The key reasons cited by commercial fleet managers for using fuel credit card programs are detailed billings that consolidate all charges into a single invoice, the ability to restrict card purchases to fuel only, and the convenience of many fueling locations, according to a recent fuel card survey conducted by AF.

However, only 53.5% of the surveyed commercial fleets use fuel credit cards. The reasons cited for not using a fuel credit card program were that 26% of the respondents said it was against company policy, 19% recognized no savings, 15% feared a loss of control, 10% felt it was not convenient for the driver, and 5% didn't want to incur the extra charges associated with some credit cards. Other fleet managers said they didn't use fuel cards because their company only fueled vehicles at a central fleet location or that drivers used their own credit cards and were reimbursed.

If a fuel credit card is used, commercial fleets primarily use oil company cards or a universal type credit card issued by fleet management and service companies. Other advantages cited by fleet managers for using fuel credit cards are the elimination of extra paperwork associated with employee reimbursement, the ability to cancel an individual card, the quick resolution of billing errors or unauthorized use, and the ability to exercise greater control over fuel expenditures.

Does your company have a fleet fuel credit card program?

Yes: 53.5%; No: 46.5%

If yes, what kind of card is used primarily?

Oil company cards: 64%

Universal type: 22%

Own fueling: 11%

Bank type: 3%

What kind of card is used secondarily?

Oil company cards: 32%

Universal type: 27%

Own fueling: 14%

Bank type: 13%

Card lock: 14%

Do your drivers have discrtion over which card is used:

Yes: 22.9%; No: 77.1%

Which cards are used?

Amoco: 14%

Texaco: 14%

Shell: 13%

Mobil: 12%

Exxon: 9%

BP Oil: 8%

Other: 20%