Fuel is one of the most significant operating expenses for trucking companies. Whether running a semi-truck or managing a fleet of dozens, finding ways to save at the pump can improve your bottom line. That is where fuel cards come in.

A fuel card—a fleet card—is more than a convenient way to pay for diesel. It’s a strategic tool that can offer discounts, control spending, simplify accounting, and streamline fleet management. But with dozens of options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

What Is a Fuel Card?

A fuel card is a specialized payment card that allows truck drivers and fleet operators to purchase fuel—often at a discounted rate—at participating fuel stations. Many cards also offer additional benefits like:

• Maintenance discounts
• Real-time transaction tracking
• Spending controls
• Reporting and IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) support

Unlike a traditional credit card, fuel cards are designed with trucking businesses in mind, offering tailored features that help manage operational costs.

Why Your Trucking Business Needs a Fuel Card

Fuel cards can benefit both owner-operators and fleet owners in several key ways:

1. Fuel Discounts

Most fuel cards offer cents-per-litre or cents-per-gallon discounts at partner fuel stations. Even small discounts can lead to significant savings for fleets logging thousands of kilometres monthly.

2. Spending Control

Fuel cards can limit unauthorized purchases. You can restrict spending to fuel only, set daily or weekly limits, and monitor real-time transactions.

3. Simplified Accounting

With digital records, you can easily track expenses, generate reports, and reconcile fuel charges—saving time on bookkeeping.

4. IFTA Compliance

Fuel cards track purchases by jurisdiction, helping you file accurate IFTA reports and avoid costly penalties.

5. Fleet Insights

Top-tier cards offer analytics to monitor fuel usage, driver behaviour, and route efficiency.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fuel Card

Not all fuel cards are created equal. Here’s what to evaluate when comparing your options:

1. Network Coverage

Check how many and which fuel stations accept the card. An extensive network means your drivers won’t have to go out of their way to fill up. Ensure the network includes significant truck stops and fuel stations along your regular routes—Petro-Canada, Esso, Shell, Pilot, Flying J, or Loves.

Tip: Look for a card that works across provinces and the U.S. if your operations are cross-border.

2. Discount Structure

Fuel discounts vary widely. Some cards offer fixed discounts (e.g., 3¢/litre), while others use a tiered system based on volume. Make sure the discount structure aligns with your monthly fuel spend.

Also, ask:

• Are the discounts off the pump price or the retail price?
• Are there volume bonuses?
• Do discounts apply at the pump, or are they credited later?

3. Fees

Fuel cards may have various fees:

• Monthly service fees
• Card issuance fees
• Transaction fees
• Late payment charges
• Inactivity fees

Compare cards not just on advertised savings but also on total cost of ownership.

4. Spending Controls and Security

Robust security features help prevent misuse. Key capabilities include:

• Driver PINs
• Real-time alerts
• Purchase limits by product, time, and location
• Card suspension or cancellation via the dashboard

Choose a card that gives you detailed control over how each driver or vehicle uses it.

5. Reporting Tools

Look for detailed reporting features that support:

• Expense tracking by truck, driver, or route
• IFTA tax reporting
• Fuel efficiency analysis
• Fraud detection

Some cards offer integrations with accounting software and fleet management platforms, saving you time and improving accuracy.

6. Customer Support

Reliable customer service is crucial. Choose a provider that offers:

• 24/7 driver support
• Dedicated account managers
• Easy online portal or mobile app
• Fast card replacement

The support system should help you resolve issues quickly, especially if a card is lost or a driver encounters payment problems on the road.

Types of Fuel Cards: Which One Is Right for You?

There are three main types of fuel cards. Your ideal match depends on your business’s size and scope.

1. Universal Fuel Cards

Accepted at thousands of locations across North America, these cards provide flexibility and wide access. They’re great for mixed fleets or carriers operating across various routes.

Examples: WEX, Fleet One EDGE

2. Brand-Specific Fuel Cards

These cards are tied to specific fuel providers, such as Shell or Esso. They often offer higher discounts but less network flexibility.

Best for: Carriers who stick to a predictable route or are loyal to one fuel brand.

3. Carrier-Specific or Industry-Focused Cards

Trucking associations or specialized providers that cater to the industry offer some cards.

Example: RTS Fuel Card, EFS, TCH (popular among Canadian and U.S. fleets)

These often include added perks like fuel advances, freight factoring, and tire discounts.

Popular Fuel Cards for Trucking Companies in Canada

Here are a few widely used fuel cards by Canadian trucking businesses:

1. Shell Fleet Navigator Card

• Nationwide Acceptance
• Integrated reporting tools
• Custom spending controls
• Great for mid-to-large fleets

2. Esso and Mobil Business Card

• Discounts of up to 6¢ per litre
• Extensive Canadian network
• Real-time transaction monitoring

3. Petro-Canada SuperPass

• Over 1,500 locations
• Tiered discounts based on volume
• Fleet-wide spending limits

4. WEX Fleet Card

• Accepted at over 12,000 locations in North America
• Strong reporting features
• Works with various fleet apps

Each has pros and cons—make sure you compare based on your route network, fleet size, and business goals.

How to Apply for a Fuel Card

Most providers let you apply online. You’ll typically need:

• Business registration details
• Fleet size and estimated monthly fuel usage
• Driver or vehicle information
• Financial documentation (for credit evaluation)

Some cards offer prepaid or secured options if your business is new or has a limited credit history.

Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Fuel Card

To get the most out of your fuel card program, follow these best practices:

1. Train Your Drivers

Make sure drivers know:

• Which stations to fuel at
• How to use the card securely
• What purchases are allowed

2. Monitor Regularly

Check reports weekly to track expenses, identify unusual activity, and find opportunities to improve fuel efficiency.

3. Leverage Data Analytics

Use card reports to:

• Identify underperforming vehicles
• Optimize routes
• Benchmark fuel economy across drivers

4. Review Your Program Annually

Fuel needs change as your business grows. Re-evaluate your card’s performance, network coverage, and cost at least once a year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a card with limited station coverage
• Focusing only on discounts, not total fees
• Neglecting to set driver purchase limits
• Failing to reconcile transactions regularly

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your card delivers convenience and real cost savings.

Final Thoughts: Fuel Cards Are a Smart Move for Your Fleet

Fuel cards offer trucking businesses a smart way to save, track, and control fuel-related expenses in a competitive industry where every cent counts. But not all cards are equal—and the best one for your business depends on your specific routes, fleet size, and financial goals.

You can turn your fuel card into a powerful business asset by carefully comparing options, understanding fee structures, and effectively using the available tools. Contact us for more information.

Ready to Take Control of Your Fuel Costs?

Avaal Blue makes managing fuel expenses easier, smarter, and more cost-effective. With wide network coverage across North America, real-time transaction tracking, and exclusive savings at major truck stops, our fuel card is built for growing fleets and owner-operators alike.

Sign up for Avaal Blue today and start saving at the pump — while gaining better control over your operations.

Apply now or call us at   +1 877-955-1313 to speak with a fuel card specialist.