Do Truck Drivers Pay for Fuel?
by Mario Tarradell | April 20, 2021
Do Truck Drivers Pay for Fuel?
Do truck drivers pay for fuel? Do owner-operators pay for fuel? Do trucking companies pay for fuel? Yes, yes, and yes. But how do each of them typically pay for diesel fuel, and how important is it to enjoy discounts at the pump?
Diesel fuel is one of the largest expenses of hauling loads, whether you are an owner-operator with your own truck, a trucking company driver with a company truck, or a trucking company owner fueling a fleet of trucks. So, discounts on diesel fuel are a necessity no matter who is paying for it.
Types of Drivers and How They Usually Purchase Fuel
Let’s look at the types of drivers, how they usually purchase diesel, and the importance of using a fuel card.
- Company truck drivers: A company driver, who is an employee of a trucking company, typically pays for fuel one of two ways – either with a fuel card issued to the company they work for, or out-of-pocket and then reimbursed through each paycheck. Enjoying the discounts provided by a fuel card helps keep expenses within the budget for the company truck driver and his or her employer. The TCS Fuel Card saves clients an average of 39 cents* per gallon of diesel at more than 1,000 in-network locations such as TA®, Petro Stopping Centers®, TA Express®, Roady’s, AMBEST®, Road Ranger, Sapp Bros., Fuel City, and more.
- Owner-operators: An owner-operator, who is usually an independent contractor, traditionally pays for fuel out of his or her own wallet, making saving money at the diesel pump very important. For many owner-operators, fuel expenses become part of their daily overhead. TCS offers a fuel card customized for owner-operators with the same savings as those for bigger trucking companies.
- Trucking company owners: Trucking company owners usually provide a method to pay for their employees’ fuel. This can be upfront with cash or with a fuel card, or they reimburse them for fuel expenses later in each paycheck. Going the fuel card route ensures the advantage of diesel discounts each time their company drivers fill-up at in-network locations. The TCS Fuel Card is customizable for both small trucking companies and for larger fleets, offering flexibility and control for all clients.
The TCS Fuel Card Is for All Truckers
Our goal at TCS Fuel is to level the playing field for all truckers and trucking companies – no matter if you are an independent owner-operator, a company driver, a small trucking company, or a large fleet – by offering the same great diesel discounts at the pump. We believe that is something you should look for in any diesel fuel card.
Are you an owner-operator needing big diesel discounts to keep your overhead expenses down? Do you own a trucking company and want to provide your drivers with a fuel card that saves you money at the pump? Get the TCS Fuel Card for customizable flexibility and control as well as diesel savings at more than 1,000 in-network locations across the country. Apply now!
*Average savings of 39-cents per gallon is based on actual in-network TCS client transactions for Q1 of 2021.