Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for small fleets and motor carriers. That’s why many fleets focus on getting the best fuel cards for their business. Fuel cards help to save money at the pump, while offering convenience, security, and better control over your fleet’s fuel spending. Yet, how do you know which fuel card is right for your business?
In this post, we’ll cover the importance of fuel cards, how they work, and the process of getting one. We’ll also dive into some of the top fuel card providers—Onramp, AtoB, Mudflap, EFS, Comdata, and GasBuddy—to help you make an informed decision for your small fleet or motor carrier.
Why Fuel Cards are Important
Fuel cards offer discounts on diesel purchases, which can add up to significant savings over time. These cards also provide truckers and fleet managers with detailed reporting and expense tracking, making monitoring fuel usage and costs easier. Some fuel cards even include additional benefits like roadside assistance, maintenance discounts, or access to truck stop networks.
But the real value of a fuel card is in how it simplifies fuel management. Instead of paying out of pocket and worrying about receipts, drivers can use the card to pay directly at the pump. Fleet managers can set limits, track spending, and even control where and when the card is used. New drivers can also be added and removed easily to ensure tight oversight throughout the fleet.
How Fuel Cards Work
Fuel cards function similarly to a credit or debit card but are tailored specifically for fuel purchases. When you apply for a fuel card, the provider may check your business credit or your personal credit, depending on your situation. Once approved, you receive a card (or multiple cards, if you have a fleet) that drivers can use at participating fuel stations. Depending on the fuel card provider, the biggest variation is the fuel discount and credit amount.
Each time a driver uses the card, the transaction is tracked, and the fleet manager can review fuel usage in real-time. Most fuel cards also offer billing options, allowing you to pay for fuel purchases at the end of the billing cycle.
How to Get a Fuel Card
To get started with a fuel card, you’ll typically need to:
- Research: Look into fuel card providers that match your needs, considering factors like discounts, coverage, and fees, which we provide a brief overview below.
- Apply: The application process can be extensive depending on what terms are being negotiated and how large the fleet is. Some questions to be considered and be prepared to answer are:some text
- Does the business have the capital to cover ongoing costs?
- Is the fleet size large enough to negotiate favorable terms?
- Is the card structured like a credit or debit card?
- How much credit does the fleet need and how much credit can the fleet get?
- Which fuel providers are the fuel discounts with?
- Are the fuel discounts competitive?
- Get Set Up: If approved, you’ll have to coordinate the shipment of the cards to the appropriate users. Then, it’s best to learn how to use the fuel provider’s software system for assigning cards to users, setting limits, creating approval workflows, and do billing.
- Start Using It: Once you have your card, drivers can use it at participating fuel stations to take advantage of discounts and other benefits.
Now, let’s take a look at six fuel card providers to see how they stack up.
1. Onramp Fuel Card
Onramp is a newer fuel card provider that focuses on simplifying fuel management for small fleets. They provide discounts on fuel purchases and offer a user-friendly app that helps track fuel usage and expenses in real-time.
Pros:
- No fees for the card.
- Easy-to-use app with real-time tracking.
- Discounts at a wide range of fuel stations.
Cons:
- As a newer provider, their network of participating stations may not be as large as more established players.
- Fewer added perks like maintenance discounts.
Onramp is great for small fleets looking for a straightforward, low-cost solution to manage fuel expenses. Tap into TrueNorth's partnership with OnRamp.
2. AtoB Fuel Card
AtoB is another modern fuel card provider that’s making waves in the industry. AtoB offers competitive fuel discounts and pairs it with a no-fee structure, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized fleets.
Pros:
- No fees for cards or setup.
- Can be used at virtually any fuel station, offering flexibility.
- Integrated fuel tracking and reporting tools.
Cons:
- Some users have reported a lack of customer support.
- Doesn’t offer as large of a discount as some traditional fuel cards.
AtoB is a flexible option for fleets that want the ability to fuel up anywhere without worrying about fees.
3. Mudflap Fuel Card
Mudflap focuses on independent truckers and small fleets, offering large discounts at independent fuel stops and truck stops. Mudflap is app-based, meaning everything is managed through your smartphone—no physical card required.
Pros:
- Offers some of the biggest fuel discounts, up to 50 cents per gallon.
- No credit check or fees to get started.
- Simple app interface.
Cons:
- Limited to participating independent fuel stops (not major chains).
- Doesn’t offer the same level of reporting as some other fuel cards.
Mudflap is ideal for truckers who prefer to fuel up at independent stations and want to save as much as possible without dealing with fees or credit checks.
4. EFS Fuel Card
EFS (Electronic Funds Source) is one of the most popular fuel card providers in the trucking industry. They offer a wide range of services, including fuel discounts, expense management, and other fleet management tools.
Pros:
- Extensive network of participating fuel stations, including major truck stop chains.
- Offers additional services like payroll, expense tracking, and maintenance discounts.
- High security features, including fraud prevention and fuel controls.
Cons:
- Monthly fees and transaction fees can add up.
- Requires a credit check for approval.
EFS is best suited for larger fleets that want robust fuel management tools and additional services beyond just fueling.
5. Comdata Fuel Card
Comdata is another long-established player in the fuel card space, known for serving both small and large fleets. They offer fuel discounts, expense management, and a wide range of fleet services.
Pros:
- Large network of fuel stations, including both independent and major chains.
- Fuel controls and security features to prevent unauthorized purchases.
- Flexible billing and reporting options for fleet managers.
Cons:
- Monthly fees and transaction fees.
- Requires a credit check and has stricter approval criteria.
Comdata is a good choice for fleets looking for comprehensive fleet management tools but is better suited for fleets that can handle the associated fees.
6. GasBuddy Fuel Card
GasBuddy is well-known for its gas price comparison app, but they also offer a fuel card that provides discounts on fuel purchases.
Pros:
- No monthly fees.
- Can be used at almost any gas station, offering great flexibility.
- App provides real-time fuel prices and savings.
Cons:
- Discounts may not be as high as specialized trucking fuel cards.
- Doesn’t offer fleet management tools like other providers.
GasBuddy’s fuel card is great for truckers who want flexibility and the ability to save money at nearly any fuel station without paying fees, but it’s not as robust as other cards designed specifically for trucking.
Alternatives to Fuel Cards
Join Motor Carriers with a Fuel Card
If you’re not ready or can’t get your own fuel card, another option is to join a motor carrier (MC) that has negotiated fuel discounts for their drivers. Some motor carriers have special fuel programs that can save you even more than individual fuel cards.
Haul with Brokers’ Fuel Advances
Most large brokers offer fuel advances, providing upfront money to cover fuel expenses for the hauled load. Owner-operators can also negotiate fuel surcharges to help offset the cost of rising fuel prices, which can be a helpful strategy in times of high fuel costs and low rates.
Wrap Up
Fuel cards are a powerful tool for small fleets and motor carriers. They not only help you save money at the pump but also give you better control over your fuel expenses. Whether you choose a card like Onramp or Mudflap for simplicity or a more established provider like EFS or Comdata for more advanced features, there’s a fuel card out there that fits your needs.
Make sure to evaluate the pros and cons of each provider and consider whether joining a motor carrier or using fuel advances might make sense for your business. No matter what, managing your fuel costs effectively can help you boost your bottom line and keep your trucking business on the road to success.
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