Eqstra Fleet Consulting is embarking on the third South African fleet and travel benchmark study to allow companies to review their current business travel and allowance strategies.

The survey, in association with Tax Consulting South Africa, was first launched in 2013. Participating companies receive a free copy of the published survey results accompanied by a professional interpretation.

“We identified a strong need to collect and publish information to support fleet and travel benchmark strategies,” said managing director of Eqstra Fleet Management, Murray Price. “We have taken care to ensure that we take cognisance of participant feedback and have made enhancements to this years’ survey for additional information which we will collect and publish to provide an enhanced value add to all participants.”

The initial pilot survey started with a participant sample of 67 large corporates and grew to 107 in 2014. The aim is to achieve 200 participants for 2015.

Industry sectors to be covered include:

• Basic materials, mining, farming
• Building, engineering, construction and industrial equipment
• Hospitality, catering and leisure
• Manufacturing, processing and distribution
• Media, printing and telecommunications
• Business services and technology
• Transport and logistics
• Retail and wholesale
• Professional and financial services
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical

The 2015 survey will investigate remuneration structures, travel policies and travel allowances, company car usage, employee travel benefits and fleet management policies.

“Industry benchmarking has become an excellent tool to enable companies to manage their fleets effectively”, adds Price. “In the past few years, by using this technique, we have effected quantifiable savings for our clients. A comprehensive survey of this nature will give fleet operators the information they need to reduce costs and ensure employee retention by offering them competitive remuneration packages.”