Fuel: Your Fleet’s #1 Operating Expense
For motor carriers and independent owner-operators, diesel fuel accounts for 30% to 40% of total operating expenses. At an average of 100,000 miles per year per truck, a commercial semi-truck burns roughly 15,000 to 18,000 gallons of diesel annually. In this economic reality, saving even $0.40 to $0.70 per gallon at major truck stops directly translates to $6,000 to $12,000 in bottom-line profit per truck every year.
How Commercial Fuel Card Programs Work
Commercial trucking fuel cards are specialized payment platforms designed specifically for the heavy-duty transportation sector. Rather than functioning like standard consumer credit cards, commercial fuel cards connect to massive national discount clearinghouse networks (such as WEX/Fleet One, Comdata, and Pilot Flying J).
By aggregating the purchasing volume of thousands of small fleets, these networks negotiate wholesale pricing discounts directly with major truck stop chains, including Loves, TA Petro, Pilot Flying J, and independent travel centers.
Key Features Every Carrier Needs
- Cash Price Plus Network Discounts: Eliminates credit card surcharge markups and applies additional volume discounts below the posted cash price.
- Comprehensive Security Controls: Set strict daily gallon limits, restrict purchases strictly to diesel and DEF, require driver unit ID and odometer prompts at the pump, and utilize instant mobile card locks.
- Automated IFTA Tracking: Every gallon, price, state jurisdiction, and fuel tax amount is recorded automatically in downloadable reports.
- Credit and Prepaid Options: Flexible funding options including weekly revolving credit lines or instant fuel card load capabilities funded directly from your factoring proceeds.
Find the Best Fuel Program with Trucker’s Choice
With over 30 years of direct executive experience at Comdata, WEX, and Pilot Flying J, the team at Trucker’s Choice is uniquely qualified to help you select the ideal fuel card program for your specific lanes. Best of all, our fuel program advisory is 100% free. Call us today at (480) 993-4100 to start saving.