When a massive portion of your budget is constantly going into fuel purchases, truck owners and fleet managers need to use fuel cards to maximize their profit margin. It is recommended to use a fuel card from a reputable company that has a vast network of fuel stations. Fuel continues to be the second-largest expense for a trucking company. As of 2022, the average fuel consumption in the US amounted to around 4 million barrels per day. This accounts for about 20 percent of the trucking industry’s total operating costs.
You can also integrate fuel data into fleet management systems and reap tons of benefits. In this blog post, we will briefly discuss fuel cards, how a fuel card for owner-operators works, and some of the best fuel cards for truckers to consider in 2023.
What are fuel cards for truckers
Fuel cards are essential for truck owners to manage their cash flow. They work like credit cards, allowing the purchase of fuel through the card and offering an extended payment period of 60-90 days. It’s a convenient way to pay for all of your fuel purchases at the fuel station as it is the best alternative to cash, debit, or credit cards, allowing you to purchase fuel at current fuel prices. So, whether you manage a small fleet or are an owner-operator, a fuel card is a key tool to keep your business running smoothly.
Based on their pricing, fuel cards can be categorized into two types:
- Fixed-price fuel cards: The fuel rate for the entire week is set in advance and you are informed of the rate a week ahead. This allows you to refuel at a lower price if you anticipate an increase in fuel prices.
- Pump-price fuel cards: They charge you based on the price displayed at the pump. One of the main benefits of using this type of fuel card is that it is widely accepted at major fueling stations.
Besides fuels, some fuel card companies also allow you to purchase additional items such as lubricants, car washes, toll payments, etc. Fuel cards for truckers can be used to monitor and control the fuel consumption in your fleet.
At the same time, they can help you streamline several operations such as fuel purchase tracking in real-time, auditing expenses, automated IFTA reports, setting spending limits, etc.
Best Fuel Card for Truckers
While choosing the best fuel card for truckers to feature in this blog post, we looked for fuel cards that offered the best possible fuel discounts. We also wanted to feature fuel cards with a strong network of national coverage and robust expense management features.
Let’s discuss some good fuel card options for truckers and which ones would work best for them.
1. EFS Fuel Card
EFS fuel card for truckers works best for large and small trucking businesses or owner-operators working in a specific region of the country. Unlike its competitors, this fuel card for truckers does not provide national coverage. Despite that, it does offer something that makes it considerable.
EFS fuel card helps you potentially save at least 15 cents or more per gallon by utilizing discounts available at over 2200 EDGE stores. On the other hand, there are no monthly charges or transaction fees on the fuel purchased using this fuel card.
2. Comdata Fleet Card
If you’re looking for fuel discounts, expense management features, compliance, and many more—all in one place – then the Comdata fleet card is for you. Whether you’re a fleet manager managing a hundred vehicles or an owner-operator, this fuel card provider makes things easier for you. Some of its prominent features include zero transaction fees, nationwide acceptance at over 15,000 locations, additional rebates on different locations, 24/7 driver support and online account management, etc. With this fuel card, you can get around a whopping 65 percent discount on tires and retreads at over 3,000 locations.
3. Pilot Fleet Card
Also commonly known as the Axle fleet card, the Pilot fleet card is poles apart from its competitors. Unlike other fuel cards for truckers, this fuel card does not provide any direct savings per gallon of gas. Instead, it offers 3 percent of cashback. Besides, you can also receive extensive loyalty programs at select fuel stations. Using the Pilot fleet card, you can also get reasonable discounts on lodging, maintenance, document scanning, tax services, etc. This fuel card is accepted by more than 2,000 fuel stations, including Pilot Flying J, Sapp Bros, Casey’s, etc. Those using the card will not face issues with the contract or any annual card fee.
4. Fleet One
Also sold under the EFS brand name, the Fleet One Edge card can be obtained through various means. With its participation in the WEX network, Fleet One offers access to thousands of fuel stations within its network and provides additional discounts on services such as vehicle maintenance plans.
This fuel card for truckers offers an ideal balance between its acceptability at a significant number of fueling stations and the per-gallon savings it provides, making it highly appealing to many trucking companies. It is advisable to evaluate the savings offered by each option rather than making assumptions, and even if you believe another card is superior, the Fleet One Edge card is still worth considering.
5. Fuelman Fuel Card
Fuelman fuel card is considered a smart choice made by most owner-operators and fleet managers as it offers freedom, flexibility, and maximum control over your trucking business. The best thing about this fuel card is that it helps you avoid fraud and abuse of customizable fuel controls. This fuel card for truckers offers fuel rebates at several fuel stations across the US. Apart from that, it also offers a maintenance manager that helps you schedule, track, approve, and pay for maintenance. This fuel card company has some of the best options to offer as per your business model. Whether you are a small trucking company or a fleet manager managing thousands of vehicles, you can rely on this fuel card.
6. WEX Fleet Card
The WEX Fleet Card is a great option for both small and big fleets looking for a dependable and effective fuel management solution. It has versatility and widespread acceptance across many fuel stations. Its acceptance at more than 95% of gas stations in the United States is one of its notable characteristics, offering fleet owners and truckers flexibility and convenience. Businesses can also establish purchasing controls and expenditure limits using the WEX Fleet Card, which aids in efficient cost management. By avoiding any unauthorized or excessive spending, these controls guarantee that gasoline purchases remain under budget. The WEX Fleet Card provides savings and rebates on fuel and maintenance services in addition to its wide network and strong management features.
7. TVC Pro-Driver
For truckers and fleet owners, the TVC Pro-Driver Fuel Card, powered by Expediter Services and accepted at more than 15,000 locations, provides significant savings and advantages. The average weekly savings for cardholders is $150, which adds up to an amazing $7,800 annually. It’s crucial to understand the related expenses, which include a $60 monthly subscription and $2.50 in-network and out-of-network transaction fees, even with the savings. Along with discounts on commercial tires and other worthwhile perks, the TVC Pro-Driver Fuel Card also has a driver rewards program. Cardholders can benefit from personal coverage choices including emergency roadside assistance. With 7,000 highly regarded attorneys and $0 out-of-pocket access to the country’s largest attorney provider network, CDL protection is one of the most notable advantages. By offering legal support when required, this network helps to safeguard your career and keeps your CDL safe.
8. TCS
TransConnect Services (TCS), typically abbreviated as TCS, provides fleet owners with an average fuel savings of 50 cents per gallon, which is exceptional in an industry where many fuel cards offer less than 10 cents per gallon. This unique feature makes TCS stand out from its competitors. However, it’s essential to note that these savings are only available at participating fueling stations, which are limited in number. Despite its limited fuel station coverage, the TCS fleet card provides valuable services such as dashboard snapshots, fuel station locators, and customized account management. It’s worth considering TCS for the potential savings it offers, but before making a decision, it’s crucial to check if it aligns with your planned routes.
| Fuel cards | Company Size | Fuel Saving | Discounts | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EFS Fuel Card
|
Small and large scale trucking business |
15 cents per gallon |
2200 EDGE stores |
$55.99/month |
|
Comdata Fleet Card |
Small trucking business (100 or more) |
$0.25 off per gallon |
65% on tires and retreads |
$8/month, $50 sign up fee |
|
Pilot Fleet Card |
Small fleets and owner operators |
Have smaller firms in comparison
|
12 cents per gallon |
No |
|
Fleet One
|
Small trucking business |
$0.15 per gallon |
On major tire brands |
$8/month, $75 sign up fee |
|
Fuelman Fuel Card |
Large fleets |
5 to 8 cents per gallon |
1 reward point per gallon |
$4 (regular),
$8 (plus),
$12 (premium) |
|
WEX Fleet Card |
Small and large fleets
|
3 cents per gallon
|
Fuel and maintenance
|
$2/month, $40 sign up fee
|
|
TVC Pro-Driver |
Truckers and fleet operators |
Average $150 saved a week
|
Reward program (e.g. commercial tire discounts)
|
$60/month, $2.50 in network |
|
TCS
|
Small trucking business and owner operators
|
50 cents per gallon
|
Tire and services
|
$0 activation, membership, monthly or annual fee
|
How Does Trucker Fuel Card Works
Trucker fuel cards are essential tools for trucking companies and independent drivers. They help manage fuel expenses while offering discounts, tracking, and control features. This guide explains how they work step by step.
1. Apply for a Fuel Card
The first step is choosing a fuel card provider that fits your business needs. Look for features like discounts, station coverage, and reporting tools. After selecting a provider, apply by submitting details about your trucking business, including fleet size and financial information. Some providers may require a credit check, while others offer no-credit-check options.
2. Receive and Activate the Card
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the fuel cards for your fleet. Follow the instructions provided by the card issuer to activate them. Activation typically involves setting up driver profiles, assigning cards, and configuring security settings like PIN codes.
3. Use the Card at Partner Fuel Stations
Drivers can use the fuel card at participating fuel stations, which are usually part of a nationwide network. At the pump:
- Swipe or insert the fuel card like a regular credit card.
- Enter driver-specific details like a PIN, driver ID, or vehicle mileage (if required).
- Fuel up and hit the road!
The card covers fuel and sometimes other services like maintenance and tolls, depending on the provider.
4. Track Fuel Purchases in Real-Time
One of the biggest advantages of trucker fuel cards is automatic transaction tracking. Every fuel purchase is logged instantly, including details like location, amount, and date. Fleet managers can monitor expenses through an online portal, helping streamline bookkeeping and reduce paperwork.
5. Enjoy Fuel Discounts and Perks
Fuel cards often come with significant discounts on diesel and other fuels. Some providers also offer cashback, loyalty rewards, or savings on additional services like maintenance, repairs, or even lodging at truck stops. These benefits can add up, lowering operating costs over time.
6. Manage and Control Expenses
Fuel cards allow fleet managers to set spending limits, restrict fuel types, and limit usage by time or location. This prevents fuel theft, unauthorized purchases, and misuse. Detailed transaction reports help identify unusual spending patterns, ensuring complete control over fuel expenses.
Integrate Fuel Cards with LoadStop
Some of the leading transportation management systems including LoadStop provide fuel card integrations to help increase fleet efficiency for the trucking companies.
LoadStop TMS solution provides a platform that integrates with the fuel card system to provide real-time information and reporting on fuel usage, expenses, and other data relevant to the management of transportation operations.
With fuel card integration, TMS users can access up-to-date information about fuel purchases, costs, and vehicle fuel efficiency. This helps organizations monitor fuel expenses, improve vehicle performance, and reduce costs associated with transportation operations.
Fuel cards for truckers are the smartest and most efficient way to optimize and control your fuel costs. When fuel prices are frequently going up, it is recommended to make a wise decision by opting for the best fuel card for your fleet.
Cut costs and save miles!
Book a DemoFAQs
Fuel cards simplify fuel management while offering valuable perks like savings, reporting tools, and security features. They’re ideal for trucking businesses looking to save money, reduce administrative work, and ensure drivers stay on track.
No, fuel cards are usually accepted only at participating stations within the provider’s network. Be sure to check the network coverage before choosing a fuel card.
Fuel cards use security features like driver PINs, purchase limits, and location restrictions. Fleet managers can monitor transactions in real-time and set custom usage rules to prevent unauthorized spending.