Cobra UK managing director Andrew Smith said: “Any light commercial vehicle that is regularly driving on motorways, dual carriageways and A and B roads should see an impressive reduction in fuel running costs.

"The Fleet Van test showed a 37% reduction in fuel use at a restricted 56mph, but we estimate even by setting the limiter at 70mph, operators will see a 15-20% reduction in fuel use.”

The simple solution to optimising route scheduling is by fitting telematics systems to your vehicles.

There are plenty available which offer anything from a basic sat-nav to stop your drivers getting lost and wasting fuel to a full-blown fleet management system.

A recent survey by TomTom Business Solutions highlighted just how important prompt deliveries are.

According to the study of consumers, conducted by global research consultancy TNS, more than a quarter of respondents have experienced poor punctuality on a regular basis.

Furthermore, 73% of those questioned say they are frequently kept in the dark about delays.

Some 78% of consumers said they would be less likely to use a company again that failed to give precise or acceptable appointment time slots.

A further third (34%) believe service standards (punctual deliveries and job attendance times) have deteriorated since the global economic downturn.

Thomas Schmidt, managing director, TomTom Business Solutions, said: “Fleet management technology has helped thousands of businesses realise significant efficiency gain, and in some cases, meet strict service level agreement targets.

“By boosting service and better managing expectations by communicating reliable ETAs, companies will minimise customer frustrations, culminating in a better experience for them and a strengthening of their business reputations.”

Telematics provider CMS SupaTrak, has worked with many van fleet customers who have seen the benefits of the technology – particularly when it is teamed with driver training.

Managing director Jason Airey said: “In today’s climate, every opportunity to save money is crucial. Yet van drivers could be wasting hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds by using fuel unnecessarily.

This can be difficult to manage, but with a telematics system it is much easier to ensure vans are being driven with fuel efficiency in mind.”

CMS SupaTrak has developed the EcoTrak solution, a telematics system that establishes driver behaviour and characteristics that are in need of improvement including harsh braking, speeding, idling, over revving and excessive throttle use.”

To get the best results, this information is then used to deliver Driving EcoCoaching, where CMS SupaTrak’s expert team train drivers in fuel-efficient driving techniques.