A fuel card not only simplifies the fuel-filling process, but also tracks the filling patterns of the customer, to provide him a customized purchasing option, the next time he uses the card. Read the following WheelZine write up to know more…
A fuel card is used for paying for diesel, petrol and other types of fuel at filling stations. Due to these, there is no need to pay cash at such stations. The payment terms may change from supplier to supplier.
How to Use a Fuel Card
For pump operated outdoor terminals, insert and remove the fuel card once. Enter the PIN, mileage and registration. Choose the pump number. Draw fuel into the vehicle and return the pump to the holder. Insert and remove the card for the second time. Collect the printed receipt.
For cashier indoor terminals, submit the card to the cashier for validation. Draw fuel into the vehicle on forecourt and return to the kiosk. Give details of pump number to the cashier and submit fuel card. Confirm that the transaction details are true and sign the receipt. Maintain the copy of receipt.
Card Program
In Georgia, a fuel card program is provided by Wright Express. This enables fuel purchases at more than 7000 locations in Georgia and 170,000 locations in the United States. This program has an information system for management and accountability of motor vehicles and fleet operations. This system has a record of fuel purchases, minor repairs, emergency services and usual operational costs. Federal and local taxes are subtracted from the bill for gasoline purchases. They are 25 cents per gallon. Customer service is available 24 x 7, to help you out with discrepancies.
It is usually a very good option for businesses, because you know the fueling-sites network coverage. Therefore, refueling at the local sites and on the routes becomes easier. Many other benefits such as, card security is achieved due to the Personal Identification Number (PIN). Federal excise tax, state sales taxes and county sales taxes are subtracted for vendors in the tax exempt program. The management decides the customized purchasing parameters. If lost, the card gets replaced in 24 hours. The electronic billing capability decreases the administrative costs. WEX-Online enables simple access to the account information using a user name and password. Here, the transaction details can be checked. There exist monthly reports for all fuel and non-fuel purchases.
Advantages
- More security
- Wholesale fuel prices
- Fleet efficiency and MPG reporting
- Points and reward schemes
- Filling patterns can be customized by Smartchip technology
- Reduced administration through management tools
Disadvantages
- Short credit periods
- Responsibility of wrong transactions lies with customer
- Long card cancellation periods
- Card provision charge applied on a monthly or annual basis
- Retail cards offer pump prices
Fuel Card Provider
T-Chek is the leading fuel card provider. They provide transportation services for single truck operations, as well as large fleets in the market. Also, several fuel purchase and technology services are made possible. Fuel tax, log audit processing, temporary permits and driver funds transfer are the other facilities that exist.
Multi-Service Fuel Card
This card can be used at more than 3100 stops in the United States and Canada. Along with this card, free Multi service directories can be obtained. They furnish specific data about amenities and locations of all truck stops. Multi service has launched the Select Price Stops program. This program directs truck drivers to low cash price stops on major highways and interstates. Also, the fuel costs are decreased by 2 to 5 cents per gallon and there are zero transaction fees. The customer support is active 24 x 7. The fleet management can be improved by monthly management reports and itemized billing. Such reports can be seen and downloaded online or mailed to the user.
Gas cards
There are several gas cards in the market to purchase gasoline. One such featured card is Discover Open Road Card. This has a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. There is no annual fee and easy online account management options. A 5% cash-back bonus on gas and auto maintenance purchases exists. 5% to 20% cash-back bonus is given at the exclusive online shopping site. Other purchases have up to 1% unlimited cash-back bonus. There is a $0 fraud liability guarantee. Easy online account management options are present.