How to measure idle fuel during delivery

Do not confuse engine-on time at a stop with fuel use. Separate vehicle and refrigeration data and match readings to delivery events.

11 October 2021Updated 23 September 2026

Short answer

Use telematics to total engine-on, zero-speed events, but do not convert that time to litres by itself. Verify fuel quantity from a meter or vehicle data for the same period and track an independent refrigeration unit separately. Match waiting time and door events by stop.

Engine-on time while stationary does not by itself show fuel use or the refrigeration unit's share. First check vehicle and equipment documents to establish whether the setup is direct-drive or has an independent unit.

From telematics, extract date, vehicle, engine-on time, and zero-speed duration by stop. Get vehicle fuel data for the same period; if refrigeration has a separate fuel supply, record its runtime and fuel independently. Do not apply a generic litres-per-hour rate to every vehicle.

For each delivery record waiting time, engine and unit status, door openings, and the measurement source. Keep units and periods consistent when comparing measured fuel per stop. If you have duration only, report idle time rather than fuel savings.

Test reduced waiting or engine-off operation only if vehicle and refrigeration instructions allow it. During the trial track product requirements, duration, and fuel together; assess the change for the tested route and setup.