The multi-client study, The U.S. Commercial Fleet Market Forecast published by Havill & Company, reported that over 80 percent of fleet operators see the majority of their vehicles return to a home-base (the same location) each night.  As expected, fleets in the long haul (61 percent domiciled) and construction (69 percent) segments were less likely to be domiciled at a home-base location.

Domiciled fleets are less dependent on the existing fuel infrastructure and therefore have more vehicle and fuel technology options at their disposal.  Onsite fueling is a consideration for fleets with sufficient volume to justify the fixed cost.  The primary advantages of onsite fueling are supply security and the ability to purchase fuel at wholesale prices.  Onsite fueling can also increase driver productivity when vehicles are fueled by facility personnel.  These advantages are offset by the cost of building and operating an onsite facility and the increased liability of storing products that are flammable and hazardous to the environment.  Mobile fueling (wet-hosing) has been adopted by fleets wanting increased driver productivity without the burden of maintaining an onsite fuel facility.

Domiciled fleets also have more choices of fuel types.  Alternative fuel such as electricity, natural gas, propane, and E85 are considerations when usage is sufficient to justify an onsite fueling facility.  Dual fuel vehicles that also burn fossil fuels extend the range of alternative fuel vehicles.  Motor pools can improve vehicle utilization by requiring drivers to reserve vehicles ahead of time.  New vehicle sharing technology enables drivers to schedule vehicles using a computer or mobile phone.

Dispersed fleets are constrained by the available fuel infrastructure.  Gasoline and diesel fuel locations are widely available.  Fleet operators can realize savings by fueling at facilities that are on-route.  Here, payment method is important.  Universal fleet card programs and branded card programs with large fueling networks are logical choices.  Fraud controls and reporting are also key considerations when selecting a payment method.

Operating a dispersed fleet does not preclude the use of alternative fuels, but requires attention to travel patterns and the available fuel infrastructure.  Alternative fuel networks are continuously evolving.  For example, charging stations for electric vehicles are expected to grow from 20,000 worldwide today to more than 3 million in five years.  The LeanGreenFleet web has links to current fuel pricing and network locations under each fuel type in the fuel technology section.