Large fleets, such as haulage fleets, are better managed when the fuel costs can be monitored from one central place. Fuel cards and the costs associated with them can be monitored online by the managers of the fleets. It is possible to order new cards and invoices from one place. This makes running the fleet a lot easier for company managers. Several types of fuel cards are available. It is possible to buy discount cards or fixed-price cards. Discount cards have a larger network of stations participating and give a discount off the price of the gas at each pump.
Different parts of the country can have various fuel prices so even with a discount if may still mean paying more in certain parts of the country. Fixed-price rates ensure that no matter where the vehicle is filled up the price remains the same. The network participating in this type of card is not as large as for the discount cards. The fixed-rate card may be better for the large haulage fleets that usually have the same route and stop at the same fuel stations. The fuel price charged with this card is updated on a weekly basis.
Fuel cards can be used by individual business travellers who do a lot of driving. This helps them keep fuel costs down. Use of these cards ensures that managers of fleets can easily keep track of fuel consumption. Some cards are only able to be used for the vehicle they are bought for. This ensures that no abuse of the card can happen. New VAT directives that are about to be implemented could add a substantial cost if the driver is still using receipts. Giving employees cards to fuel vehicles will save companies a lot of money.