In the fast-paced trucking world, where every mile traveled costs money, efficient and cost-effective fuel management is necessary. Truckers crisscross the country’s highways, hauling goods from coast to coast, so fuel costs can quickly add up. That’s where fuel cards come in to help.
There are several fuel cards for trucking companies available, but not all are created equal. We’ve scoured the market to compile a list of some of the top fuel cards capable of meeting truckers’ unique needs and considered everything from network coverage to customer service quality. Whether you’re an owner-operator, run a small fleet, or have a large fleet under your command, the right fuel card can make all the difference, helping you save at the pump and keep profits high.
What is a fuel card?
Before we dive into the best fuel cards for fleets, let’s first discuss what a fuel card is and what it can do for your business.
A fuel card is a payment card that enables cardholders to purchase diesel, petrol, and other fuel types, meaning drivers can top off their tanks at gas stations nationwide without carrying large amounts of cash or submitting for reimbursement. Some discount diesel fuel cards for truckers can even rack up reward points, which users can put toward maintenance services, tires, batteries, engine oil, hotels, and more.
When you use diesel fuel discount programs, whether they’re designed to be the best fleet fuel cards for small businesses, the best diesel fuel cards for owner-operators, or the best fuel cards for truckers in general, you can expect:
- Discounts: One of the best reasons to use a fuel card is the steep discounts it can provide. After all, fuel is a carrier’s largest and most variable expense. Commercial fuel cards for fleets generally offer savings at select fuel stations, which can add up over time.
- More control over fuel expenses: Managing and regulating fuel expenses isn’t easy, especially with multiple drivers operating nationwide. Luckily, diesel fuel discount programs can help you better manage your fuel expenses. You can set purchase controls, limiting drivers’ purchases and preventing unnecessary or unauthorized spending.
- Less fraud: Trucking fuel cards can also help prevent fraud, as they add an extra layer of security. Thanks to personalized cards and pin numbers, you can more easily monitor your transactions and quickly detect fraudulent transactions.
- Detailed reports: Some commercial fuel cards for fleets also provide detailed reports with a comprehensive breakdown of all your fuel expenses. You’ll be able to identify trends and irregularities to better understand your fuel expenditure and inform your future budgeting decisions.
- Convenience and efficiency: There’s nothing more frustrating than handling paper receipts and fuel reimbursements. Drivers have to keep track of tiny slips of paper as they cross the country, and you have to dole out reimbursements promptly. It can be a time-consuming process, but trucking fuel cards allow your drivers some peace of mind. They can concentrate on driving, and your fuel card will automatically track and report all purchases, saving you the administrative hassle.
The top 10 best fuel cards for truckers
Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or part of a large fleet, choosing the best fuel card tailored to your specific needs is crucial.
According to our team at DAT, these are the top 10 best fuel cards for truckers:
- DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions
- RTS Financial
- WEX
- TransConnect Services
- TVC Pro-Driver
- Fleet One
- Love’s
- Fuelman
- Shell
- BP
1. DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions
DAT has partnered with OTR Solutions to create the DAT One Fuel Card, meaning you can now have a fuel card from the largest and one of the most trusted load board networks. OTR Solutions, a leading and trusted company known for its freight factoring, fuel advances, fuel card program, and incredible client support, provides you with savings from various locations across the country. So, you can book your loads with DAT, and then manage your fuel expenses with our fuel card for owner-operators and fleets.
Our fuel card offers premier savings at TA Petro, Speedway, and AMBEST stations, but the savings don’t end there. In-network locations with $0 transaction fees include Sapp Bros., Casey’s, Roady’s, Quick Fuel, Rutter’s, and more, so there’s no need to worry about those pesky $1.50+ transaction fees when purchasing fuel from these providers. In total, the card is accepted at 8,000 locations nationwide and offers an average of $0.51 savings per gallon, the highest average discount compared to competitors. However, it’s possible to save as much as $1.70 per gallon, putting even more money in your pocket for things like truck upgrades and driver pay.
Each week, you’ll receive a Fuel Insider email packed with information on the latest discounts across various regions. Plus, you can use the OTR Fuel Finder feature in the OTR Solutions mobile app to quickly find discounts along your route when you’re on the move.
Additionally, the DAT One Fuel Card is easy to manage. You can load funds 24/7 using fuel advances, direct deposit, factored invoices, debit cards, or credit cards and even set up automated card loading or use money from invoices factored with OTR Solutions to fund your fuel card to simplify your life.
What’s more, you’ll have a dedicated support team at your disposal, making the DAT One Fuel Card our number one pick for the best fuel card.
Why choose the DAT One Fuel Card:
- Trustworthy fuel card provider.
- Accepted at 8,000 locations nationwide.
- Average of $0.51 savings per gallon, with potential savings of up to $1.70 per gallon.
- In-network locations with $0 transaction fees including Sapp Bros., Casey’s, Roady’s, Quick Fuel, Rutter’s, and more.
- Flexible fund loading options.
- Weekly Fuel Insider email with regional discounts.
- Option for using money from invoices factored with OTR Solutions.
- Dedicated support team for cardholders.
2. RTS Financial
RTS Financial’s fuel card program offers savings of up to $0.25 per gallon at over 2,400 fuel stations, and it is particularly popular with diesel truckers. Not only does RTS’ fuel card program provide savings at Pilot Flying J stations across the country, but it also offers savings at other fuel stops, such as Casey’s and Sapp Bros. In total, you’ll be able to save at the pump at over 800 fueling stations in the Pilot Flying J Travel Center and One9 Fuel networks. Plus, there aren’t any annual fees, meaning you’ll have even more money in your bank account.
Additionally, RTS has partnered with Pilot Company to offer a fuel and factoring bundle. If you take advantage of this offering, you can receive same-day funding without any hidden fees, loyalty rewards and perks, and free credit checks for over 85,000 brokers and shippers.
However, some card holder reviews state that their customer service team is hard to get a hold of and that their services are not beneficial for smaller fleets.
What makes RTS Financial stand out:
- Savings of up to $0.25 per gallon.
- Available at over 2,400 fuel stations.
- Popular among diesel truckers.
- Savings at various fuel stops including Pilot Flying J, Casey’s, and Sapp Bros.
- Access to savings at over 800 fueling stations in the Pilot Flying J Travel Center and One9 Fuel networks.
- No annual fees.
3. WEX
WEX offers a variety of fuel card options that provide coverage across the United States and Canada. Unlike many other fuel cards for truckers, WEX cards are accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations, meaning your drivers will have more flexibility over where they fuel up. Plus, over 45,000 service locations accept WEX Fuel cards, including American Lubefast, Firestone, Ford Service, Jiffy Lube, and Valvoline, meaning your drivers can cover vehicle maintenance or parts costs no matter where they end up.
Whether you opt for the WEX FlexCard or the WEX Fleet Card, you’ll be in good hands with WEX. Not only do they offer automatic fuel expense tracking and reports, but you’ll also have access to a U.S.-based customer service team 24/7, as well as the WEX Connect app, which can help you locate discounts and cheap fuel. WEX even offers specific fuel cards for trucking companies if you know your drivers will use a specific brand of fuel.
However, it’s worth noting that some cardholders have reported experiencing frequent card failures and encountering challenges when trying to reach a customer service representative.
What makes WEX stand out:
- Automatic fuel expense tracking and reports.
- Access to a 24/7 U.S.-based customer service team.
- WEX Connect app for locating discounts and cheap fuel.
- Over 45,000 service locations accept WEX Fuel cards, including American Lubefast, Firestone, Ford Service, Jiffy Lube, and Valvoline.
- Coverage across the United States and Canada.
4. TransConnect Services
TransConnect Services (TCS) is another trustworthy fuel card provider. Offering fair costs and 24/7 customer service, TCS is an excellent option for carriers. If you use a TCS fuel card, you can expect $0 transaction fees at over 1,500 in-network locations. There’s also no activation or membership fees. Plus, TCS’ site will have all your account information, while their user-friendly app can help you find fuel savings quickly.
Not only does TCS make funding your fuel card simple by offering payments through Zelle, ACH credit, bank wire, third-party checks, and Western Union, but they also have a secure fuel management system that allows you to limit fuel transactions and itemize fuel statements to make IFTA reporting easier. What’s more, they offer card customization, so whether you’re an owner-operator, small trucking company, or large fleet, TCS has something suitable for your business.
Something to keep in mind, however, is that a few card holders have found they were double charged on fuel or charged more than what was listed on their app.
What makes TransConnect Services stand out:
- Fair costs and 24/7 customer service.
- $0 transaction fees at over 1,500 in-network locations.
- No activation or membership fees.
- User-friendly app for finding fuel savings.
- Secure fuel management system to limit fuel transactions and simplify IFTA reporting.
5. TVC Pro-Driver
Powered by Expediter Services and accepted at over 15,000 locations, the TVC Pro-Driver Fuel Card can put more money into your pocket. In fact, cardholders save an average of $150 a week (or $7,800 per year), though there is a $60 monthly fee and $2.50 in-network and out-of-network transactional fees. It’s also worth noting that the TVC Prepaid option may charge up to 4% for same-day ACH transfers to the fuel card.
Certain reviewers have recounted encountering challenges when seeking assistance or guidance with their card-related matters. These challenges include difficulties in obtaining the necessary support when needed most. Additionally, there have been instances where the information provided was deemed confusing or, in some cases, contradictory, leaving cardholders perplexed or uncertain about the terms, conditions, or features of the service.
What makes TVC Pro-Driver stand out:
- Powered by Expediter Services.
- Accepted at over 15,000 locations.
- Significant savings for cardholders, with an average of $150 per week or $7,800 per year.
- Driver rewards program, such as commercial tire discounts.
- Option for personal coverage such as emergency roadside assistance.
6. Fleet One
Designed for growing fleets, Fleet One solutions are best for carriers with 1–25 trucks. The Fleet One EDGE Card offers $0.12 savings on fuel purchases at TA, Love’s, and independent stations, which can quickly add up. What’s more, the Fleet One EDGE Card offers additional savings on equipment, maintenance, parts, hotels, and more. You’ll even be able to save an average of $40 per tire on major tire brands across the nation!
However, it’s important to consider some feedback from reviewers. While Fleet One positions itself as an ideal choice for small fleets, some cardholders have expressed the view that the full range of benefits may be more geared towards larger fleets. Additionally, there have been reports of delays in receiving the card, indicating that the application process may require some patience.
What makes Fleet One stand out:
- Designed for growing fleets.
- Fleet One EDGE Card offers $0.12 savings on fuel purchases at TA, Love’s, and independent stations.
- Discounts at over 4,500 locations.
- Additional savings on equipment, maintenance, parts, hotels, and more.
- Average savings of $40 per tire on major tire brands nationwide.
7. Love’s
Love’s Express Billing Program exclusively applies to QuikQ and will only work at Love’s truck stops. However, it offers an average discount of roughly $0.14 and can be negotiated based on volume. Plus, there are no application or transaction fees, and the program offers fully customizable reports, giving you a real-time look at data to maximize efficiency and minimize your fuel costs.
However, it’s important to be aware of feedback from some reviewers who have raised concerns about the program. Some have indicated that Love’s Express Billing may not always be transparent about contract terms or could potentially present information that could be seen as misleading.
What makes Love’s stand out:
- Offers an average discount of approximately $0.14 per gallon.
- Discount may be negotiable based on volume.
- No application or transaction fees.
- Provides fully customizable reports for real-time data analysis.
- Can be used for in-store merchandise and services.
8. Fuelman
The Fuelman Deep Saver Card is a popular choice for smaller fleets and one of the best fuel cards for owner-operators, offering cost-control features to monitor drivers’ spending. With this fuel card, you can track diesel and ethanol expenses and take advantage of various rebates. Since the Fuelman Deep Saver Card is accepted at nearly 40,000 service stations nationwide, it’s an excellent option. Fuelman charges a competitive monthly fee and offers insurance for added peace of mind.
Something to note about Fuelman is that many reviewers state that the company is guilty of charging hidden fees and that it’s incredibly difficult to get a hold of a customer service representative when you need help.
What makes Fuelman stand out:
- Popular choice for smaller fleets and owner-operators.
- Offers cost-control features to monitor drivers’ spending.
- Allows tracking of diesel and ethanol expenses.
- Provides various rebates to save on fuel costs.
- Accepted at nearly 40,000 service stations nationwide.
- Competitive monthly fee.
- Offers insurance for added peace of mind.
9. Shell
Shell’s fuel cards for truckers offer incredible savings for Shell customers. Whether you opt for the Shell Fleet Plus® Card, the Shell Small Business™ Card, or the Shell Fleet Navigator® Card, you’ll be able to access rebates on fuel, with discounts of up to $0.06 per gallon.
With Shell’s trucking fuel cards, you can set purchase limits, view detailed fuel reports, access discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations, and save money at roughly 13,000 Shell stations. You can also activate, suspend, and cancel cards online in real-time to prevent fraud and talk to their customer service team 24/7.
Despite Shell’s prominent reputation, it’s important to be aware of certain considerations raised by cardholders. Some users have encountered challenges when attempting to cancel their cards, indicating potential issues with the cancellation process. Additionally, there have been reports of coverage gaps in specific regions of the U.S., and it’s worth noting that the rebates may provide more substantial savings for those who consistently purchase several thousand gallons of gas.
What makes Shell stand out:
- Ability to set purchase limits.
- Access to detailed fuel reports.
- Discounts available at participating Jiffy Lube locations.
- Savings at approximately 13,000 Shell stations.
- Online real-time card activation, suspension, and cancellation for fraud prevention.
- 24/7 customer service support.
10. BP
BP’s Business Solutions fleet cards are among the best discount diesel fuel cards for small fleets and will allow your drivers to refuel at BP and Amoco stations with up to $0.07 volume-based rebates. Like many of the other best fuel cards for truckers on our list, BP Business Solutions’ cards offer online control and visibility. You’ll be able to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits and access reports, statements, and other account information online at any time — and you won’t have the hassle of collecting receipts and distributing reimbursements to drivers. The BP Business Solutions Fuel Plus Program is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses and fleets that are able to use BP and Amoco for all fueling needs, while the BP Business Solutions Mastercard Program is better suited for mid-sized to larger fleets that wish to fuel up everywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Keep in mind that some card holders have experienced service gaps in certain areas of the U.S., and that BP charges a service fee of $10 a month for companies that buy less than 5,000 gallons of fuel.
What makes BP stand out:
- Suitable for small fleets.
- Allows refueling at BP and Amoco stations.
- Offers up to $0.07 volume-based rebates.
- Online control and visibility of card usage.
- Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits.
- Access to reports, statements, and account information online.
DAT’s best discount fuel card for truckers: The road to more savings and control
There are a lot of options when it comes to fuel cards, but one stands out from the crowd. If you’re looking to save big at the pump and take control of your fuel expenses, the DAT One Fuel Card is the answer. Accepted at over 8,000 locations nationwide, this fuel card guarantees that your drivers will never be too far from a convenient and cost-effective refueling stop, no matter where they end up. Plus, the free Fuel Finder within the OTR Solutions mobile app makes locating the best fuel discounts easier than ever.
Apply now to take advantage of everything the DAT One Fuel Card offers!
Save money with the best fuel card!
Fuel is the largest and most variable expense for carriers and owner-operators, meaning the right fuel card can make all the difference. Instead of settling, you deserve the best — and that means working with DAT.
