What Are The Top Trucking Fuel Cards For Trucking Companies With 1-9 Trucks? (Reviews/Ratings)

Written By Kody Fitzjerrells

For small trucking fleets with 1-9 trucks, pinching pennies on fuel can make or break your bottom line. Our analysis of over 160 trucking companies shows that small fleets spend an average of $2,052 weekly on fuel, making it a top expense alongside payroll and insurance. With Pilot Flying J and Love’s Travel Stops emerging as the go-to fueling spots for truckers, the right fuel card can unlock significant savings at these popular locations. At Aronson Fuel, we’ve spoken with thousands of truckers to understand your needs, and while our card is a strong contender, we’ve curated this unbiased guide to the top fuel cards for small fleets, typically operating 1-9 trucks. Each card offers unique benefits, so we’ve outlined the best options (in no particular order) to help you choose the one that fuels your success.

Why Fuel Cards Matter for Small Trucking Fleets

Fuel cards are essential for small trucking fleets, offering trucking fuel discounts, expense tracking, and operational efficiency. With fuel costs averaging $2,052 weekly for 1-9 truck fleets, saving even 10-25 cents per gallon can add up to thousands annually. These cards also provide tools like real-time spending reports and fraud prevention, crucial for small operators with limited resources. Whether you fuel at Pilot Flying J, Love’s, or TA, the best fuel cards for truckers align with your routes and business needs.

Best Fuel Cards for Small Trucking Fleets

Below, we review the top 10 fuel cards for small fleets, focusing on savings, network coverage, and user feedback. Each card is rated based on trucking industry platforms to ensure reliability.

1. RTS Fuel Card

Overview: The RTS Fuel Card is a leader in fuel card savings, ideal for small fleets seeking maximum discounts.
Benefits:

  • Saves up to 25 cents per gallon at over 2,000 truck stops, including Love’s and TA.

  • Integrates with factoring services for streamlined cash flow.

  • No setup or transaction fees; includes an online portal for expense tracking.

  • 24/7 support for on-the-road assistance.
    Network: Love’s, TA, and major truck stops.
    User Reviews: Rated 4.8/5 on TruckersEdge for high discounts and support.
    Best For: Small fleets prioritizing truck stop fuel cards with factoring integration.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.rtsinc.com/product/fuel-discount-program

2. DAT Fuel Card

Overview: Perfect for fleets using DAT’s load board, this card combines fuel cards for small fleets with freight management.
Benefits:

  • Offers 10-15 cents per gallon savings at 2,000+ locations, including Pilot Flying J and TA.

  • No transaction fees; integrates with DAT’s platform.

  • Detailed reporting optimizes fuel efficiency.

  • User-friendly for small operators.
    Network: Pilot Flying J, TA, and more.
    User Reviews: 4.7/5 on The Truckers Report for seamless integration.
    Best For: Fleets leveraging DAT’s load board.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.dat.com/fuel-card

3. TCS Fuel Card

Overview: A top pick for trucking fuel discounts, TCS balances savings and management tools.
Benefits:

  • Saves 15-20 cents per gallon at 1,500+ locations, including Pilot Flying J and TA.

  • No fees; offers real-time tracking and spending limits.

  • Mobile app and 24/7 support enhance usability.

  • Simplifies expense reporting.
    Network: Pilot Flying J, TA, and regional stops.
    User Reviews: 4.6/5 on Overdrive for reliability and interface.
    Best For: Fleets seeking savings and digital tools.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.tcsfuel.com/

4. WEX Fleet Card

Overview: The WEX Fleet Card offers flexibility for small fleet management with a vast network.
Benefits:

  • Up to 15 cents per gallon savings at 45,000+ locations, including Love’s and Pilot Flying J.

  • Advanced spending controls and real-time tracking.

  • No setup or annual fees for qualified businesses; mobile app included.

  • Comprehensive budgeting reports.
    Network: Love’s, Pilot Flying J, and more.
    User Reviews: 4.6/5 on FleetOwner for network coverage.
    Best For: Fleets needing a broad network.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.wexcard.com/

5. Pilot Flying J Axle Fuel Card

Overview: Ideal for fleets fueling at Pilot Flying J, this card excels in fuel card savings for loyal users.
Benefits:

  • Saves up to 12 cents per gallon at 750+ Pilot and Flying J locations.

  • Detailed tracking and spending controls via online portal.

  • No setup or transaction fees; includes myRewards benefits.

  • Streamlined for Pilot users.
    Network: Pilot Flying J exclusively.
    User Reviews: 4.5/5 on Trucker Path for convenience.
    Best For: Fleets frequenting Pilot Flying J.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://pilotflyingj.com/axle-fuel-card

6. Comdata Fleet Card

Overview: Comdata offers wide acceptance for best fuel cards for truckers.
Benefits:

  • 10-15 cents per gallon savings at 15,000+ locations, including Pilot Flying J and Love’s.

  • Real-time monitoring and spending controls.

  • No setup fees; comprehensive dashboard.

  • Reliable support.
    Network: Pilot Flying J, Love’s, and more.
    User Reviews: 4.5/5 on Transport Topics for flexibility.
    Best For: Fleets seeking wide acceptance.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.comdata.com/

7. Fleet One EDGE Card (EFS)

Overview: EFS’s Fleet One EDGE Card combines discounts with practical small fleet management tools.
Benefits:

  • Up to 15 cents per gallon savings at 4,000+ truck stops, including Pilot Flying J and TA.

  • No transaction fees; real-time tracking and controls.

  • Mobile app for on-the-go management.

  • Flexible credit options.
    Network: Pilot Flying J, TA, and regional stops.
    User Reviews: 4.4/5 on Fleet News Daily for reliability.
    Best For: Fleets needing flexible credit.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.efsllc.com/fleetoneedge/

8. Fuelman Diesel Card

Overview: A reliable choice for trucking fuel discounts focused on diesel.
Benefits:

  • Up to 10 cents per gallon savings at 50,000+ locations, including Pilot Flying J and TA.

  • Detailed tracking and spending controls.

  • No annual fees; user-friendly portal.

  • Wide acceptance.
    Network: Pilot Flying J, TA, and more.
    User Reviews: 4.4/5 on Heavy Duty Trucking for ease of use.
    Best For: Diesel-focused fleets.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.fuelman.com/card-details/diesel/

9. Business Fleet Solutions (BFS) Fuel Card

Overview: BFS offers accessible fuel cards for small fleets.
Benefits:

  • Up to 12 cents per gallon savings at 3,500+ locations, including Love’s and Pilot Flying J.

  • Real-time tracking and spending limits.

  • No annual fees; mobile app included.

  • Simple setup for small operators.
    Network: Love’s, Pilot Flying J, and regional stations.
    User Reviews: 4.3/5 on Trucking Business for accessibility.
    Best For: No-frills savings.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.businessfleetsolutions.com/

10. Love’s Express Credit Card

Overview: Tailored for Love’s users, this card is great for truck stop fuel cards.
Benefits:

  • Up to 10 cents per gallon savings at 500+ Love’s locations.

  • Real-time tracking and spending limits.

  • No annual fees; simple application.

  • Loyalty program rewards.
    Network: Love’s Travel Stops exclusively.
    User Reviews: 4.3/5 on Trucking Info for simplicity.
    Best For: Love’s loyal fleets.
    Learn More:

  • Official Website: https://www.lovesfinancial.com/loves-express

Insights from CRM Data

Our analysis of a CRM dataset provides key insights into small fleet fueling habits, based on 165 trucking companies with 1-9 trucks:

Average Weekly Fuel Spend

$2,052, highlighting the need for fuel card savings.

Top Fueling Locations

Pilot Flying J (23 mentions), Love’s Travel Stops (22 mentions), TA (17).

Popular Fuel Cards

Mudflap (12 mentions), RTS (5 mentions), Pilot Flying J (24 mentions).

Fleet Size

62% of fleets have 1-2 trucks, with most operating 1-9 trucks.

These insights confirm that small fleets prioritize fueling at Pilot Flying J and Love’s, making cards like the Pilot Flying J Axle and Love’s Express highly relevant. The $2,052 weekly spend underscores the value of cards like RTS and TCS, offering up to 25 cents per gallon in savings.

Choosing the Right Fuel Card for Your Small Fleet

Selecting the best fuel card for truckers depends on your fleet’s needs. Consider these factors:

  • Network Coverage: Match the card to your routes (e.g., Pilot Flying J Axle for Pilot users, Love’s Express for Love’s).

  • Discount Rates: RTS (up to 25 cents/gallon) and TCS (15-20 cents/gallon) lead in savings.

  • Fees: Most cards have no setup or annual fees for qualified users; verify terms.

  • Management Tools: WEX, Comdata, and TCS offer real-time tracking and controls.

  • Integration: DAT and RTS integrate with load boards or factoring for efficiency.

Contact Aronson Fuel to compare fuel cards and find the best fit for your fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Fuel Cards

What is the best fuel card for small trucking fleets?

The best card depends on your needs. RTS offers the highest savings (up to 25 cents/gallon), while WEX provides the broadest network (45,000+ locations). Pilot Flying J Axle and Love’s Express are ideal for specific truck stops.

How much can fuel cards save small fleets?

Small fleets can save 10-25 cents per gallon, translating to hundreds or thousands annually, especially with a $2,052 weekly fuel spend.

Are there fuel cards with no fees?

Yes, most cards listed (e.g., TCS, WEX, Fuelman) have no setup or annual fees for qualified users. Always confirm terms.

Which fuel cards work at Pilot Flying J and Love’s?

RTS, TCS, WEX, DAT, Fuelman, BFS, Pilot Flying J Axle (Pilot only), and Love’s Express (Love’s only) are accepted at these popular stops.

How do fuel cards help with small fleet management?

Fuel cards provide real-time tracking, spending controls, and reporting, reducing fraud and optimizing expenses for 1-9 truck fleets.

Get personalized fuel card recommendations from Aronson Fuel to boost your savings.

Conclusion

Fuel cards are a game-changer for small trucking fleets, cutting costs and streamlining operations. The RTS Fuel Card excels with high discounts and factoring integration, while the DAT Fuel Card suits load board users. For broad networks, WEX Fleet Card and Fuelman Diesel Card shine. If you fuel at specific chains, Pilot Flying J Axle or Love’s Express are top picks. With an average weekly fuel spend of $2,052, choosing the right card can transform your bottom line. Evaluate your routes, budget, and needs, and contact Aronson Fuel to find the perfect fuel card for small fleets today.

Kody Fitzjerrells