Businesses that operate a combination of passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks, and larger commercial trucks often need a fuel-management system that can accommodate different vehicle types. Fleet fuel cards can generally be used for mixed fleets, but the available features, fuel types, controls, and participating locations can vary by program. Understanding how fuel cards work across different vehicle categories can help businesses determine whether a particular program fits their fleet structure. Businesses researching fleet fuel-management solutions can also explore this https://www.businessfleetsolutions.com for additional information.
What Is a Mixed Fleet?
A mixed fleet is a group of vehicles with different purposes, sizes, or fuel requirements. For example, a company may operate:
- Passenger cars for sales employees
- Pickup trucks for field technicians
- Cargo vans for deliveries
- Medium-duty trucks
- Heavy-duty diesel trucks
These vehicles may use different fuel types and travel different distances, making centralized fuel management more complicated.
A fleet fuel card can provide one system for recording and managing many of these transactions.
Can One Fuel Card Program Support Different Vehicles?
Many fleet card programs are designed to support multiple vehicles under a single business account. Individual cards can potentially be assigned to specific vehicles or drivers, depending on the program.
This can allow a business to maintain centralized records while still distinguishing purchases made by different vehicles.
For example, a company could have separate cards associated with gasoline-powered cars and diesel-powered trucks while managing both through the same account.
The exact configuration depends on the provider and the features available.
Managing Different Fuel Types
One of the biggest considerations for mixed fleets is fuel type.
Passenger cars and light-duty vehicles may use gasoline, while many commercial trucks operate on diesel. Some fleets may also include vehicles using alternative fuels.
Businesses should verify which fuel types are supported before choosing a fleet card. They should also determine whether the program allows fuel-type restrictions for individual cards.
For example, a card assigned to a diesel truck might be configured to restrict purchases to diesel, while a card assigned to a gasoline-powered car may have different settings.
Setting Vehicle-Specific Purchase Controls
Mixed fleets may require different purchasing limits for different vehicles.
A passenger car that travels locally may have very different fuel requirements from a truck traveling several hundred miles per week.
Depending on the program, businesses may be able to establish controls based on:
- Vehicle
- Driver
- Fuel type
- Purchase amount
- Number of transactions
- Location
- Time of day
These controls can help businesses apply appropriate fuel policies without treating every vehicle identically.
Tracking Cars and Trucks Separately
Fuel card reporting can help fleet managers distinguish transactions between vehicle types.
A company might track fuel purchases by vehicle identification number, driver, department, or card number. This can make it easier to determine how much fuel is being purchased by cars compared with trucks.
Tracking can also help managers compare fuel consumption patterns across different vehicle categories.
For example, unusually high fuel consumption in one vehicle may warrant further investigation, while higher fuel usage in a heavy-duty truck may simply reflect its normal operating requirements.
Network Coverage Matters
Mixed fleets often travel through different environments. Cars may operate primarily in cities, while trucks may travel interstate highways and rural routes.
Therefore, businesses should examine whether a fuel card’s participating network provides practical coverage for all vehicle types.
For larger trucks, station accessibility is particularly important. A fueling location may accept a fleet card but lack sufficient space for tractor-trailers or other large commercial vehicles.
When evaluating coverage, consider the routes used by both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
Can Fuel Cards Help with Expense Reporting?
A centralized fleet card system can simplify fuel expense tracking by consolidating transactions into one account.
Instead of collecting individual receipts from employees, businesses may be able to access electronic records showing details such as:
- Fueling location
- Date and time
- Fuel type
- Gallons purchased
- Purchase amount
- Driver or vehicle
Reporting capabilities vary, so businesses should compare the available tools before choosing a program.
What About Fuel Discounts?
Fuel card programs may offer discounts, rebates, or other pricing arrangements. However, the available incentives may differ depending on the fueling location, fuel type, network, and account terms.
Businesses with mixed fleets should determine whether discounts apply equally to gasoline and diesel purchases or whether different pricing structures apply.
It is also important to consider fees when evaluating potential savings.
What Should Businesses Compare?
Before selecting a fleet card for a mixed fleet, consider:
- Fuel types supported
- Network coverage
- Access for large trucks
- Vehicle and driver controls
- Reporting capabilities
- Account and transaction fees
- Payment terms
- Security features
- Discount and rebate structures
- Scalability
Comparing these factors can help businesses determine whether a particular program can support both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
Managing a Mixed Fleet with Fuel Cards
Fuel cards can be a practical way to manage fuel purchases across fleets containing both cars and trucks. A centralized program can provide transaction records, purchasing controls, and account management features while allowing businesses to configure cards according to different vehicle requirements.
However, not every program offers the same fuel types, network coverage, controls, or reporting capabilities. Businesses should evaluate their fleet’s actual vehicle mix, fueling routes, and fuel consumption before selecting a program.
By comparing these factors carefully, fleet managers can choose a fuel-management approach that accommodates the different needs of cars, trucks, and other commercial vehicles without relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
