Fleet overspending is not always caused by factors such as fuel prices or maintenance issues… Sometimes the biggest cost factors are human. From behavioural habits to subtle environmental influences, understanding the psychology of your drivers can help fleet managers reduce any unnecessary costs and improve overall efficiency.

The Hidden Causes Behind Overspending

Overspending from fleets can stem from a range of psychological behaviours.

• Fuel station loyalty: Some drivers prefer familiar brand for specific stations, even when cheaper alternatives are available nearby.
• Convenience bias: Drives will most likely pick the quickest, easiest option when it comes to fuel stations, even if that means the more expensive option.
• Per diem mentality: When drivers see fuel allowances as entitlements, they may treat is as money to use up rather than manage efficiently.
• Social norms: If the company culture permits or even subtly encourages lax expense habits, it can spread amongst the team.

What the Research Says

A study by Teletrac Navman found that poor driving behaviour, including harsh braking, speeding, and idling, can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%.

Meanwhile, insights from Behavioural Science in Transport published by the UK Department for Transport show that small nudges (such as route planning alerts or fuel efficiency scores) can significantly influence driver behaviour and reduce operational costs.

How to Curb Overspending: Practical Solutions

Educate Drivers on Cost Impact

Many drivers aren’t aware of how much their behaviours cost the business. Simple training on:

Optimal driving techniques

Fuel-saving tips

Smart route planning

…can significantly improve awareness and accountability. Find more information on this through our news section.

Use Telematics and Fuel Data

Telematics tools can provide real-time feedback on fuel use, driver behaviour, and route choices. For example, Right Fuel Card’s telematics solution gives managers detailed insight into:

Excessive idling

Route inefficiencies

Fuel usage anomalies

Pair this with regular reporting to flag unusual patterns or misuse.

Set Clear Policies and Incentives

A strong expense policy with clear consequences, and positive reinforcement when targets are met - can reshape spending habits. Consider:

Monthly fuel usage targets

Rewards for lowest cost per mile

Penalties for out-of-policy spend

Implement a Smarter Fuel Card

Switching to a controlled fuel card, like the Edenred Black Fuel Card, allows you to:

Monitor spend across different vehicle types

Restrict card usage to approved fuel types and locations

Consolidate invoicing for better visibility

Culture Counts

Changing behaviour is not just about tech and policy, it’s about culture. Fleet managers should:

• Lead by example

Celebrate efficient drivers

Create a shared responsibility for cost savings

As shown in a McKinsey report on behavioural change, sustained change comes from a mix of systems, storytelling, and peer influence.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the psychology behind fleet overspending empowers you to take meaningful action. By combining behavioural insights, technology, and a supportive culture, fleet managers can make overspending the exception, not the rule.

Want to reduce costs and streamline fuel management? Explore our fuel card options and discover how smarter spending starts with the right tools.