10 best fuel cards for owner-operators to consider using

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Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for owner-operators, so finding ways to save at the pump is essential for your bottom line.  

Fuel cards can be a smart solution. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one for your business can be challenging.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best fuel cards for owner-operators, including options with extra discounts, flexible payment options and tools to better manage your expenses. 

What is a trucking fuel card?

A fuel card in the trucking industry is a tool designed to give owner-operators and fleet owners extra advantages at the pump, such as:

• Fuel discounts.
• Rewards programs.
• Expense tracking capabilities.
• Access to a network of fuel stations.

Some fuel cards have fees associated with them, such as activation, monthly, yearly and/or transaction fees. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of each card to understand any associated costs.

About Schneider’s fuel card

Some motor carriers, like Schneider, offer a free fuel card to owner-operators who do business with them. With Schneider’s fuel card, you can:

• Save thousands on fuel every year with at-the-pump discounts at major truck stops nationwide.
• Avoid sign-up and annual card fees, as well as transaction fees at in-network locations.
• Improve your company’s cash flow management.
• Leverage Schneider to track and report your fuel tax records. 

10 fuel cards for a trucking business

Below is a list of 10 fuel card options for owner-operators, in no particular order. With dozens of fuel card options available, it’s important to do research and choose the one that best fits your business needs.

Discounts and programs change frequently, so be sure to get the most up to date information directly from the fuel card provider.    

1. Pilot Flying J Axle Fuel Card®.

• Get fuel discounts at Pilot Flying J locations.
• Access more than 850 Pilot Flying J locations across North America.
• Avoid sign-up, annual or transaction fees.
• Monitor transactions through a customer portal.
• Enjoy Pilot Flying J amenities, including showers and free parking.

2. Love’s Express Card.

• Get fuel discounts at Love’s locations.
• Avoid application and transaction fees.
• Track fuel costs in real-time via a portal and mobile app.
• Use Love’s Express Billing Program for in-store purchases, Love’s emergency roadside service, Truck Tire Care, TirePass and truck maintenance.  

3. ES Advantage.

• Enjoy fuel discounts at more than 1,300 truck stops.
• Pay cash price on fuel at over 14,000 truck stops.
• Get free showers and drink refills daily at select major truck stops.
• Earn three times the rewards points for meals, coffee, merchandise and parking.
• Take advantage of discounts on tires and maintenance.

4. TCS Fuel Card.

• Access fuel discounts at more than 2,000 in-network locations.
• Enjoy card acceptance at more than 12,000 truck locations.
• Avoid transaction fees at in-network truck stops.
• Get 24/7 access to a secure account management website and customer service.
• Locate savings along your route using an interactive fuel finder map.

5. Comdata® Connect Card.

• Access more than 8,000 truck stops in the Comdata national network.
• Get fuel discounts at TA Petro, Pilot Flying J, Love’s and other major truck stops.
• Monitor transactions in real time with 24/7 account access.
• Protect against fraud with advanced tools and real-time alerts.
• Receive discounts at Bridgestone and Goodyear tire dealers.

6. RXO Fuel Card.

• Enjoy fuel discounts at select locations.
• Get card acceptance at more than 9,000 locations nationwide.
• Find fuel discounts near you using an app.
• Take advantage of discounts on maintenance and tires.
• Leverage a dedicated representative to help with fuel questions.

7. RTS Carrier Services Fuel Card.

• Get fuel discounts at in-network locations.
• Use the card at more than 3,500 fuel stations nationwide.
• Avoid yearly card fees or contracts.
• Find the lowest fuel prices along your route using a mobile app.
• Enjoy extra perks at Pilot Flying J locations.

8. OTR Fuel Card.

• Get fuel discounts and other savings at more than 2,500 in-network locations.
• Avoid transaction fees at in-network locations.
• Enjoy card acceptance at more than 8,000 major fuel stations.
• Use the ORT Mobile App to find the best fuel discounts along your route.
• Pick between fuel credit or prepaid card options.

9. WEX CrossRoads Freight Card.

• Fuel at more than 16,000 truck stops and 95% of U.S. gas stations.
• Get fuel discounts at major truck stops.
• Take advantage of strengthened security with enhanced fraud prevention controls.
• Streamline expense management with integrated reporting and billing.
• Receive 24/7 customer service support.

10. Mudflap Fuel Card.

• Avoid activation, monthly, annual and transaction fees.
• Pay anywhere Visa® is accepted.
• Use Mudflap’s route optimizer to find the best-priced fuel stops.
• Cover fuel, maintenance and repair expenses with one card.
• Prevent fraud with automated checks and real-time alerts for suspicious transactions.
• Access 24/7 customer service support.