Best Fuel Cards for Small Trucking Companies

Last Updated October 8, 2024

Studies show that trucking owner-operators spend as much as $70,000 a year on fuel, making it one of the biggest expenses for small fleets.

Using an eco-friendly truck and driving safely can cut fuel costs, but this is still a huge burden for small businesses. Therefore, many trucking companies turn to fuel cards to better manage their finances, score discounted fuel rates, and free up cash flow.

In this guide, we’ll reveal five trucker-approved fuel cards that can help small trucking businesses save some money.

What Is a Fuel Card?

A fuel card is a tool truckers and owner-operators use to buy fuel and make other vehicle-related purchases. Fuel cards are a particular type of payment method that gives you additional benefits such as:

• Discounted fuel and maintenance
• Comprehensive reports on price per gallon, location, and more
• Spending control

Some trucking companies require drivers to pay for their own gas, but that complicates payroll and accounting. Even large trucking companies use fuel cards, so their company drivers don’t have to pay for their own gas.

Fuel cards also help reduce owner-operator expenses. Collect more data every time you fuel up and use that information to cut costs on future routes. Choosing the best fuel card for small trucking companies will equip you with an affordable solution that helps you trim expenses and boost profitability.

Benefits of Diesel Fuel Card Programs for Small Trucking Companies

Finding creative ways to cut costs should be a main priority for every business owner, but it’s especially important for new trucking business owners, given the industry involves such slim margins.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your operations or simply cut costs, fuel cards have many advantages for owner-operators and fleet managers, including:

• Calculate fair fees: Use your fuel card data to charge fair fuel surcharges on all invoices. Simply plug your average fuel costs into a fuel surcharge calculator to generate profitable invoices that keep you in the black.
• Score discounts: Every dollar matters when you’re an owner-operator. The perk of using a fuel card is that you often get access to exclusive discounts on fuel. Even a discount of a few cents per gallon can have a big impact on your operating expenses. The best discount fuel card for truck drivers provides rebates and discounts at participating fuel stations, which can add up to substantial savings over time. Just make sure you enroll in a program in your service area.
• Better reporting: Data is key to running a more efficient business, even if you have just one truck in your fleet. Diesel fuel cards simplify fuel expense tracking by generating more advanced reports than you’d get with a debit or credit card.
• Expense control: You might not need this feature as an owner-operator, but if you have employees, you can set spending limits and guardrails on all fuel cards. This feature prevents misuse and gives you greater control over your budget.

Considerations Before Choosing a Fuel Card

You’ll experience many benefits when you pick the best fuel card for small trucking companies. However, consider these factors before you sign up for a fuel card.

Cost of the Program

Fuel cards aren’t free. Every program works differently, but they all charge a fee for their services. Read the fine print to identify:

• Transaction charges
• Monthly fees
• Minimum spending requirements

Many truckers still think these costs are worth the tradeoff, but it’s important to calculate how much these expenses will eat into your profits. If the costs outweigh the benefits, consider a different fuel card or look for alternative funding options.

Network Coverage and Locations

Fuel cards are exclusive to certain gas stations and regions. It doesn’t make sense to use a card if it requires going out of your way to save a few cents per gallon. The last thing you want to do is sign up for a fuel card that you won’t use regularly. If you’re a long-haul driver, look for a fuel card that works with a wider range of gas stations along major trucking routes.

Customization and Flexibility

The more rigid a fuel card’s rules, the more likely you are to lose out on benefits because of bureaucratic red tape. Look for a small fleet fuel card that allows for some customization. That might mean spending limits, real-time monitoring, or transaction restrictions. Bonus points if you can find a fuel card that offers greater flexibility, like the ability to buy fuel from multiple networks or brands.

Potential Integration With Your Fleet Management System

Do you use a fleet management system? This tool is more common in multi-fleet small businesses, but it’s incredibly helpful for managing routes, driver performance, payroll, and maintenance. Many fuel cards integrate with fleet management systems, giving you a single view into every corner of your business. Generate detailed reports, optimize routes, and access real-time data on fuel usage to run a better, more streamlined operation.

Driver Monitoring, Reporting, and Other Data-Driven Analytics

Data capture is one of the biggest perks of using a fuel card. Make sure the option you choose includes detailed driver monitoring and fuel usage analytics. The right fuel card will help you identify unexpected costs, get them under control, and keep your business profitable.

Discounts Provided Besides Fuel

Fuel discounts are a tremendous perk, but many fuel cards offer additional discounts beyond fuel. Some will even give you discounts on truck maintenance, repairs, and tires. If you’re running a small business with thin margins, these discounts could be a tremendous help. Choose the best discount fuel card for truck drivers that includes maintenance discounts. This perk will keep your fleet running smoothly while reducing expenses in key areas beyond fuel.

Best Fuel Cards for Small Trucking Companies

Becoming an owner-operator involves making plenty of important decisions that will influence the future of your business. Think carefully about the fuel card you use—it could affect your business’s future profitability. These are the five best fuel cards for truckers in small fleets.

Best Fuel Cards	Known For
WEX	Most comprehensive fuel card
TCS	IFTA reporting mechanisms
RTS	Flexibility, offering three variations of fuel cards
NASTC	Readymade driver assessments
Mudflap (App)	Highly rated and easy-to-use app

WEX

WEX offers two fuel cards: the FlexCard and the Fleet Card. Both options are accepted at 95% of gas stations in the United States. The FlexCard specializes in fuel savings and flexible payments, allowing you to earn three cents per gallon for the first three months and pay in full or carry a monthly balance. The Fleet Card always offers rewards for up to three cents per gallon, as well as exclusive access to discounts on auto parts and hotels. However, your payment is always due in full at the end of the month.

Notable Benefits:

• Capture detailed transaction information on every purchase
• Track tax exemption data
• Require a driver PIN for all purchases
• Integrates with most business accounting software
• Search for data by transaction type
• Easily cancel lost or stolen cards

TCS

TransConnect Services boasts an average savings of fifty cents per gallon. There are zero annual fees, and this fleet card is accepted at over 2,000 in-network locations. Keep in mind that its network features more regional fuel stops like TA, Petro, Stripes, and Kwik Trip. It’s more limited than options like WEX, but TCS offers affordable, low-fee fuel cards designed to benefit owner-operators and small fleets.

Notable Benefits:

• No annual fee
• Generate IFTA reports
• Add money to your card via bank transfer, check, Zelle, and wires
• Can earn discounts on tires and truck service in addition to fuel

RTS

RTS Financial’s fuel card program offers credit lines of up to $3,200 per truck in your fleet. Its fuel card is accepted at 3,000+ fuel stations and saves drivers an average of twenty-five cents per gallon. Best of all, there are no contracts or annual fees, so you’re free to stop using the card at any time. RTS offers discounts through Pilot Flying J, Casey’s, and more.

Notable Benefits:

• Download the mobile app for on-the-go spend management
• No annual fees or contracts
• Lock your card to prevent theft and fraud
• Choose from three cards to find the best option for your small business

NASTC

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) serves more than 13,000 small trucking businesses. It works as a collective, banding small companies’ resources together to leverage benefits and discounts. NASTC charges dues to join as well as a monthly subscription fee for their fuel card, but you get exclusive access to pre-negotiated rates at preferred stops.

Notable Benefits:

• Discounts of up to thirty-five cents a gallon
• Includes discounted rates on truck maintenance
• Prequalify drivers with NASTC’s readymade assessments

Mudflap App

Mudflap is a diesel discount app recommended by 94% of carriers. Its fuel card is accepted at every truck stop that takes Visa, giving Mudflap one of the widest networks of any fuel card. However, you must be registered as an LLC or corporation to sign up for the fuel card, so keep that in mind. But even if you don’t qualify for the fuel card, the Mudflap app is a great money-saving tool that helps you spot the best fuel prices along your route.

Notable Benefits:

• Has a highly-rated and easy-to-use app
• No monthly fees, interest, or hidden fees
• 24/7 customer support
• Search for amenities like showers and parking

In-Summary: Best Fuel Cards for Small Trucking Companies

There are plenty of fuel cards on the market, but these five are the best fuel cards for small trucking companies. Finding the right fuel card and using it responsibly can help you free up unexpected savings and run a more efficient business. Whether you’re an owner-operator or oversee a small fleet of trucks, fuel cards are the best next step for improving profitability and efficiency.