Building Supplier Saves $1.2 Million with Fleet Optimizations

For a prominent North American building supply company with a fleet of over 2,700 power units, inefficient fueling practices were a direct barrier to growth. The company needed a sophisticated energy management strategy to support its 500+ locations. By implementing a comprehensive fleet fuel management program centered on data analysis and strategic mobile fueling, the client transformed its operations. This partnership delivered over $1.2 million in annual savings, turning a major cost center into a competitive advantage.

Uncovering inefficiencies in fleet fuel procurement

As a North American leader in building supplies, the company managed a large, geographically dispersed fleet to deliver roofing and siding solutions nationwide. With over 2,700 power units and 1,300 Moffetts (truck-mounted forklifts) operating from more than 500 locations, their growth was limited by a decentralized and inefficient approach to fleet fueling. Without a structured program, the company encountered several significant business challenges that directly impacted both its bottom line and operational agility. The primary hurdles included heavy reliance on retail fuel purchases with minimal discounts, substantial driver downtime spent at fuel islands, and a lack of integrated data to identify cost-saving opportunities. These factors created logistical bottlenecks and made it difficult to negotiate competitive rates, ultimately hampering their ability to scale effectively.

Implementing a data-driven fleet management and mobile fueling solution

To address these challenges, the building supplier partnered with Breakthrough to implement a data-driven fleet management solution. The process was structured to deliver maximum value with minimal disruption.

First, fuel data was collected and aggregated from various sources, including fuel cards and vendors. Then using Breakthrough’s proprietary analytics model the complex data was converted into clear, actionable insights. The analysis confirmed that a large portion of the client’s fuel was purchased from retail sources at a high cost.

Based on this analysis, Breakthrough determined that most company branches were prime candidates for mobile fueling. From there, a comprehensive RFP process was initiated to select the best mobile fueling vendors for each location and the client was guided through a seamless implementation. For branches where retail fueling remained necessary, the client’s purchasing volume was leveraged to negotiate substantial discount programs. Finally, ongoing management through monthly scorecards and reporting was established to ensure sustained performance and continuous improvement.

Achieving tangible results through strategic fleet fuel management

The implementation of a strategic fleet fuel management program produced immediate, quantifiable improvements in cost and efficiency. By shifting to a model that prioritized mobile fueling and optimized retail negotiations, the client unlocked significant financial and operational benefits.

The results included:

• $1.2+ Million in Annual Fuel Savings: A cumulative reduction in fuel expenses across the entire network.

• $55,000+ in Monthly Retail Fuel Savings: Achieved through newly negotiated discount programs.

• $50,000 in Monthly Mobile Fueling Savings: Gained by transitioning to efficient, on-site fueling, which also provided tax advantages at many locations.

• Increased Labor Productivity: Eliminating 30-minute refueling stops returned valuable time to drivers and removed operational bottlenecks.

• Specialized Equipment Fuel Savings: Strategic sourcing for Moffett forklifts resulted in savings of up to 50 cents per gallon.

This data-driven approach continues to support the client's growth initiatives, proving that a well-executed fuel strategy is a powerful tool for operational excellence.

Optimizing fleet operations for maximum savings and productivity

For a large-scale building supplier, the shift away from decentralized procurement proved that precise data and strategic partnerships are essential for sustainable growth. By integrating a comprehensive fleet fuel management program with targeted mobile fueling, the company didn't just solve immediate logistical challenges; it established a scalable framework for future efficiency. This transformation turned a volatile expense into a controlled advantage, securing over $1.2 million in annual savings while giving drivers valuable time back. As the industry evolves, this data-led approach ensures the fleet remains agile, cost-effective, and ready to support long-term expansion goals.