Fuel costs can eat up 20-30% of your trucking operating expenses, according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). So, a strong fuel card that works for you can be a game-changer in shrinking that slice of the pie. That means choosing the best fuel card for truckers isn’t just a box to check – it can transform savings, streamline operations, and tighten control over your wallet.
Why Picking the Right Fuel Card Matters
Whether you manage a single truck or a large fleet, the right fleet fuel card quickly proves advantageous. Right off the bat, you enjoy savings on diesel that accumulate with every gallon you pump. A diesel fuel card also offers convenience and consistency across thousands of truck stop locations. Plus, you get control through detailed reporting and security protections. The bottom line is that using a fuel card adds up to better fuel management, fewer surprises, and improved cash flow for your trucking business.
Comparing Fuel Card Types
If you opt for a branded fuel card, meaning one that comes directly from a particular truck stop chain, you could get deeper discounts at their locations nationwide. However, a universal fuel card gives you more options. You can still get diesel discounts at a batch of in-network locations, and you can also use the fuel card at thousands more truck stops with broader acceptance.
Then you have cash-secured vs. credit. Cash-secured, or self-funded, fuel cards require no probing credit checks, making them ideal for newer fleets and established trucking companies that prefer to avoid accumulating interest and fees. Fuel cards with credit lines could certainly unlock more flexibility, and they may be ideal for larger fleets as well as truckers who qualify.
Choosing the Right Card
The key to choosing the right diesel fuel card boils down to customization. You want a fuel card that works for you and your business. So, look for a network with a broad reach that fits your needs and travel routes. Do the discounts per gallon add up to substantial savings? Does the fuel card company offer handy reporting to help you with International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) filings? How advanced is their customer support technology – mobile app, client site? And what about security, particularly fraud prevention features?
TCS Fuel Card Benefits
The TCS Fuel Card is designed specifically to level the playing field between small-to-medium-sized trucking companies and the larger fleets. No matter your business size or how many loads you haul, every client enjoys the same savings per gallon, the same world-class customer service, and the same extra perks that come with being a TCS Fuel Card client. Here are the key TCS Fuel Card benefits:
-
- Network and locations: You can enjoy significant savings per gallon at more than 2,300 in-network locations across the country, including TA®, TA Express®, Petro Stopping Centers®, AMBEST, 7FLEET (7‑Eleven, Speedway, Stripes), Maverik, Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Sapp Bros., Road Ranger, and Irving Oil. The TCS Fuel Card is also accepted at more than 12,000 truck stops nationwide that take EFS or Comdata.
- Savings: Save an average of 57¢ per gallon* at more than 2,300 in-network locations. Also, you pay $0 fuel transaction fees at all in-network locations.
- Cash-secured: The TCS Fuel Card is cash-secured (self-funded). Qualifying Apex Capital factoring clients get access to a flexible credit line.
- DEF and lumpers: Use your TCS Fuel Card to purchase DEF at any truck stop that accepts EFS and Comdata cards, but you can save 50 cents per gallon of DEF at Speedway, which is an in-network discount location. Also, use your TCS account to pay for lumpers.
- Tires and maintenance: TCS Fuel Card clients can get great discounts on tire and maintenance at TA Truck Service® locations across the country.
- Fraud protections: Use dynamic prompt codes at the pump to prevent card skimming. Set spending limits on fuel and non-fuel purchases. Also, use multi-factor authentication and secure passwords to keep your account safe.
- Technology: The TCS Mobile App lets you manage your account on the go. The TCS client site is your handy web portal for fuel account management. The TCS Fuel Finder lets you find in-network locations with great savings and amenities along your route.
- Customer support: TCS offers world-class, 24/7/365 US-based support.
TCS Fuel Card & Apex Factoring
When you pair your TCS Fuel Card with Apex Capital factoring, you can take advantage of a winning combination. Apex can direct funds from your invoices or a factoring reserve account into your fuel card. Also, qualifying Apex factoring clients can get a credit line for their TCS Fuel Card. That’s steady cash flow for your hauls and fuel savings at the pump. You can’t beat it.
Fuel Card = Smart Choice
For owner-operators, small-to-medium-sized trucking companies, and large fleets alike, using a fuel card to maximize savings at the pump and benefit from ongoing efficiency, security, and financial flexibility is the smart choice. With the TCS Fuel Card, you get competitive fuel discounts at more than 2,300 in-network locations nationwide, fraud protection, and technology that makes managing your fuel expenses safe and easy.
Are you ready to reap the rewards of the TCS Fuel Card? Experience for yourself the many benefits of America’s Favorite Fuel Card. Apply for your TCS Fuel Card today!
**Average savings of 57 cents per gallon is based on actual in-network TCS client transaction for Q4 of 2025.
