Automated Fuels Going Green

Automated Fuels (a divison of Spence/Banks Oil, Inc.) would like to announce the new lighting system at the 1st Street Location in Terre Haute, IN.  Automated fuels has installed new LED Lighting which will reduce he energy comsumption by the station's lighting by over 70%.  The new more energy efficient lights also slightly dim at night until someone drives up and the the lights brighten to full strength!  The new lighting helps to make Automated Fuels more environmentally responsible and hopefully help customers save money on their fuel costs.  For more information about the new lighting or becomming an Automated Fuels customer using the Nationwide Pacific Pride Network, please contact us at info@spencebanks.com

Fuel Puchasing Programs and GPS Working Together

There are many fleets across the United States that are using some form of GPS for their fleets.  In general, GPS solutions for fleets hold drivers accountable for location, speed, and routing.  By combining the data from the GPS and the managed fuel program or fleet fueling policy, a business can show that it is making every attempt to reduce cost and be more efficient.

GPS may not only reduce costs of fuel purchases, it could help in other areas as well.  There may be a reduction in insurance premiums,  or increased accountability for idle time or production time, and reduce or eliminate after hours abuse.

So from a company's perspective, the fleet fueling program is FREE, and can offer restrictions on time, day, type, and how much fuel can be purcashed.  It can also track mileage, and who put gas in which vehicle.  The GPS hold employees accountable for their routes and times.  They become more efficient which should make them more productive which does add to the bottom line.  However there is usually some kind of monthly fee for GPS but generally much of that money can be saved simply by the reduction of insurance premiums.

To set up an effective Fleet Fueling Program or discuss GPS options that may be available with your program call (800) AUTO FUEL or email info@spencebanks.com

Fuel Management Programs Critial as Fuel Price Increases

Local gasoline prices have jumped $0.20 to an average of $3.49 per gallon.  Last Friday the average price was around $3.26.  It is a time like now that it is important to start a managed fuel program if you do not have one in place.  According to a Fleet Financials survey a company that implements a managed fuel program can see a reduction in fuel cost of up to 15%!

A comprehensive managed fuel program can track and restrict the following:

Track Mileage, Restrict # of Gallons Purchased , Restrict Time of Day Fuel Can Be Purchased, Restrict Grade or Types of Fuel That Can be Purchased. 

These are just a few examples of what a good managed fuel system can do for you.  Also by using a good commerical fueling service such as Pacific Pride can reduce unathorized non fuel purchases and make employees more productive and back on the road and to their next assignment sooner.  Less time fueling = more time at revenue generating activities = Increase $ for the company.

If you would like to learn more from a managed fuel program, email info@spencebanks.com or call (800) AUTO FUEL

Review Your Fuel Report

It is very important to take time out and see what your fuel report each month.  It can be the greatest tool in managing your fuel cost.  Recently, a local man had been cought steeling from his employer by simply reviewing a fuel report and looking for suspicious activity.  Here are some things to look for:

1. A spike in fuel purchasing compared to an average that had been established over time

2. Looking at where and when fuel was purchased

3.  Looking for other grades or types of fuel pruchased such as premium or diesel.

These are just a few examples of things to look for.  If you see anything that catches your attention, contact your fuel provider and see if they can help you.  Most stations offer surveillance that may help you evaluate if theft is occuring.  (click read more below to read the local store about fuel theft)

Protect Your Pin Numbers & Know Where Your Cards Are!

Everyday across the county we see cases of theft and fraud.  Recently in Oregon this has happened again in the fueling industry.  These types of events are more common as fuel cost increase.

There are two important things to remember!  1.) Do not write your PIN number on the fuel card, card sleeve, or even place it on a note in a wallet.  2.) Know where your cards are at all times.  Have regular and/or random checks to make sure that each person or vehicle has the appropriate card.

Also take advanage of controls offered to you by cardlock stations such as Pacific Pride.  They can help reduce the chances of theft or fraud.  In the recent Oregon story, the accused stole around 1,800 gallons of gas around an average of $3.43 per gallon.  This is costing taxpayers over $6,000 in lost services.  In addition the accused was reselling the gasoline netting himself a profit of nearly $3,600.

Again, ask yourself two questions:  How did he get the pin?  How did they not realize a card was missing to rack up those kind of numbers?  Click "read more" below to read the short story.

Call Automated Fuels and let them help you develop a fuel purchasing policy that can greatly reduce the risk of this happening to you!

 Fuel Cost Still #1 in the Minds of Fleet Owners & Managers

Does you company own vehicles or pay for employee fuel needs?  In a recent article from Fleet Owner Magazine, a study conducted in late 2011 determined that reducing fuel cost was the #1 initiative for most fleet operators.  (To read the full article, click read more below.)

Automated Fuels can help you design and implement a Fuel Purchasing Plan that can help you control cost and provide you with a wealth of information.  Our comprehensive fuel reports can help alert you to areas in which increased attention or control may be able to save you additional time and money.  Each business, vehicle, and drive has unique needs.  This is why a cookie cutter fuel card solution may not have the best results.

Call Jason Starr at Automated Fuels to discuss a customized solution to meet your company's unique needs.  1-800-AUTOFUEL or info@spencebanks.com

Credit Card Skimming – What does it mean?

Orange County, FL – Recently it was announced that 36,000 victims in  a major credit card skimming operation.  But are you asking yourself, “What is skimming?” and “How could it affect my company?”

Credit card skimming is a fairly easy and inexpensive crime to commit but can cost the victims tens of thousands of dollars in the course of a just a few days.  How it works is the crooks place a second credit card reader on top of the first one.  When you insert your card it passes though the fraudulent reader and your number is skimmed and stored until the thief returns for the data.  Once the skimmers have your number they can duplicate your card and presto, they are operating on your name and credit.  Once the card hits its limit or has been reported comprised they throw it away and use a new one.

The article goes on to explain the only way to beat this kind of racket is going into the C-Store to let the clerk run the card.  However, this has its own problems for your driver from having to wait in line twice to activate the pump and get a receipt, spending time in the c-store having coffee to running the risk of unauthorized purchase such as drinks and cigarettes making their way onto your credit card disguised as fuel purchases.

While you company can never be truly risk free the best way is to hire a company like Automated Fuels to help you manage your fuel and fuel related expenses.  Implementing simple techniques such as limiting the type of product such as diesel only, daily or weekly limits on the amount of fuel purchased and letting us figure your MPG saves your drives and accounting staff time which equates to a more profitable company.

For more information contact Automated Fuels at 812-234-3538 or info@spencebanks.com.

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