Fuel cards, or fleet cards, are powerful financial tools that can help manufacturers take control of rising fuel expenses, simplify fleet management and increase overall operational efficiency. For companies managing a diverse fleet of vehicles across multiple job sites, these cards do more than facilitate payment — they centralize data, reinforce driver accountability and deliver substantial savings at the pump.
Valero fleet cards can help you gain control over spending and facilitate efficient expense tracking through real-time data and powerful reporting capabilities.
Let’s explore the many ways fuel cards benefit manufacturers, from financial advantages to operational control and how Valero’s fleet card options provide solutions for real business needs.
Savings that Add Up Quickly — Fuel Rebates and Service Discounts
Fuel costs can consume a large portion of a manufacturing company’s operational budget. With Valero Fleet Cards, companies can:
- Save up to 8¢ per gallon at Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Beacon and Shamrock locations.
- Access exclusive discounts on auto parts, tires, maintenance services and lodging.
- Receive earned rebates directly as credits on monthly statements.
These savings may seem modest per gallon but become significant when multiplied across a large fleet of vehicles being filled up multiple times per week.
Streamlined Spending and Expense Tracking
Valero fleet cards can help you gain control over spending and facilitate efficient expense tracking through real-time data and powerful reporting capabilities.
Gain Transparency on Every Transaction
Valero fuel cards capture extensive real-time data with every purchase, including:
- Driver ID
- Vehicle odometer reading
- Fuel type purchased
- Gallons dispensed
- Location and time of transaction
- Total cost of the transaction
This level of detail enables manufacturers to maintain complete oversight of fuel usage, which:
- Eliminates paper receipts
- Reduces accounting errors
- Ensures compliance with company fueling policies
Simplify Accounting and Reporting
Manufacturers can access detailed fleet management reports, including:
- Purchase activity reports to track transaction-level detail
- Summary reports for high-level overviews
- Exception reports that flag unusual spending
- Tax exemption reports for qualifying businesses
These insights help companies budget better and detect unusual activity in real time.
Enhanced Security and Spending Controls
A major benefit of using fleet cards is they offer greater security and control than credit cards or cash.
Prevent Fraud and Unauthorized Use
Fuel cards provide far more security than traditional credit cards or cash. Valero’s security measures include:
- PIN entry at the pump
- Odometer input requirements
- Transaction limits, including:
- Time of day
- Location
- Fuel type and grade
- Spending amount
Control Spending by Driver or Vehicle
In addition to being able to set customized purchase limits, Valero Fleet cards give fleet managers the power to:
- Instantly deactivate lost or stolen cards
- Set card-specific spending rules
- Monitor real-time usage via a web or mobile interface
This level of security and control ensures employees stay within corporate policies, dramatically reducing unauthorized purchases.
Options for Acceptance and Flexibility
With Valero, manufacturing businesses have two options to choose from. Both fleet cards have their benefits.
The Valero Fleet Card
The Valero Fleet Card is ideal for smaller manufacturing operations that can use Valero stations exclusively:
- Accepted at 5000 Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Beacon, and Shamrock locations
- No setup or monthly fees
- Ability to carry a monthly balance
The Valero Fleet Plus Card
The Valero Fleet Card Plus may be a better option for businesses with delivery routes, equipment hauls or service teams traveling nationwide.
- Accepted at 95% of gas stations across the U.S.
- Includes access to 45,000+ service locations
By combining financial savings, detailed tracking, robust security and operational flexibility, fuel cards solve a wide range of pain points for manufacturers.
Centralized Fleet Management Made Easy
Fleet cards are so much more than a payment tool. They have features that turn them into fleet management solutions that help with oversight, administration and operations.
Automate Oversight and Reduce Admin Burden
Both Valero fleet cards offer online account access and a mobile app, letting managers:
- View spending by location, card or driver
- Set alerts for high-cost transactions
- Adjust card controls remotely
- Schedule downloadable reports for email delivery
These features reduce manual oversight and improve fleet visibility, making it easier to enforce policies and maintain financial discipline.
Use Data to Optimize Operations
Data gathered from fleet card usage helps manufacturers:
- Identify inefficiencies in routes or driver behavior
- Understand fuel usage per route or project
- Benchmark costs across teams or locations
This real-time data turns each fill-up into an opportunity for insight.
Improve Driver Performance and Accountability
Valero fleet fuel cards can be used to foster better employees through accountability and transparency.
Build a Culture of Responsibility
With clear parameters for when, where and how cards can be used, drivers are encouraged to:
- Stick to authorized fueling windows
- Use approved fuel grades
- Avoid detours or off-hours fill-ups
The ability to view who spends what, when and where promotes accountability and minimizes risk.
Reduce Risk with Fraud Alerts
Built-in alerts keep companies in the know by detecting:
- Duplicate or excessive fuel purchases
- Fueling outside permitted hours
- Usage in non-approved locations
Real-time notifications let managers act fast, preventing loss and stopping fraudulent behavior before it escalates.
Customer Service that Supports Your Needs
Every Valero fleet card account includes 24/7 assistance for operational peace of mind. Whether you’re operating three shifts or sending teams out early in the morning, Valero’s round-the-clock customer service ensures:
- Instant help with account issues
- Card replacements or emergency deactivation
- Answers to technical or billing questions
Manufacturers can count on consistent support, no matter the time or location.
Scalable for Growing Operations
As your manufacturing footprint expands, Valero fleet cards offer:
- Simple onboarding of new drivers and vehicles
- Scalable control settings per team or project
- Tools to manage region-specific rules and limits
Whether expanding to new states or adding another delivery vehicle, your Valero fuel card solution scales without adding complexity.
Why Fuel Cards are a Smart Investment for Manufacturers
By combining financial savings, detailed tracking, robust security and operational flexibility, fuel cards solve a wide range of pain points for manufacturers. Here’s a recap of the key benefits:
- Save money on every gallon with competitive rebates
- Track every transaction for transparent fuel accounting
- Control and limit usage to enforce company policy
- Protect against fraud and unauthorized purchases
- Access fueling anywhere your drivers go
- Streamline reports for better business decisions
- Enhance driver responsibility with PIN-authenticated transactions
- Gain insight into operational trends and fleet behavior
Manufacturing is challenging work. Let your fuel card make things easier. Visit valerofleetcards.com to learn more.