Ways fleets can reduce total cost of ownership

According to Shell Fleet Solution’s 2025 Fleet Trends Survey, a resounding 91% of fleet professionals say reducing costs is a top priority for this year. But while many factors driving up total cost of ownership (TCO) may seem beyond control, fleets still have powerful tools to regain command. From fleet cards to analytics dashboards and telematics platforms, smart solutions are putting visibility and control back into the hands of operators.

The hidden costs of total ownership 

TCO in a fleet context extends far beyond the purchase price of vehicles. It encompasses fuel, maintenance, insurance, compliance, downtime, administrative labor, and even depreciation. Unfortunately, many of the most impactful costs are the hardest to see—until it's too late.

Administrative inefficiencies, fuel fraud or misuse, and unplanned maintenance can quietly chip at margins. That’s why at Shell Fleet Solutions, we believe that managing TCO starts with visibility and ends with control. Without a full understanding of where dollars are going—or where they’re being lost—fleets cannot make informed decisions to bring spend down.  

Fuel efficiency: The first and fastest win 

Fuel is typically a fleet’s largest variable expense, which makes it the ideal place to pursue fast, measurable gains through fleet cards. For example, Shell Card users unlock immediate savings with tiered rebates of up to 6¢ per gallon—and even more at designated bonus locations.  

Beyond the pump, an analytics platform transforms fuel data into actionable intelligence. ClearView analytics offers tools like exception dashboards and outlier scatterplots, fleets can detect anomalies, identify underperforming drivers or vehicles, and target high-impact areas for intervention.

Electrification offers another long-term opportunity for cost control. Studies suggest EVs could lower fleet TCO by 15–25% compared to internal combustion vehicles by 2030. The Shell Card supports both traditional and electric fueling needs, consolidating expenses and reporting for mixed fleets while providing access to a growing network of EV charging partners.

Maintenance matters: Prevent now, save later 

Maintenance isn’t just a cost center—it’s a key to cost prevention. Shell Fleet Solutions helps fleets stay ahead of repairs with up to 20% discounts at Jiffy Lube through our preventive maintenance partnership. With digital scheduling support, automatic alerts, and paperless billing, fleets can reduce downtime, extend vehicle life, and enhance resale value.

Safety is another maintenance-adjacent priority that pays dividends. With driver behavior accounting for up to 47% of the total cost of mobility, promoting safe habits isn’t just about compliance—it’s about cost reduction. And according to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, the average on-the-job accident costs more than $75,000, making driver safety programs and behavioral monitoring critical levers for long-term savings.

Smarter spending: Visibility, fraud prevention, and spend controls 

The old adage “what gets measured gets managed” applies directly to fleet spending. That’s why tools like Shell Account Manager Online and ClearView analytics—both of which are provided to all Shell Card users— are essential. One third of 2025 survey respondents ranked data analytics among their top three benefits of fleet cards, which means most fleets may be overlooking the critical role of data in cost control.  

Digital tools like these allow for real-time transaction monitoring, driver-specific PINs, purchase restrictions, and automatic receipt capture. These safeguards reduce fraud risk and streamline reconciliation, freeing up valuable administrative time. Analytics, in particular, help managers drill down into spending patterns to identify inefficiencies and enforce policy compliance.

Invest in what you can control 

Reducing TCO isn’t about doing more with less—it’s about doing more with the right tools. While many cost pressures are external, Shell Fleet Solutions offers a suite of internal levers to help fleet operators navigate the road ahead. From meaningful fuel rebates and integrated EV charging to preventive maintenance partnerships and data-rich analytics, Shell empowers fleets to make smarter, faster decisions.

In a market defined by change, one thing remains constant: the need for confidence and clarity. If TCO is top of mind, take time to reflect on your fleet’s current cost strategies and consider which tools can support your goals—not just for 2025, but for the long haul.