Trucking Fuel Cards: The 5 Best for Truckers

Bill Duckstein

16/01/2024

In the dynamic realm of trucking, where every mile covered translates to expenses, efficient and economical fuel management becomes imperative. Truckers traverse the nation’s highways, transporting goods across vast distances, making fuel expenses a significant consideration. This is where the utility of fuel cards becomes evident.

Table of Contents

What is a fuel card?
The top 5 fuel cards for truckers
- The DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions
- RTS Financial
- WEX
- TransConnect Services
- TVC Pro-Driver
How Logity Dispatch Can Help You Reduce Costs?

Numerous fuel cards cater to the needs of trucking companies, yet not all are of equal standing. We’ve meticulously surveyed the market to compile a list of top-tier fuel cards tailored to address the distinctive requirements of truckers. Our evaluation encompasses factors ranging from network coverage to the quality of customer service. Whether you’re an owner-operator, manage a small fleet, or oversee a large fleet, selecting the right fuel card can be a game-changer, enabling you to optimize savings at the pump and maintain robust profitability.

What is a fuel card?

Before delving into the top fuel cards for fleets, let’s first explore the concept of a fuel card and its potential benefits for your business.

A fuel card is a payment card that empowers cardholders to buy diesel, petrol, and various fuel types. This means that drivers can refuel their vehicles at gas stations across the country without the need for significant amounts of cash or the hassle of reimbursement claims. Certain fuel cards, particularly discount diesel fuel cards designed for truckers, may also offer reward points. These points can be redeemed for various services such as maintenance, tires, batteries, engine oil, hotels, and more.

When utilizing diesel fuel discount programs, whether tailored for small businesses, owner-operators, or the broader trucking community, you can anticipate the following benefits:

Discounts: One of the primary advantages of using a truck fuel card is the substantial discounts it can provide. Given that fuel represents a significant and fluctuating expense for carriers, commercial fuel cards for fleets typically offer savings at specific fuel stations, contributing to cumulative cost reductions over time.
Enhanced Control over Fuel Expenses: Managing and overseeing fuel expenses, especially with multiple drivers operating nationally, can be challenging. Diesel fuel discount programs assist in better expense management by allowing you to establish purchase controls. This helps in limiting drivers’ expenditures and preventing unnecessary or unauthorized spending.
Reduced Fraud: Trucking fuel cards add an additional layer of security, aiding in the prevention of fraud. Personalized cards and PIN numbers contribute to easier transaction monitoring, enabling the swift detection of fraudulent activities.
Detailed Reports: Some commercial fuel cards for fleets offer comprehensive reports that break down all fuel expenses. These detailed insights allow you to identify trends and irregularities, facilitating a better understanding of your fuel expenditure and informing future budgeting decisions.
Convenience and Efficiency: Handling paper receipts and fuel reimbursements can be cumbersome. Trucking diesel cards streamline this process, providing drivers with peace of mind. As they focus on driving, the fuel card automatically tracks and reports all purchases, saving you administrative hassle and ensuring a more efficient workflow.

The top 5 fuel cards for truckers

Whether you operate as an independent owner-operator or are part of a sizable fleet, the selection of the most suitable fuel card customized to your distinct requirements holds paramount importance.

As per the assessment by our team at Logity Dispatch, here are the top 10 best truck fuel card specifically recommended for truckers:

DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions
RTS Financial
WEX
TransConnect Services
TVC Pro-Driver

The DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions

In collaboration with OTR Solutions, DAT introduces the DAT One Fuel Card, offering you access to one of the best fuel cards for small trucking companies through the largest and most trusted load board network. OTR Solutions, renowned for its freight factoring, fuel advances, fuel card program, and exceptional client support, ensures savings at various locations nationwide.

Our fuel card delivers premier savings at TA Petro, Speedway, and AMBEST stations. Beyond these, the card is accepted at 8,000 locations across the country, with in-network locations such as Sapp Bros., Casey’s, Roady’s, Quick Fuel, Rutter’s, and more, offering savings without the burden of $1.50+ transaction fees. On average, the card provides a savings of $0.44 per gallon, the highest among competitors, with the potential for savings reaching up to an impressive $1.70 per gallon. This means more money in your pocket for essential expenditures like truck upgrades and driver pay.

What sets the DAT One Fuel Card apart:

Trusted fuel card provider.
Acceptance at 8,000 locations nationwide.
Average savings of $0.44 per gallon, with potential savings 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.
Receive a weekly Fuel Insider email with regional discounts.
Option to use funds from invoices factored with OTR Solutions.
Dedicated support team for cardholders.

RTS Financial

RTS Financial’s fuel card program is tailored for diesel truckers, delivering substantial savings of up to $0.25 per gallon at a vast network of over 2,400 fuel stations. The program extends beyond the popular Pilot Flying J stations, providing cost-effective refueling options at other key stops like Casey’s and Sapp Bros. With access to over 800 fueling stations within the Pilot Flying J Travel Center and One9 Fuel networks, you can consistently save at the pump. Moreover, the absence of annual fees ensures that more funds stay in your bank account.

In a strategic alliance with Pilot Company, RTS Financial offers a unique fuel and factoring bundle. By opting for this bundle, you gain benefits such as same-day funding with no hidden fees, loyalty rewards, and perks. Additionally, you enjoy complimentary credit checks for over 85,000 brokers and shippers.

Despite these advantages, some cardholder reviews highlight challenges in reaching RTS Financial’s customer service team and suggest that their services may be less suitable for smaller fleets.

Key Features that Distinguish RTS Financial:

Up to $0.25 per gallon in savings.
Access to a vast network of over 2,400 fuel stations.
Particularly favored by diesel truckers.
Savings available at diverse fuel stops, including Pilot Flying J, Casey’s, and Sapp Bros.
Access to over 800 fueling stations in the Pilot Flying J Travel Center and One9 Fuel networks.
No annual fees.

WEX

WEX presents a diverse range of fuel card options with expansive coverage across both the United States and Canada. Distinctively, WEX cards boast acceptance at 95% of U.S. gas stations, offering your drivers unparalleled flexibility in choosing refueling locations. With over 45,000 service locations welcoming WEX commercial truck Fuel cards, including reputable names like American Lubefast, Firestone, Ford Service, Jiffy Lube, and Valvoline, your drivers can address vehicle maintenance or parts costs regardless of their location.

Whether you select the WEX FlexCard or the WEX Fleet Card, you can trust WEX for a reliable experience. Their offerings include automatic fuel expense tracking and detailed reports. Additionally, you gain access to a responsive U.S.-based customer service team available 24/7. The WEX Connect app enhances your experience by assisting in locating discounts and economical fuel options. For trucking companies with specific brand preferences for fuel, WEX even provides tailor-made fuel cards.

It’s important to be aware that some cardholders have reported occasional card failures and challenges in reaching customer service representatives.

Key Features that Set WEX Apart:

Automatic fuel expense tracking and comprehensive reports.
Access to a 24/7 U.S.-based customer service team.
WEX Connect app facilitating discount and cheap fuel discovery.
Acceptance at over 45,000 service locations, including American Lubefast, Firestone, Ford Service, Jiffy Lube, and Valvoline.
Extensive coverage across the United States and Canada.

TransConnect Services

TransConnect Services (TCS) stands out as a reliable fuel card provider, offering transparent pricing and round-the-clock customer service—an ideal choice for carriers. Opting for a TCS fuel card ensures $0 transaction fees at an extensive network of over 1,500 in-network locations, and there are no activation or membership fees to contend with. The TCS website consolidates all your account information, while their intuitive app aids in swiftly identifying fuel savings.

Simplicity extends to funding your TCS fuel card, with payment options including Zelle, ACH credit, bank wire, third-party checks, and Western Union. TCS further enhances user control through a secure fuel management system, enabling you to restrict fuel transactions and itemize fuel statements for simplified IFTA reporting. Additionally, TCS offers card customization, catering to the diverse needs of owner-operators, small trucking companies, and large fleets.

It’s essential to note, however, that a few cardholders have reported instances of being double-charged for fuel or experiencing discrepancies between the charged amount and the app’s listed price.

Key Features that Distinguish TransConnect Services:

Transparent costs and 24/7 customer service.
$0 transaction fees at over 1,500 in-network locations.
No activation or membership fees.
User-friendly app facilitating quick identification of fuel savings.
Secure fuel management system for controlling transactions and streamlining IFTA reporting.

TVC Pro-Driver

Fueled by Expediter Services and embraced at more than 15,000 locations, the TVC Pro-Driver Fuel Card is designed to boost your earnings. Cardholders typically enjoy an average weekly savings of $150, totaling $7,800 annually. However, it’s essential to note the existence of a $60 monthly fee and $2.50 transactional fees for both in-network and out-of-network usage. Additionally, users of the TVC Prepaid option may encounter a charge of up to 4% for same-day ACH transfers to the fuel card.

Some reviewers have shared experiences of encountering challenges when seeking support or clarification on card-related matters. These challenges include difficulties in accessing timely assistance and instances where the provided information was perceived as confusing or contradictory, leading to uncertainties among cardholders about the service’s terms, conditions, or features.

Key Features that Set TVC Pro-Driver Apart:

Powered by Expediter Services.
Widely accepted at over 15,000 locations.
Substantial savings for cardholders, averaging $150 per week or $7,800 per year.
Driver rewards program, including discounts on commercial tires.
Personal coverage options such as emergency roadside assistance.

How Logity Dispatch Can Help You Reduce Costs?

By outsourcing dispatch responsibilities, truckers can optimize route planning, ensuring fuel-efficient journeys and minimizing unnecessary mileage. This strategic approach not only reduces fuel expenses but also extends the lifespan of their vehicles.

Additionally, dispatch services often leverage advanced technology and industry expertise to negotiate favorable rates with shippers, securing better freight rates for truckers. This results in increased profitability and reduced overhead costs associated with time-consuming negotiations.