Motive’s Fuel Stop Recommendations make it easier for drivers to choose the optimal place to fuel up, eliminating the need for coaching conversations. This helps drivers get clear, timely suggestions while fleets save more on fuel with less manual effort or coaching.
Overview
Fuel Stop Recommendations are smart driver alerts that suggest better-priced fuel stops during a trip. These recommendations help fleets control fuel spend, reduce manual coaching, and make good fueling decisions easier for drivers.
- Fuel savings: Helps fleets reduce fuel costs by 2–10% by guiding drivers to nearby stations with better prices.
- Smart recommendations: Uses tank size, price difference, and detour distance to only send notifications when the savings are beneficial.
- Driver-friendly experience: Gives drivers clear, timely suggestions so they don’t have to search maps or perform calculations while driving.
- Automatic coaching: Replaces uncomfortable fuel coaching conversations with automated notifications delivered at the right time.
Enabling Fuel Stop Recommendations
- Go to Fleet Dashboard > Admin > Products > Cards > Settings.
- Click Edit in the Fuel Stop Recommendations section.
- Check the box for Recommend less expensive fuel stops to drivers via the Motive Driver App and SMS > click Save.
| Note: Fleets can inform drivers about the helpful tips they will receive via the Driver App to help save the fleet’s expenses, ensuring they read the information. |
Fuel Stop Recommendation Notifications
Once enabled, Drivers are notified via Driver App notifications or SMS.
Low Fuel Notifications
This is a timely recommendation sent before the transaction occurs.
- This notification is sent when the vehicle hits a 20% fuel level.
- Motive identifies that the driver needs fuel soon and scans live price feeds from its partners to recommend a specific stop that balances maximum savings with minimal expense.
Post-Transaction Notifications
This acts as an automated missed opportunity notification after money has already been spent.
- This notification is sent approximately 10 minutes after a transaction is completed (based on estimated fuel tank level changes).
- If the driver filled up at an expensive station when a cheaper one was nearby, Motive notifies them of the approximate savings they missed and reminds them about their access to the Savings Finder application.
FAQs
General Functionality
How does the system decide if a fuel stop is "worth it"?
Our algorithm looks at three main factors:
- The live price difference at nearby stations.
- The driver's vehicle tank capacity
- The out-of-route distance
If the potential savings don't justify the extra driving time and fuel burned, we will not send a notification.
Will these notifications distract or spam my drivers?
No, we designed this feature to be minimally intrusive. The system sends a maximum of 3 recommendations per driver per day, though the vast majority of drivers will only receive 1 highly relevant notification per day.
Do my drivers need to be actively looking at their phones to use this?
No, the goal is to "not make drivers think." Drivers will receive a simple Push Notification or SMS telling them exactly where to go, eliminating the need for them to pull over and manually search the map.
Do you recommend off-route fuel stops?
No, we ensure that it’s not a significant detour for the driver. This is estimated real-time based on fuel tank level, routing and estimated fuel needed.
What fuel stops would you recommend?
We prioritize where you would save the most, and while priority is given to Motive Card partners, it is not over your savings or the detour your drivers would have to take.
What does my driver need to do to receive these notifications?
Enable Motive Driver App notifications as described here
Low Fuel Notifications
When exactly does the low fuel notification get triggered?
By default, the notification triggers when our telematics indicate the vehicle has reached a 20% fuel level. This is configurable in the admin section.
Will the system recommend a station that is 30 minutes in the wrong direction?
No, our algorithm specifically factors in out-of-route distance and live pricing to ensure we only recommend stations that offer maximum savings with minimal deviation from their current route.
Post-Transaction Notifications
Why notify a driver after they have already bought fuel?
Post-transaction notifications are designed as a gentle coaching tool. If a driver fills up at an expensive station when a significantly cheaper one was nearby, this notification reminds them of the missed savings and encourages them to use the Savings Finder app next time.
How soon after a fill-up does the driver get this notification?
The notification is sent approximately 10 minutes after the transaction is completed, based on estimated fuel tank level changes.
Are the missed savings shown in the post-transaction alert exact?
The savings shown are approximate. They are calculated based on the estimated fuel tank level changes and the price difference at the alternative station we identified.
Setup and Configuration
How do I turn these notifications on for my fleet?
Go to your Admin Settings page, locate the 'Fuel Notifications' section, and toggle on 'Low Fuel Level' and/or 'Post-Transaction' notifications.
Can I choose to only use one type of notification?
Yes, you have full control in your Admin settings to turn on either Low Fuel notifications, Post-Transaction notifications, or both, depending on what works best for your fleet's coaching style.
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