Retail fleets work harder than any other sector, Lightfoot finds

Retail delivery fleets are working longer hours, driving slower routes and placing greater strain on vehicles than fleets in any other industry, according to new analysis from fleet technology specialist Lightfoot.

The data, gathered from Lightfoot-equipped vehicles across multiple sectors over the past 12 months, shows that although retail drivers travel fewer miles individually than drivers in other sectors, the vehicles themselves are used far more intensively and operate under tougher conditions.

Retail fleets included in the analysis represent some of the UK’s best-known brands, including Currys Plc, Iceland, Tesco and Asda.

“For the first time, our analysis shows the considerable strain that retail delivery fleets are under, but that the biggest brands in the sector are recognising these pressures and managing them,” he said.

“Home delivery is now an integral part of any retail business. How this is achieved in terms of cost, safety and productivity is essential to the bottom line.”

Slower routes and longer vehicle use

Lightfoot’s analysis shows that retail drivers cover an average of 5,381 miles per year, compared with 8,238 miles for other at-work drivers.

However, retail vehicles themselves travel far further, averaging 25,362 miles annually, compared with 9,985 miles for vehicles outside the sector.

The difference is largely due to the way retail fleets operate. Retail vehicles are typically used by four to five drivers, compared with a near one-to-one driver-to-vehicle ratio in other sectors.

This shared-use model increases vehicle utilisation but also creates greater compliance and management challenges.

Savage said Lightfoot’s technology helps address this by identifying individual drivers even when vehicles are shared.

“This intensive sharing model places greater strain on vehicles and creates additional compliance, accountability and driver management challenges,” he said.

Lower speeds but greater strain

Retail driving environments also prove more demanding behind the wheel.

Including idling and engine-on time, retail fleets average 16 miles per hour, around 30% slower than non-retail fleets, which average 23 miles per hour.

Even excluding stationary engine time, retail vehicles average just 22mph, compared with 31mph across other sectors.

Despite the slower speeds, retail fleets use more fuel and electricity. Retail vehicles average 22 miles per gallon, compared with 27mpg across all fleets, while electric vehicles achieve 1.4 miles per kWh, compared with 1.9 miles per kWh elsewhere.

Savage said the data reflects the reality of dense urban routes and frequent delivery stops.

“The mechanical load on these vehicles is huge,” he said. “The fact they only average 16 miles every hour over long days and nights shows the vehicles are being used to pick up goods from depots and travel in fairly local areas, but with many stops for deliveries and a lot of congestion.”

The conditions also increase wear on components such as gearboxes and clutches.

Higher driving pressure

Retail drivers also experience more frequent driving incidents, with Lightfoot recording one harsh driving event every three miles, compared with one every 4.5 miles for non-retail fleets.

These events, which include heavy braking or swerving, are influenced by congested roads, urban environments and tight delivery schedules.

“These drivers are often on unfamiliar, crowded roads delivering to customers,” Savage said. “That the number of harsh events recorded is only marginally higher than in other sectors is testament to their skill and commitment.”

Seasonal demand adds further pressure. Lightfoot data shows that 10% of all retail driving hours, miles and fuel consumption occur in the run-up to Christmas, with a significant increase in electric vehicle use during the period.

Retail leading on sustainability

Despite the challenges, retail fleets are also leading the way in sustainability improvements.

According to Lightfoot, 58% of all CO₂ savings recorded across its fleets in 2025 came from retail operators, while the sector also delivered 55% of total fuel cost savings.

Over the past year, Lightfoot’s retail customers saved nearly £8.5 million in fuel costs and 800,000kWh of electricity.

Savage said this reflects a strong culture of driver engagement and data-led fleet management within the retail sector.

“I genuinely think the management and drivers running these complex retail operations have to be applauded,” he said.

“We see cultures in these businesses where compliance, safety and engagement are second to none, and that is not easy when you consider the number of drivers using each vehicle. Establishing accountability from each employee is very important in this working environment, or you can lose control of the fleet, and sight of where problems are arising.”

Tens of thousands of employees use the Lightfoot app to monitor and improve their own driving performance. Drivers using the app achieve a 9% improvement in MPG compared with those who do not.

“In retail fleets specifically, this consistent improvement is helping operators enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions and strengthen overall fleet control in demanding operating environments,” said Savage.