How Much Can Fleets Save with a Fleet Fuel Card?

Fleet operators save roughly $600 per truck monthly with fleet fuel cards like Nomad. That’s nearly $7,200 annually. Access wholesale fuel rates, automatic fuel accounting, nationwide station coverage, and spending controls without card fees or brand restrictions to maximize your savings.

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Fuel is one of the most significant recurring business expenses for fleet owners and one of the largest controllable costs for any fleet. When a single truck can run you up to $4,000 a month in fuel, those numbers add up fast, quickly climbing into the hundreds of thousands across your entire operation each year. 

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That’s why many fleet owners consider fleet fuel cards, also known as commercial fuel cards. They provide better access to fuel prices and take away the headache of chasing down employee fuel receipts. With the right setup, you can save real money every year without being locked into a limited number of fuel stations.

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Let’s walk through what those fuel savings can look like and what to watch for when choosing a provider.

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That’s why many fleet owners consider fleet fuel cards, also known as commercial fuel cards. They provide better access to fuel prices and take away the headache of chasing down employee fuel receipts. With the right setup, you can save real money every year without being locked into a limited number of fuel stations.

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Let’s walk through what those fuel savings can look like and what to watch for when choosing a provider.

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How Much Can a Fleet Card Save You?

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Start by looking at your monthly fuel spend. Your tracking sheets should show you exactly the number of gallons purchased by your fleet. Every fleet operation is different based on routes, weight, terrain, and equipment, which all shift the numbers. But the American Transportation Research Institute offers reliable industry data for reference.

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Based on this data, many fleet operators could spend up to $4,000 per truck every month on fuel alone. That adds up quickly, especially when inefficiencies and hidden fees creep in. With the right fuel partner, your savings can be substantial, allowing you to reallocate those funds to cover other operational expenses, such as maintenance costs, insurance fees, or fleet expansion.

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Here are some factors and benefits that might increase or reduce your fleet card savings:

• Card fees and hidden charges: Some commercial fuel card providers charge setup, transaction, annual, or card fees that can quietly eat into your margins. These charges can erase most of the savings you were promised.
  

• Station coverage: Broad network coverage matters. The more locations a fuel card is accepted at, the more flexibility your drivers have to refuel at discounted rates wherever they go.
  

• Retail-based pricing: Not all fuel cards offer access to wholesale rates. Some just apply small rebates off pump prices per gallon, which limits how much you can actually save.
  

• Brand lock-ins: Cards tied to a single fuel brand can be inconvenient for long-haul routes or rural areas. Your drivers need nationwide coverage that can save time, not constraints.

• Lack of spending controls: Without clear limits and purchase controls, overspending and unauthorized charges are far more likely. Always review your billing cycle statement carefully using an accompanying free mobile app and choose a program that gives visibility as well as real control.

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Source: Shutterstock

When Does a Fuel Card Make Sense for Your Fleet Size?

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A fuel card doesn’t just help you rein in fuel spend; it streamlines your entire operations. From route planning to expense tracking, it’s a strategic advantage for businesses that want tighter oversight and long-term savings. 

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Here are situations where it makes the most sense:

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• You manage a fleet with high monthly fuel costs. When fuel is your biggest line item, every expense matters. Access to wholesale-level pricing can put thousands of dollars back into your cash flow annually.

• You want tighter expense controls. Set spending limits for your drivers and schedule payments to prevent fund misuse and set card controls.
  

• You need better fraud prevention. Real-time alerts, PIN protection, and restricted purchase types can help you prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.

• You track expenses across multiple vehicles. Automated logs and easy-to-read invoices cut down admin hours and make reconciliation far smoother.

‍You refuel across vast regions. With nationwide acceptance, your drivers can fuel where it makes sense, not where they’re forced to, avoiding full-price refills at out-of-network stations.

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Source: Shutterstock

FAQs About Fuel Cards for Business

What is the best fuel card for business?

The right fuel card should give you access to better savings, work across major fuel brands without limiting your stops, and avoid unclear pricing. The best fuel card for your business should keep your fleet moving efficiently.

Can I get a fuel card for my business?

Most fuel card providers will require that you operate a registered business. Small businesses typically need to submit their business name, EIN, credit score, and banking information. 

Is it worth having a company fuel card?

The right fuel cards aren’t just for large fleets; they’re designed to deliver value for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re running a single truck or hundreds on the road, fuel cards provide real savings, improve cash flow, and enhance operational control.

In Summary: Fleet Cards for Your Business

• Fuel cards (fleet cards) give fleets access to better fuel rates, helping offset rising fuel expenses and ensuring streamlined operations.
• With the right program, fleets can save up to $900 per truck per month and get exclusive discounts, directly boosting profits.
• Savings depend on card fees, network coverage, pricing models, and controls.
• The right card works for every fleet, big or small.

Lock in Discounted Fuel Rates for Your Fleet for Life

Don’t let fuel expenses eat into your profits any longer. With Nomad, your fleet can save at hundreds of stations across North America, with no monthly fees, brand restrictions, or confusing fine print. Every gallon saved will quickly add up to more substantial margins. 

Ready to take control of your fuel spend? Speak with a Nomad representative about partnering with us today! Let’s talk about how our fuel card can streamline operations and help you grow. Contact us at support@nomad.io or by phone at 1-844-41-NOMAD.