paid high or not. Fuel is drained directly from the vehicle’s tank by a hose, and the drained amount goes into a tube that is subsequently used for personal use or sold at a lower price. In vehicles with large tanks of several hundred liters, such thefts are difficult to spot, especially if they are done in small quantities of 20-30 liters.

 2. Draining the “reverse” naphtha

The appropriation of “reverse” naphtha is also a common method used by employees in bad faith to harm companies. We know that for diesel vehicles, fuel not used by the engine should be returned to the tank. However, using the hose for reverse naphtha, the driver pours the excess contents into a tube, and the quantity is used for personal use or resold at a discounted price.

3. Filling fuel into a tube

Sometimes, HGV drivers fill up with fuel, either directly into a tank or in a private vehicle. Subsequently, the consumption is presented as company costs, and the refueled quantity is used for personal purposes or resold.

4. Fraud using a petrol station employee

It is possible that your driver initiated a vicious practice with a certain gas station employee. Here is an example scenario of what could happen as a result: you are presented with a fuel consumption of 200 liters, but the amount received is only half. The money for the difference between the reported and actual fuel is split between your driver and the petrol station employee. 

5. Misuse of fuel by third parties

Draining fuel can be committed not only by your employees but also by third parties. This happens either through direct draining of the tank while the vehicle is parked overnight or through malicious actions of employees at certain petrol stations. Often the schemes are well synchronized and worked into a routine by some employees.

Sometimes it is almost impossible to detect this type of fuel misuse without the help of specialized devices and software. If you suspect these practices are taking place in your company but are having difficulty identifying and recording them contact us and ask about the VEM Fuel Control and the fully managed VEM Fuel Control Pro services. Take advantage of a free consultation with our specialists by contacting us at the details below.