Another hotly contested category, the Innovation Award goes to Arval’s online rental calculator, which is a fantastic free tool with the ability to define the cost cut-off point between using grey fleet or rental for a business journey.
Developed by the firm’s fleet consultancy team, the calculator allows a user to punch in a few straightforward details about the journey and works out whether it would be more cost-effective to rent a business vehicle or allow the employee to use their own car and claim back the mileage. It also reminds the user about the duty of care aspects of using grey fleet instead of rental and prompts them to check that the employee has valid business insurance and that the vehicle is fit and legal to drive.
For all its merits, arguably the best thing about the calculator is that it doesn’t cost anything and anyone can use it. You don’t have to be an Arval customer (although the company said it can alter rental rates for its customers to give a more accurate representation for those with specific requirements) – just punch in the link www.arval.co.uk/portal/ web/guest/private-car-or-rental-vehicle and you can use it as much as you like.
Highly Commended is TMC’s Micro Audit system, which has the ability to monitor fuel purchases (and pick up on whether employees are filling jerry cans), additional vehicles and under- or over-declared private fuel purchases.
TR Fleet’s Drivesecure system is also Highly Commended. Among other abilities, it can automatically pick up on when a driver is due for an eye test, notify Specsavers and provide the employee with a voucher.
