As a carrier or owner-operator, you probably already know just how variable and expensive fuel is — but you can’t deliver loads without it! When prices at the pump surge, you could quickly find yourself under significant financial pressure, forcing you to adjust your budget or raise prices to stay afloat.
Fuel is a necessity that can drain your wallet and put your carrier business in a financially precarious position, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Commercial fuel cards can make all the difference, especially if you turn to the best fuel cards for trucking companies.
Why use commercial fuel cards for truckers?
One of the most compelling reasons to use trucking fuel cards is the opportunity for incredible discounts on fuel purchases. After all, fuel is a large and highly variable cost, meaning having something like a fuel card that’s capable of helping reduce expenses can make a significant difference for your business. Since most fuel card programs have established partnerships with gas stations, you’ll be able to save at the pump, have a healthier cash flow, and ultimately raise your bottom line. If you have a bigger fleet, you can significantly benefit from volume-based discounts, whether you’re receiving a certain number of cents off per gallon or a percentage off the total purchase price. Over time, these savings can accumulate, reducing your carrier company’s operational costs.
The best fleet fuel cards for small businesses and large fleets also offer visibility into fuel expenses, allowing you to manage them efficiently. While a driver can use a credit card anywhere and even max it out on the road, fuel cards work a little differently. You can set spending limits and restrictions for each card, helping prevent unauthorized or unnecessary spending. This can also help ensure that drivers adhere to company policies and budgets while also promoting more responsible fuel consumption.
Commercial fuel cards also often offer detailed reporting, providing a bird’s eye view of fuel expenses. You can even view breakdowns of how your discount diesel fuel cards are used, gaining better insights into fuel consumption across your business, detecting irregularities, preventing fraud, and identifying purchasing trends.
In general, fuel cards for trucking companies offer incredible convenience and efficiency for you and your drivers. Not only will your drivers not need to keep track of paper receipts or wait for reimbursements, but you (or your administrative team) won’t have to worry about collecting receipts, processing fuel payments, and reimbursement money. Instead, any purchases made with the fuel card will be automatically tracked and reported, saving everyone time and energy.
Choosing the right fuel card
When it comes to commercial fuel cards, you have plenty of options. However, not all cards are created equal. Some fuel cards are designed with specific audiences in mind. For example, you can find fuel cards for fleets, fuel cards for small fleets, and fuel cards for owner-operators.
Whether you’re a one-person team or in charge of a large, nationwide fleet, when choosing a fuel card, you’ll want to pay attention to:
- Hidden fees: The last thing you want is to be hit with a hidden fee. After all, you got a fuel card to save money, not shell out more! While some of the best fuel cards for truckers have transparent fee structures and no hidden costs, the same can’t be said for all discount diesel fuel cards on the market. Some may surprise you with expensive, unexpected charges, such as transaction fees, annual fees, and out-of-network charges, so read the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises in your billing statements.
- Network size: Unfortunately, not all diesel fuel cards are universally accepted at fueling stations across the country. Some cards have extensive networks, making them convenient for long-haul truckers or carriers operating in a variety of regions. However, other discount diesel fuel cards for fleets or owner-operators may have more limited acceptance, which could restrict your choices when it comes to fueling up on the go. Choose a provider with a network that aligns with your routes and preferred fueling locations to ensure you get the most out of your fuel card.
- Reporting and analytics: Reporting and analytics are another area where diesel fuel card programs may differ. Some provide robust reporting tools that will give you valuable insights into your fuel consumption and expenses. If you have these details at your disposal, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize your fuel efficiency and increase your business’s bottom line. On the other hand, some cards may only provide basic transaction summaries, leaving you to piece together the data on your own. Overall, the quality and depth of reporting and analytics provided by fuel card programs can vary significantly, so do your research if detailed reporting is essential for your business.
- Discounts and partnerships: Some fuel cards are only compatible with specific fueling chains or offer preferred pricing and steeper discounts at certain locations. Consider where your trucks will go and which gas stations are available in those regions or along your routes. Additionally, some fleet fuel cards with discounts provide price reductions on maintenance services, tire purchases, and other trucking-related expenses at certain companies.
Your fuel card choice can significantly impact your bottom line, so you’ll want to carefully review and compare the terms, fees, acceptance network, and additional benefits of any fuel card before making a decision. However, what it really comes down to is the fuel card provider.
Save money and revolutionize your fuel management
The right fuel card provider can make all the difference — and you deserve the best. The DAT One Fuel Card stands out as the best fuel card provider for truckers. With a fuel card from DAT, you can take control of your fuel expenses and save money at the pump.
Accepted at a vast network of thousands of fueling locations across the country, the DAT One Fuel Card can ensure that you and your drivers always have access to a convenient and discounted refueling point.
Take charge of your fuel costs
Don’t miss out on the chance to take control of your fuel expenses, benefit from incredible discounts, and access a vast network of fueling locations. Explore the DAT One Fuel Card and discover how it can transform the way you manage your fuel costs.
