Frequent fuel theft in the fleet is one of the challenges faced by fleet managers, managers, or business owners. The ways to protect against fuel theft largely depend on the type of cars in the fleet – cars, light trucks, heavy trucks, construction machines, etc.

When we talk about cars, light trucks or vans, official fuel thefts in the fleet often happen by directly draining from the tank or by filling in a tube or private car instead of the official car. In both cases, you can take measures to prevent drivers from doing this kind of abuse. What can you do?

Use gas station top-up cards for business customers.

They are available from all gas station chains. Why do cards help you protect yourself from fuel abuse? The employees of the gas station are obliged to check the registration numbers of the cars in which fuel is being filled and respectively to notify the company if a discrepancy or fuel is being poured into tubes. Of course, there may be omissions or unscrupulous gas station attendants, but if you have a GPS with fuel control, you can compare the amount of fuel on the invoice from the gas station with the amount reported by the GPS;

Check that the vehicle and the charging card are in the same place at the time and date of filling the tank.

Use GPS tracking devices to compare the information received from the gas station about the date/time and location of refueling with the actual location of the vehicle at that time. Some GPS systems have integration with some gas stations and this comparison can be automatic or semi-automatic.

Monitor the fuel level in the tank and fuel consumption.

Use technical means that allow you to remotely monitor the fuel level in the tank and fuel consumption. Fuel leaks lead to a sharp drop in the fuel level in the tank and ultimately higher fuel consumption.

Invest in GPS devices that can monitor the fuel level in the tank.

If fuel theft exceeds BGN 15-20 per car per month, which is between 7 and 10 liters per month per car, it will be more profitable for you to pay for a GPS with fuel control. Why do GPS devices help protect against fuel theft?

  • GPS devices monitor the fuel level in the tank in real-time. Accordingly, they record the amount of fuel loaded into the tank, as well as drains, if any;
  • The GPS systems record the amount of all fillings and drains of fuel from the tank and can always be checked in time back, through the accompanying software;
  • The recorded information about the fuel drains in the GPS will help you to prove fuel thefts and will respectively serve as evidence in court when seeking responsibility from the driver under the relevant legal order;
  • The information recorded in the GPS system about fuel fillings allows one to compare what is reported with a document (receipt, invoice) from the gas station with the filling recorded by the GPS device. If there is a discrepancy between the two, for example, 20 liters according to the GPS system and 40 liters according to the gas station invoice, then 20 liters “evaporated” or did not enter the tank of the company car.

Create and enforce fuel policy

In these policies, you should clearly define what is expected of drivers when they purchase fuel. Also, you should tell drivers what awaits them if they are caught stealing fuel. Last but not least, you should assign drivers responsibilities related to refueling security such as:

  • to monitor the vehicle during refueling, especially if this happens at a random gas station;
  • cover the keyboard with a hand when entering a PIN code to pay for fuel with a service card at a gas station;
  • to park only in secure places to protect themselves from fuel theft by third parties.

Check all deviations

Check for anything unusual such as questionable fueling locations, unusual fueling times, inaccurate odometer readings, and stops at unusual locations. You can use a GPS to inform you of any stops at sites or gas stations other than your own. Another option of GPS tracking software is to define a maximum length of stay above which you will be notified.

Set fuel consumption standards

Check any deviations from the fuel standards and investigate the causes – driving style, fuel leaks, a damaged car with high consumption, or others.

The implementation of all or part of the listed measures will contribute significantly to limiting or protecting yourself from fuel theft in cars, light trucks, and buses. The “Fuel Control” service from VEM Technology will facilitate the process of implementing all the necessary measures. Take advantage of a free consultation with our specialists by calling us at the indicated coordinates or filling out the form below.