Fleet Managers Turn To Fleet Fuel Cards to Combat Rising Fuel Costs

Fleet fuel cards are redefining how businesses manage vehicle operations, turning routine fueling into an opportunity for control, efficiency, and cost savings. As fuel prices remain volatile, fleet managers are shifting away from traditional payment methods and leaning into purpose-built solutions like VALERO fleet cards to optimize every dollar spent. From detailed expense tracking to real-time purchase monitoring, fleet cards empower businesses with unmatched transparency and operational insight.

A Smarter Way to Fuel Your Fleet

Unlike standard credit cards or cash reimbursements, fleet fuel cards are purpose-built to manage fuel expenses. VALERO fleet cards, for example, are accepted at 95% of U.S. fuel stations and offer up to 3¢ per gallon in rebates, depending on the card and usage volume. That level of network access means drivers can fuel up virtually anywhere while companies benefit from centralized purchase data, integrated accounting, and automatic expense tracking.

What sets these cards apart is their business-specific design. They enable fuel-only transactions, restrict purchases by location or time, and allow real-time oversight of driver activity. With rising costs and increased pressure on fleet budgets, this level of control translates directly into savings and efficiency.

Fuel Management Tools That Go Beyond the Pump

VALERO’s Card and Fleet Card offer tailored options depending on company size and needs. The VALERO Card delivers versatile payment terms — with the option to carry a balance — and a promotional 3¢ per gallon rebate for the first six months. For larger or more complex fleets, the VALERO Fleet Card offers advanced tools like customized reports, real-time driver tracking, and access to exclusive discounts on hotels, parts, and services.

Fleet managers using these cards gain visibility into each transaction, including fuel type, gallons purchased, and location. These insights help enforce policies, eliminate unauthorized purchases, and spot abnormal spending patterns. By knowing exactly who purchases what, where, and when, businesses reduce fraud risk while tightening operational oversight.

Turning Transactions Into Operational Intelligence

Beyond the obvious savings, fuel cards enhance broader fleet operations. Integration with accounting platforms eliminates manual receipt collection and streamlines reconciliation. Reporting dashboards offer digestible insights into usage patterns, highlighting areas for improvement or cost reduction. For instance, custom reports can show diesel versus gasoline usage across vehicles or track MPG performance to pinpoint inefficient routes or driving behaviors.

VALERO’s GPS-enabled telematics further amplifies this data. By pairing card usage with near real-time location data, businesses can verify service site visits, route compliance, and driver time at specific locations. This holistic approach simplifies billing for hourly services, ensures accurate payroll, and helps prevent side jobs conducted on company time — a known drain on resources.

Security and Control on Every Card Swipe

Security remains a top priority, especially when fuel cards are in the hands of multiple drivers. VALERO fleet cards include features like PIN verification at the pump, odometer entry, and programmable limits. Fleet managers can control fueling by time of day, station type, or dollar amount — all to ensure cards are used strictly within company policy.

This degree of customization isn’t just about reducing misuse; it’s about building a disciplined, data-informed culture. When drivers know their transactions are monitored and limits are enforced, accountability naturally increases. That, in turn, reduces risky behaviors like detouring for unauthorized fill-ups or refueling personal vehicles on the company dime.

Building Budget Resilience Through Predictable Expenses

Fuel volatility can disrupt even the most carefully managed budgets. Fleet cards bring predictability to an otherwise unpredictable line item. Businesses using VALERO cards gain early insight into spending trends, enabling more accurate forecasting and tighter cost controls.

Automated reporting means no more chasing down receipts or manually logging purchases. Instead, fleet managers get consolidated, categorized data in a format designed to align with business budgeting processes. The result? Less time managing spreadsheets and more time optimizing performance.

Supporting Fleets of Every Size, in Every Industry

Whether a small HVAC business with a handful of vehicles or a national operation with hundreds on the road, fleet fuel cards scale to meet the need. VALERO supports over 300,000 U.S. businesses across sectors by offering ible card programs, 24/7 customer service, and acceptance across nearly every fuel station in the country.

Contractors, delivery services, logistics companies, and service fleets all benefit from the same principles: fuel savings, operational insight, spending control, and simplified back-office processes. And for companies with specialized fuel requirements — like diesel-heavy operations — the ability to segment by fuel type and monitor usage is especially valuable.

Savings Beyond Fuel: Unlocking Additional Discounts

The benefits of fleet cards don’t stop at the pump. VALERO’s program includes access to exclusive discounts on lodging, maintenance, tires, and auto parts. These add-ons, though often overlooked, create a comprehensive savings ecosystem around every mile driven.

In industries where drivers are frequently on the road and away from home, these perks lower overhead costs and contribute to a more comfortable, cost-efficient travel experience. For operations managers, it's another way to stretch the value of every card swipe.

Key Features at a Glance

• Real-time Tracking: Monitor purchases as they happen across all vehicles.
• Custom Spending Limits: Set guardrails by card, driver, day, time, or fuel type.
• Integrated Accounting: Sync transactions with major business bookkeeping platforms.
• Mobile App Access: View transactions, cancel cards, and manage limits from anywhere.
• GPS and Telematics: Combine card use with location data for deeper insights.
• Fleet-Wide Reporting: Analyze trends, monitor usage, and forecast budgets.

A Strategic Shift, Not Just a Payment Tool

Switching to fleet fuel cards like VALERO isn’t simply about changing how you pay — it’s a strategic shift in how you manage fleet operations. It’s about turning everyday transactions into actionable business intelligence. With real-time data, location-based tracking, and customizable reporting, fuel cards help reduce waste, protect assets, and increase overall efficiency.

As businesses brace for continued fuel price swings, adopting fleet fuel cards offers a clear path to resilience. With tools that improve visibility, limit unauthorized spending, and automate accounting, VALERO fuel card solutions ensure fleet managers are equipped not just to adapt — but to lead.