Navigating the unique challenges of Midwest trucking calls for specialized tools, and one of the most essential is a reliable fuel card. From expansive rural landscapes to fluctuating fuel prices, the right fuel card can offer truckers crucial advantages on these varied routes.
Keep reading to delve into the top fuel cards for truckers operating primarily in the Midwest U.S. This article will help you make an informed decision for your on-road needs.
Quicklook: Best fuel cards for truckers in the Midwest
- Best for lowering overall fuel costs: AtoB
- Best for rewards: Fuelman
- Best for expense tracking: Coast Fuel Card
- Best for building business credit: AtoB
- Best for small trucking companies: Comdata Card
- Best for coverage across the Midwest: ExxonMobil Fleet Fuel Cards
6 best fuel card for truck drivers in the Midwestern U.S.
AtoB
A no-hidden-fee platform in the fuel card space, AtoB touts itself as Stripe for Transportation. AtoB fuel cards don’t need to be used in-network, and are taken anywhere that accepts Visa. With its built-in security suite, cards can be given caps, tracked and monitored, while also segmenting purchases for your tax write-offs. AtoB also regularly reports to Experian, which can help your company build credit.
Best for: Lowering overall fuel costs
Special features
- App to find discounts along routes
- Exclusive discounts on fuel
- Integrates with management software and telematics
- Automated payroll with instant transfers
- Business credit bureau reporting
Benefits
- Telematics integration to validate every purchase in real time
- Universally accepted Visa-backed card
- Secure Card Unlock through the AtoB Driver App to ensure cards are only used by authorized drivers
- Optimal Station Selection to enforce drivers to fuel at the most affordable stations
- Fleet-management tools
- 24/7 support
Disadvantages: Net-seven terms
Pricing
- AtoB Flex Card: $0 account set-up fee, $3 per active card per month
- AtoB Unlimited Card: $25 account set- up fee, $3 per active card per month
Fuelman Fleet Cards
This Fuelman card comes packed with features. The customizable dashboard and data visualizations make it effortless to ensure that this card will streamline your accounting operations. With several card options available at varying price points, you can find one works well for your business. Real-time monitoring and alerts can keep your account secure, even when you don’t have time to check in yourself. With generous rewards for each card type, it’s hard to lose when you sign up with one of Fuelman’s fuel fleet cards.
Best for: Rewards
Special features
- Flexible packages with the deepest rebates available
- 50,000 fuel stations
- 20,000 maintenance locations
- Option for Mastercard that works anywhere that accepts Mastercard
Benefits
- Up to $0.10 per gallon in rebates
- Two points per eligible gallon
- $100 annual loyalty bonus
- Option to use it at any gas station
- Environmentally-friendly and carbon neutral options
Disadvantages: Coverage gaps in parts of Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Montana
Pricing: $39-$99 a month for all the fuel cards in your business
Coast Fuel Card
The Coast Fuel Card is a convenient gas card for truckers that is accepted anywhere that takes Visa. With a Midwestern network of over 12,000 stations, including many truck stops, drivers can fuel up across the region. The card can be used for gas, restaurants, hotels and more, and cardholders even get cash back on non-fuel purchases. Coast offers an intuitive platform that allows fleet managers to track spending, set controls and manage fleet cards centrally.
Best for: Expense tracking
Special features
- Discounts at select businesses
- Rewards on non-fuel purchases
- Easy controls and security settings for all fleet cards and users
- Spending reports
Benefits
- Centralized fleet spending on one account
- No personal guarantee
- Efficient customer service
- Purchase and expense tracking
Disadvantages: No published APR
Pricing: $2 per user each month
Motive Fuel Card
By incorporating data collection and reporting with the cost savings and functionality of a fuel card, Motive enables busy fleet managers and drivers to become more efficient. From one account and dashboard, you can track your fleet’s spending on gas, maintenance and lodging. You can see where drivers are and what they’re buying. Using vehicle GPS and telematics data, the platform intelligently identifies potentially fraudulent transactions. It also provides managers with the ability to use geofence controls to eliminate undesired spending.
Best for: Fraud prevention
Special features
- IFTA reports
- Spend reports
- Maintenance discounts
Benefits
- Spend controls
- Detailed reports
- Streamlined IFTA reporting
- Integrated platform
Disadvantages
- No set discount rate
- Smaller network compared to competitors
Pricing: No fees
Comdata Card
Comdata offers comprehensive coverage in the Midwest, including many rural and independent stations, along with discounts and detailed spending reports. The card is ideal for small businesses that manage no more than fifty trucks. Accordingly, it’s one of the best fuel cards for small trucking companies and new businesses, but services larger businesses too. Comdata is known for its excellent mobile app, making it easy to find one of its 15,000 in-network locations.
Best for: Small trucking companies
Special features
- Unique hotel discounts
- Best-in-class mobile app
- Driver payroll management tools
Benefits
- FleetAdvance mobile app makes it easy to locate eligible gas stations
- Saves money on other services, including hotel stays and tire replacements
- App helps drivers find and pay for CAT scale transactions.
Disadvantages
- While many locations accept the card, it is not a fully nationwide card
- Does not offer the same type of rebate program that other fuel cards offer
Pricing: $5 per card per month after one-time $50 account setup fee
ExxonMobil Fleet Pro Card
ExxonMobil Fleet Fuel Cards have more than 14,000 stations in the Midwest, including Exxon, Mobil, and QuikTrip. They offer flexible payment options and no monthly fees for using the card at Exxon or Mobil stations. Rewards options include fuel discounts, travel rewards, and merchandise discounts. The card also offers online reporting and expense management features.
Best for: Coverage across the Midwest
Special features
- Discounts on fuel purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations
- Detailed, real-time reports to track spending
- Usable at 11,500+ Exxon and Mobil locations
- Ability to set spending controls and purchase categories
- Accessible 24/7 via a web portal
Benefits
- Reduced fuel expenses
- Simplified expense tracking
- Nationwide accessibility
- PIN-based transactions for added safety
- Customizable for business needs
Disadvantages: Accepted only at Exxon and Mobil stations
Pricing: Annual fee of $99
Unique fuel consumption considerations for truckers in the Midwest
Truck drivers operating in the Midwestern U.S. face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to fueling their vehicles. Understanding these factors can help in planning routes, saving money, and ensuring a smoother operation.
- Seasonal needs: Cold winters may require diesel additives to prevent gelling. Extreme weather can affect fuel efficiency; budget accordingly.
- Not as many stations: Fewer fuel stations in rural areas necessitate careful planning.
- Long distances: High-capacity fuel tanks might be more beneficial for covering vast stretches.
- Biofuels: The Midwest is a big producer of ethanol; some cards may offer ethanol discounts.
- Age of fuel: Check fuel quality, as lower-traffic rural stations may have older fuel.
- Emissions: Some states have specific emissions regulations affecting fuel choices.
- Availability: Certain fuels may be less available in remote areas; know your alternatives.
Considering Midwestern conditions, drivers should focus on fuel efficiency, availability, and seasonal changes.
Benefits of commercial truck fuel cards
Fuel cards offer numerous benefits for trucking. These specialized payment cards are designed to make fuel purchases easier, more efficient, and often more cost-effective.
- Convenience: Fuel cards for truckers simplify the purchasing process by eliminating the need for cash or multiple credit cards.
- Expense tracking: Detailed statements make it easy to monitor fuel consumption and expenses, aiding budget management.
- Cost savings: Many truck fueling cards offer discounts, rewards, or cash-back programs that can lead to significant expense reduction over time.
- Fleet management: For companies, diesel fuel cards often include tools for tracking vehicle performance and managing maintenance.
- Universal acceptance: Many fuel cards for truck drivers are widely accepted at various brands of fuel stations, offering flexibility in where to refuel.
- Credit benefits: Some trucking fuel cards offer revolving credit or delayed payment options, aiding cash flow for businesses.
- Security: Enhanced security features like PIN numbers and spending controls reduce the risk of unauthorized use.
- Reporting: Real-time or periodic reporting options provide analytics that can help optimize fuel consumption.
- Budgeting: Fixed spending limits can be set for employees, ensuring costs are controlled and within budget.
- Additional services: Cards can offer added value through discounts on maintenance, lodging, or food services.
- Regional benefits: Some diesel cards provide specific perks for certain regions, aiding drivers in adapting to local conditions.
Fuel cards offer a host of benefits that can make the lives of drivers and fleet managers easier, more secure, and more cost-effective.
Find the best truck fuel card for your specific needs
The best fuel card for truckers in the Midwest isn’t necessarily the best fuel card for trucking elsewhere in the U.S. By considering factors like coverage, cost savings, and additional perks, you can tailor your choice to meet your unique requirements.
Take the next step by comparing the features of the cards discussed in this article, and consult user reviews or peers for firsthand insights. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimize your operations; select the best fuel card for you and experience the benefits firsthand.
FAQ
Fuel cards offer convenience, expense tracking, and often cost savings, making them a valuable tool for many drivers. They can streamline operations for individual truckers and fleets alike.
Consider factors like network coverage, discounts, fees, and additional perks to find a card that suits your specific needs. It’s also useful to consult user reviews and ask peers for recommendations.
A fuel card is primarily used for purchasing fuel and may offer related benefits like discounts. A fleet card offers more comprehensive services, such as maintenance tracking, reporting tools, and broader expense management.
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