In trucking, fuel isn’t just an expense—it’s the expense. With diesel costs fluctuating and margins razor-thin, every penny saved at the pump goes straight to your bottom line. Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a growing fleet, having a fuel card or some type of fuel savings program isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
Here’s why every carrier should be using one.
Fuel cards are essential for trucking operations, offering significant savings, improved cash flow, and streamlined reporting.
Fuel Costs: The Largest Expense for Trucking Operations
For most trucking operations, fuel is the single largest operating cost, accounting for over 30% of total expenses. This is a significant portion of the budget, and without a strategic approach to manage these costs, carriers are potentially losing thousands of dollars annually.
By utilizing a fuel savings program, carriers can access negotiated discounts at fuel stops nationwide. For instance, BridgeHaul's fuel card can help carriers save up to $10,000 per year per truck. These savings directly impact the bottom line, making a substantial difference in overall profitability.
How Fuel Cards Improve Cash Flow Management
Cash flow is critical in the trucking industry, where expenses are constant, but payments can be delayed. Fuel cards offer flexibility by providing weekly billing or fuel advances, allowing carriers to keep their trucks moving without relying on emergency funds or credit cards.
This flexibility is invaluable, especially when waiting 30+ days to get paid for loads. With options like weekend advances or same-day funding, drivers are never stuck waiting for Monday to refuel or take on their next load.
Enhanced Control and Oversight with Fuel Cards
Fuel cards offer more than just discounts; they provide tools to manage fuel spend across an entire fleet. Carriers can set purchase limits per card or driver, track gallons purchased in real-time, and receive detailed reports for IFTA and accounting.
This level of visibility not only saves money but also tightens up operations by helping to spot waste or misuse before it becomes a problem. Effective management of fuel expenses leads to more efficient and profitable operations.
Simplifying Compliance and Reporting
Tax season and IFTA filing can be time-consuming and prone to errors. A fuel card platform that logs all fuel purchases automatically can save hours of back-office time, reduce errors and simplify reporting.
No more digging through old receipts or spreadsheets; everything is kept in one place, making compliance and reporting straightforward and less stressful.
Gaining a Competitive Edge with Fuel Savings
In today's competitive freight environment, every advantage counts. Carriers who effectively manage their fuel costs are the ones who are growing and scaling their fleets.
Fuel savings can be the difference between breaking even and achieving profitability. Moreover, shippers and brokers often view carriers with structured fuel savings programs as more reliable and professional partners, giving them an edge in securing more business.