Fleet cards are specifically designed for businesses that have a fleet of vehicles. The main purpose of a fleet fuel card is to make fuel purchases. However, if you’re looking to manage other expenses as well, fleet fuel cards can come in handy. Keep reading to learn more about other ways to use a fleet card.
What Does a Fuel Card Do?
A fuel card is a specialized business card that is used to purchase gasoline and diesel fuel. Employees can swipe their fleet fuel card at the pump to purchase fuel.
The fuel card is attached to a business account, so the fuel cost is automatically charged to the company account registered to the fleet fuel cards. Drivers can use fuel cards to pay for vehicle maintenance and other expenses authorized by the owner-operator.
Fuel cards offer many benefits to fleet owners, including the ability to track billing, expenses, payments, and other data. The cards also often offer discounts at certain gas stations, which can save the business money on gas. Users can also qualify for additional discounts and rewards at participating businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and supermarkets.
5 Other Ways To Use a Fleet Fuel Card
Not all fuel cards can be used in this way, but some options may include:
Fleet Maintenance
Routine fleet maintenance is important; certain fleet fuel cards cover specific maintenance locations or roadside assistance. Some fleet fuel card providers allow the fleet manager to establish different purchase restrictions per card — for example, fuel and maintenance transactions or fuel-alone transactions.
Managers can set up a fuel credit card to cover preventative maintenance, oil changes, parts and repairs costs. The expense is charged directly to the company account.
Convenience Stores
Fleet managers and owners can authorize their employee fleet fuel cards to be used at any national or local gas station in the United States to purchase fuel and other services. Business owners can choose which transactions to approve when registering for fleet fuel cards.
While some fleet credit cards can only be used for fuel and maintenance, others allow cardholders to make purchases at gas station convenience stores. This benefit includes trucking-related expenses such as lubricants and engine oils, drinks, or snacks.
Truck Washes
Fuel cards are a convenient means of payment because most drivers use them mid-journey. Drivers don’t have to be concerned about having a way to cover truck-related costs, such as truck washes, with their own money or pocket cash. Because of this, drivers can keep up with truck maintenance and cleaning.
The employee either swipes the card or inputs their card details and pin at the car wash to make payment. The transaction will be directly recorded on the business account, making it clear who used the card, when, for what, and how much.
Tolls
Almost all U.S. states have road tax programs, often accepting various payment methods. Your drivers will be able to pay for tolls if they have a customized fuel card. If there are tolls along some driver routes, fleet managers can authorize those driver’s cards to cover toll fees.
The fees will be added to the fleet’s single business invoice, assisting owners-operators efficiently and managing costs. Some fleet fuel card providers offer guidance on relevant registration processes if such are necessities established by the toll operators.
Other Authorized Purchases
Fuel cards can generally be divided into three categories: universal cards, fleet cards intended for use with commercial vehicles, and branded cards issued by certain fuel companies. Each type of fleet card has various benefits, and one does not necessarily have an advantage over the other. Select the one that best suit your business needs, size, and structure.
All fuel cards permit flexibility for other purchases in addition to fuel. Fleet and universal cards frequently provide all-country coverage and more flexibility and are accepted at a wide range of gas stations.
Maximize the Use of Fleet Fuel Cards
The fuel cost is sometimes the driver’s responsibility when a trucking firm does not provide fuel cards to its employees. The drivers will have to submit receipts and wait for a reimbursement on their checks. Recording the receipts and confirming the transactions can be a hassle, which fleet fuel cards can resolve.
Fleet managers can easily access a fuel card account online, where they can download reports and keep track of activity. You can save money using fleet fuel cards, as some card issuers offer fuel discounts. Streamlining fuel data and other related expenses will reduce administrative work and increase fleet efficiency.
FAQ
Yes. Certain fleet cards can be pre-loaded with money. Drivers can receive cash at participating truck stops without paying a fee if they require a cash advance for any reason.
You can use a Fleetcor card at Walmart. All Walmart stores and Sam’s Club fueling facilities accept Fleetcor cards.
Fleet cards are primarily used for fuel purchases. Employees cannot use the fleet card to buy drinks or meals unless the owner-operator authorizes such transactions.
