Failing to invest in the right EFS fuel cards can lead to higher costs, driver inconvenience from limited network access, and administrative hassles. We’ve encountered fleet managers who fell into a trap with predatory fees and restrictions. With this comparison review, you can make an informed choice and handle refueling costs efficiently.
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Top EFS Fuel Card Reviews
An EFS card stands for Electronic Funds Source, LLC. These cards provide a solution for trucking companies delivering loads. Truckers need to charge various expenses on the road, such as scale fees. Unlike conventional credit cards, the EFS allows the company to set purchase limits in real-time via the website.
You can save on the bottom line by taking advantage of pre-negotiated price cuts by the card company. These savings come in the form of rebates and can be enjoyed at gas stations nationwide. Below, we’ll look at the EFS fleet card providers for freight loads.
If you don’t want to read the entire article, here are 3 EFS cards that stand out to us:
- WEX EFS Fleet Cards offer the most extensive fueling location networks with specialized fleet discounts and augmented security controls
- Comdata provides superior analytics into granular fuel usage and has the industry-best remittance process
- Fuelman balances widespread acceptance and solid per-gallon rebates with robust custom controls
| Fleet Card | Average Savings Per Gallon |
| WEX EFS Fleet One EDGE Card | Up to 12¢-15¢ |
| Comdata Fleet Card | Up to 10¢-25¢ |
| Fuelman Simple Saver Fleet Card | Up to 5¢-10¢ |
| ExxonMobil Fleet Fuel Card | Save up to 6¢ |
| BP Fuel Management Program Card | Save up to 6¢ |
| Shell Fleet Plus Card | Save up to 6¢ |
1. WEX EFS Fleet Cards
WEX EFS Fleet Cards give you access to the largest fueling discount network available, including 4,000 sites nationwide where you can pay later. Also, it is accepted at over 12,000 truck stops.
As noted, the deductions can average 12¢-15¢ a gallon. However, the discount doesn’t come into play at all locations. WEX lists 2,200 sites that offer fueling discounts.
Customer service is available every day at all hours, and you gain extra perks, including markdown prices on tires, wireless plans, cash advances, and maintenance. Truckers may even get a discount at certain hotels, and you can carry a monthly balance, unlike some other EFS cards.
With numerous types of cards available, you can tailor your choice to the size of your fleet. However, WEX, Inc. does not appear to be BBB-accredited, and consumer feedback mentions challenges with customer service.
Notable Features
- Large network nationwide
- No annual fee
- Potential highest cost deductions depending on the location
- Carry a monthly balance
- Numerous types available
2. Comdata Fleet Card
The Comdata Fleet Card is accepted at over 8,000 truck stop locations nationwide. At Pilot and Flying J gas stations, you can get cash prices and take advantage of an extra 10¢-25¢ off per gallon.
Like WEX, Comdata has 24/7 customer service available for help. However, the company has an overall low review score via the BBB site, with most consumer complaints relating to customer service quality. The business is accredited with an A+ BBB rating.
You can save up to 65% on tires and retreads at over 3,000 locations. However, it does come with setup and monthly fees.
Notable Features
- Widely accepted with 8,000 locations
- Freight drivers can locate and plan their stops for the best prices
- Great cost reductions for tires
- Real-time mobile adjustments
- Great savings at Pilot and Flying J
3. Fuelman Fleet Fuel Card
Fuelman Fleet Fuel Cards give you access to a vast network of over 50,000 stations nationwide, plus more with the Universal Card. Also, you can get a price cut at up to 20,000 maintenance locations. Even so, these locations may not be as dense in the Northeast and other states.
The fueling cost reductions vary by type, including the Mastercard-issued Universal Premium card. Truckers can use these cards nationwide, although they are only available at select maintenance locations. However, there’s a monthly fee that varies based on your plan.
You can set limits per week or month. Additionally, Fuelman cards provide activity reports and can help with tax filing with excise tax and IFTA standard reports. Unfortunately, there’s not much customer feedback to report on Fuelman; the business is also not accredited with the BBB.
Notable Features
- A vast network of stations
- Discounts at a huge number of maintenance locations
- Excellent activity reporting
- Help with tax filing and IFTA reporting
4. ExxonMobil Fleet Fuel Card
ExxonMobil Fleet Fuel Cards make sense if your drivers use mostly Exxon stations. Freight drivers can save at over 11,000 Exxon stations. However, Exxon’s Fleet National issued by WEX can be used at 90% of gas stations.
So, you may opt for the National fuel card for drivers in areas where Exxon is less prevalent. When it comes to client feedback, ExxonMobil’s reputation varies depending on location. BBB ratings range from A+ to F, and it doesn’t appear to be accredited.
One of the best perks is that there are no setup fees or monthly charges. You can save more gallons purchased for your trucks, topping out at 6¢ per gallon, along with cash advances.
Notable Features
- Cards are limited to Exxon or most gas stations
- Rebates highest at ExxonMobil stations
- No monthly or membership fees
- East to use account management
5. BP Fuel Management Program Card
Like Exxon, there are two cards. The Business Solutions Plus Card is limited to 7,500 BP stations and is fee-free if you purchase at least 5,000 gallons each month. Next, the Business Solutions Universal Fuel Card by Mastercard lets you enjoy perks at around 175,000 stations.
Like other EFS cards, you can secure purchases by requiring drivers to submit their driver ID and odometer readings. Any purchases made after hours are also monitored, and you can access rewards on travel expenses. You can even set limits per day, week, or month.
One drawback is that rebates are limited to BP and Amoco stations. Despite that, BP has provided a nice initial incentive with a per gallon gas discount limited to the first 90 days.
When it comes to customer feedback, TrustPilot reviews for BP are very low. However, not all reviews are for fuel management or customer service, so consumers should take them with a grain of salt.
Notable Features
- Cards with rebates limited to BP and Amoco stations
- Introductory offer can offer savings for a limited time
- No fees if you purchase 5,000 gallons a month
- Simple account management
6. Shell Fleet Plus Card
Like BP and Exxon, Shell’s EFC Fuel Card offerings feature cards limited to Shell stations and JiffyLube for maintenance. Thus, you can choose the Shell Fleet Plus Card to get a price cut at 14,000 Shell stations. Or, choose the Fleet Navigator option, and you can stop at 95% of fueling stations.
As with the other cards, rebate savings go up the more gallons you buy, with a possible 6¢ per gallon when you buy 10,000 gallons in a month. However, if you choose the Navigator option, the rebates are slightly lower at 5¢.
One perk is that it allows you to set spending limits depending on the driver’s location. Unlike BP, you can find Shell stations with ease using the web app. Service may vary based on the location of your trucks. However, reviews of most of Shell’s gas stations are subpar.
Notable Features
- Rebates are higher at Shell and JiffyLube stations
- Set spending limits based on your driver’s location
- No monthly or annual fees
- Itemized purchase reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does an EFS Fuel Card Save?
The average freight fleet leveraging an EFS fuel saves around 15%-20% on total costs through card rebates and tax exemptions. The combined savings can reach $6,150.00 per year per truck when using card programs vs credit cards.
How Does an EFS Fuel Card Work?
EFS cards allow freight truck drivers to purchase diesel, gas, and other petroleum products using an account number and odometer reading, with the charges appearing on the fleet owner’s monthly card statement. The fleet manager can pay the consolidated bill later, analyze spending patterns, create alerts, and set controls.
Can I Use My EFS Card Anywhere?
EFS cards are accepted at 95% of fueling stations across the United States, including truck stops like TA, petrol brands like Shell and Exxon, and wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. Most also work in Canada, Mexico, and globally.
Conclusion
Choosing the best EFS fleet cards involves a thorough evaluation of a company’s needs and operations, considering aspects like acceptance networks, transaction controls, reporting features, and associated fees. This informed decision leads to streamlined expense management, improved control, and heightened overall operational efficiency for delivering loads.