Choosing the right fuel card can help trucking companies streamline operations and maximize savings. Look for a card that offers discounts at partnering stations nationwide, ties to odometer data, and provides granular real-time reporting.
Some cards are prepaid, while others are charge cards that extend credit lines and carry balances (similar to a traditional credit card). Here are four reasons to consider a fuel card for your business:
Convenience
Choosing the best fuel cards for small business can help fleets of all sizes streamline operations, manage expenses effectively, and maximize savings. However, finding the right card requires more than comparing discounts. It’s also important to consider features such as an extensive acceptance network, trucker support, and security features. Choosing a fuel card with these essential services can save your business money, time, and frustration in 2023 and beyond.
Whether you’re an owner-operator or running a large fleet, the best fuel cards for truckers offer convenient and secure payment solutions. The most reliable cards use state-of-the-art technology to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent purchases and provide layers of armor for your business.
Some card features include odometer monitoring and driver identification to limit unauthorized transactions. The best cards also allow customized spending limits and purchase restrictions for each driver profile. These features can help reduce fraud and theft, improve account reconciliation and budget control, and simplify International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) reporting.
A quality fuel card for truckers also offers convenience and efficiency by minimizing paperwork and eliminating the need to keep track of paper receipts. Look for a card with a mobile app to help drivers plan routes and find the cheapest gas prices on their routes. Some cards even feature partnerships with gas stations or repair shops, assisting drivers in negotiating the costs of truck-related expenses.
Convenience for Drivers
Whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a thousand-truck fleet, finding the right fuel card for your needs is critical. The best trucking fuel cards offer a variety of features to help you save time and money, including streamlined IFTA reporting and the ability to set daily spending limits for your drivers.
Many over-the-road (OTR) fuel cards only work at certain gas stations, so knowing exactly where you can use them before settling on one is essential. Make sure to read reviews and compare fees and discounts carefully as well. Some cards require that drivers enter their driver ID or vehicle odometer number to access the fuel, which can help with fraud prevention and ensure they get a fair price per gallon.
Look for a fuel card provider with extensive acceptance networks, fleet management tools, and enhanced security features to help you manage your driver information effectively. Moreover, it’s best to choose a provider with a large and easily accessible customer support team that can help you resolve any issues that might arise. Considering these factors can help you decide on the best fuel card for your trucking company in 2023. This will also allow you to maximize savings and improve operational efficiency for your business. Investing in the right fuel card can pay dividends for your trucking business this year and beyond.
Convenience for Owner-Operators
Choosing the right fuel card for truckers is a crucial decision that can help fleets streamline operations, control expenses, and maximize savings. Choosing a card with an extensive acceptance network, fleet management tools, and security features is essential. Ensure that the provider has experience in freight transportation and offers excellent customer service. A phone number available 24 hours daily is beneficial since trucks are always on the road.
In addition, a sound fuel card for truckers should allow driver-owners to set spending limits and purchase restrictions, which can help prevent theft, fraud, and unauthorized use of the cards. Many cards also offer a variety of other benefits that can make life on the road more accessible, such as fuel discounts, cash back, real-time expense tracking, and access to additional services like maintenance, repairs, tires, and lodging.
The best fuel cards for truckers provide steep discounts that can save drivers money on gas and other trucking expenses. They can also help reduce administrative costs by providing a way to track and report fuel-related expenses to fleet managers. Some fuel cards operate on a “market-minus” model, while others offer a fixed discount or rebate at selected truck stops and gas stations nationwide. The size of a fuel card’s network is another factor to consider, as it should include locations along the routes that your trucks frequently travel.
Convenience for Fleets
Whether you manage a large fleet or are an owner-operator, a fuel card can help you streamline your operations and save money. However, knowing which is best for your needs can take time and effort with many available options.
Choosing the right fuel card for your business will depend on various factors, such as discount offerings, fees, controls, and back-end reporting. In addition, some cards may have minimum spending requirements or be only suitable for larger fleets. To avoid these limitations, finding a fuel card provider that offers a solution tailored to your unique requirements and can accommodate the size of your fleet is essential.
Some cards also offer enhanced security features, which can help prevent fraud and theft. These features may include PIN protection, transaction limits, and real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activity. Some cards even use GPS, odometer data, and Engine Control Unit (ECU) readings to authenticate purchases before approval. This can be essential for fleet managers looking to protect their investments and ensure drivers make the most efficient and safe purchases possible.
A fuel card is a great way to track and manage fuel expenses, set driver and vehicle-level spending controls, automate IFTA reporting, and more. It’s no wonder many trucking companies and fleets rely on them to help improve their bottom line and gain a competitive edge.