Fuel Discount Cards

Just out of curiosity does anyone use a fuel discount card and with whom, how do you like it and how does it work? I've looked into a couple, Mudflap and TSD Open Roads. I stopped using the company EFS card since I can get a better price at smaller places and independents. I can easily save $20-$120 per fillup but would like and even better savings!! Any knowledge is appreciated.

I've been hearing for years that NASTC has the best fuel card plan out here.

I agree with NASTC. I looked into it a couple years ago. They use TA/Petro and averaged then approx. .40 cents off the cash price.

I was told by my company if I go away from their fuel card I will have to do my own IFTA fillings.

I use their EFS card and have them overide it for any fuel stop not in their network. Which is basically Flying J/Pilot. one 9 also works since it is under Pilot. Kinda sucks speedway pulled out of the one9 network.

I stopped using the company EFS card since I can get a better price at smaller places and independents. I can easily save $20-$120 per fillup but would like and even better savings!!

Mikey, I am completely unfamiliar with the discount cards, but you've peaked my curiosity. I am surprised your lease doesn't require you to use the company's card. I suspect most of the company leases make at least a little bit of money through the fuel purchases on the EFS card. Therefore I would think that would be a requirement of the lease. I guess I am wrong on that assumption. I am also wondering if you are able to get a better price by taking the route you have chosen, how does that affect your fuel surcharge. Does that make sense? I would think it would have a negative effect on your fuel surcharge, but I assume you have calculated that and still realize a better savings in the end. I am totally ignorant on this since I am strictly a company driver and always use their fuel purchasing system.

Can you elaborate on this a little. I always enjoy learning more about this business, and you are in a unique position to help me understand the leasing side of this with a little more clarity.

OS different companies may run their program differently. They all negoaite their fuel price based on how many gallons they agree to purchase each month.

My company allows us to run under their EFS card. Their discount is 5 cents off cash price at the pump. Same for everyone using their card.

I can elect to use my own fuel card, but that reduces the total amount of fuel they purchase each month. They get the reports on their cards and file all my ifta reports for me. If I use my own card those reports would come to me, and I would be responsible for my own filings.

A little bird told me I can have my card overrode on a case by case basis and can fuel anywhere efs is accepted. No discount, but lately the cheaper prices are better than the discount. It is still on the company’s report and causes me no issues.

Nothing on that side of things effects my fuel surcharge. That is based on the contract linehaul rate not anything do do with the fuel card.

Thanks PJ!

A little bird told me I can have my card overrode on a case by case basis and can fuel anywhere efs is accepted. No discount, but lately the cheaper prices are better than the discount. It is still on the company’s report and causes me no issues.

I have found this to be true as a company driver also. I can have my EFS card overridden if needed. I am sure any discount on fuel is money in the bank for you guys, and I don't blame you for seeking out the best prices when you need to.

I hadn't even thought about the IFTA issue. That's something to consider also. How much is it worth to not have to deal with the reports? I know that would be up to each individual. I spent so many years in business that I am extremely happy to just be using someone else's money for my expenses. As long as I am making good money and enjoying myself immensely, I will stick to the basics. I have had all the liability I want at this point in my life.

So I looked over the lease agreement and the only thing I saw mentioning fuel is this

5. FUEL: Lessee will be responsible for the cost of and will provide all fuel at a non-discounted rate.

Its my understanding they get a discount for using Loves. When I fuel using their EFS card I pay the posted cash price. I'm guessing the above means they keep the discount.

I've been using my own debit card exclusively for several weeks now and nobody has mentioned it. Fuel tax is taken out at 1 cent per mile and placed in an escrow account for quarterly payments. As far as the fuel surcharge, that is basically negotiated with the revenue on the load. I don't know how they determine the amount but I still get good amounts in FSC even though I'm using my own debit card to fuel. What I don't get is unlimited showers and drink refills at Loves however I shop around for my fuel and generally save $50-$100 or so on EACH fill-up, that buys a lot of showers.

I was talking to another of our lease drivers yesterday and he still uses their EFS card but does on rare occasions have them over ride for other places.

Mikey you need to keep your receipts and someone will have to figure out your ifta. Since it is on your debt card there will not be a concise monthly report. Some quarters I owe a little bit, others I actually get a little back. Your paying taxes each fill up and you need to get credit for that.

I thought my companies discount was horrible until I read your post you get none.

In your case I would go with NASTC. The will send you a detailed statement you can use for whoever files your ifta.

I’m not sure how they figure fuel surcharge for you guys but the National rate is currently at 38%. Realistically, you shouldn’t be paying for fuel or at least for very little of it if they’re passing 100% on to you. Every company is different though.