The hidden costs of summer: How to keep your fleet efficient, cool, and compliant

Summer brings longer daylight hours, better driving conditions and a spike in operating costs for fleet managers. Rising fuel prices, higher toll volumes, increased breakdowns, and overheated vehicles all pile onto your already-tight margins.

In this blog, we break down the hidden costs of summer fleet operations and show you how to stay ahead of them with smarter systems, better tools, and operational foresight.

1. Fuel prices don’t just rise – They surge

Summer typically brings higher fuel demand across Europe, driven by both commercial and private travel. For fleet operators, this means:

• Price volatility at the pump
• Longer wait times at popular fuel stations
• Greater pressure on route planning

What you can do:

• Use a multi-network fuel card to access competitive rates and avoid price traps.
• Integrate real-time fuel tracking apps to optimise refueling stops.
• Monitor high-traffic zones and detour accordingly to save both fuel and time.

2. Tolls, traffic, and time losses multiply

European holiday traffic means more than just congestion – it means unpredictable toll bills and delayed deliveries. For example:

• German and French motorways see a 15–20% increase in toll usage in July–August.
• Mismanaged toll claims can lead to lost VAT refunds.

Solution:

• Ensure your toll systems are integrated with your fleet management platform.
• Choose toll services that offer automated invoicing and cross-border coverage.
• Double-check that you’re reclaiming VAT and excise duties efficiently – otherwise, you’re leaving money on the road.

3. Mechanical stress and summer breakdowns

High temperatures stress engines, batteries, and tires. In fact, breakdowns due to overheated engines or worn tires spike by up to 25% during summer months.

Tips for prevention:

• Schedule preventive maintenance before peak summer runs.
• Use platforms that alert you about wear-and-tear trends across your fleet.
• Make roadside service access a priority – especially on long-haul international routes.

4. Driver fatigue and compliance risks

Longer days = longer shifts. And that can backfire.

Summer fatigue contributes to poor decision-making, longer reaction times, and more accidents. It also increases the risk of HOS (Hours of Service) violations during random checks.

Mitigation tactics:

• Implement digital logbooks and alert systems to manage driving hours proactively.
• Offer cooling options and comfortable breaks for long-distance drivers.
• Track and document all compliance-related activities for audit readiness.

5. The case for operational simplicity

With so many moving parts in summer, overcomplicated systems can slow you down.

Fleet operators that thrive in the summer months are those who simplify—with one card, one app, one system to handle everything from fuel to tolls to maintenance.

Summer’s a stress test. Pass It.

Every summer reveals the cracks in your fleet operations.

The best-performing transport companies aren’t the ones who spend more – but the ones who unburden their teams, streamline their systems, and make data-driven decisions on the road.

That’s what we’re here for.

Our TFC card gives you access to 4,600+ stations, real-time route and fuel tracking, toll solutions, and VAT reclaim tools

All in one place.