Fuel and energy costs represent the single largest financial strain on UK transport operations, according to new research released by Webfleet. The study, which surveyed more than 200 UK businesses operating HGV or van fleets, saw more than half (51%) of operators name fuel and energy as their top budget pressure. More than a quarter of fleets (28%) said avoidable vehicle downtime was the inefficiency having the greatest impact on costs, while 23% pointed to underutilised vehicles or assets. Taken together, 67% of fleets said avoidable downtime, asset underutilisation or lost driver time had the greatest impact on fleet costs. “While fleets cannot control fuel prices, greater visibility over consumption, driver behaviour and vehicle performance can help them reduce unnecessary fuel use and manage costs more effectively.