A contractor and business owner confer at a construction site.

Fuel cards have become an essential business tool for many contractors. In the world of construction and contracting, managing mobile teams, tight budgets and unpredictable fuel expenses is a way of life. Any opportunity to simplify business operations should be taken advantage of — which is why so many contractors have turned to fleet fuel cards to reduce fuel costs and run a more efficient business. Whether you manage a few trucks or have an expansive fleet of service vehicles, using a fleet card system transforms how you manage fuel costs, driver behavior and operational efficiency.

Control is one of the most compelling benefits of a fleet card program. Contractors can set custom usage limits for each driver or vehicle, regulating spending based on product type, day of the week, time of day or dollar amount.

Streamlining Payments and Tracking Expenses

Fuel cards simplify payment processes and give businesses control over where and how money is spent. Instead of handling paper receipts and reconciling credit card statements, each transaction at the pump is tracked and recorded digitally. Every detail is captured in real time and logged in a fleet card dashboard. This detailed transaction data includes the date, time, location, fuel grade and dollar amount — eliminating the guesswork and helping maintain clear visibility across the fleet.

With the Valero Fleet and Fleet Plus Cards, every swipe captures essential details for real-time expense tracking, enabling better decision-making and tighter financial oversight​​.

Savings at the Pump: Fuel Rebates

With Valero, fuel savings are immediate and measurable. Cardholders can save up to 8¢ per gallon when filling up at more than 5,000 Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Beacon and Shamrock locations. The Fleet Plus Card expands acceptance to 95% of U.S. fueling stations, making it ideal for contractors who travel beyond Valero’s network​​.

Over time, these per-gallon fuel rebates can result in thousands of dollars in savings, significantly impacting a company’s bottom line.

The Savings Continue: Exclusive Discounts

In addition to fuel rebates, approved account holders have access to an exclusive discount network. Approved accounts get special pricing on fleet-related necessities like parts and services, tires, hotels and more.

Total Control with Customizable Limits and Alerts

Control is one of the most compelling benefits of a fleet card program. Contractors can set custom usage limits for each driver or vehicle, regulating spending based on product type, day of the week, time of day or dollar amount. Unauthorized purchases are flagged, helping reduce fraud and eliminate wasteful spending​​.

Driver PIN authorization at the pump ensures that every transaction is traceable, reducing misuse and helping business owners maintain operational discipline across their teams.

Mobile App and Online Access for Anywhere Management

A contractor on a work site reviews the fuel usage of his fleet of trucks in real-time from his fleet fuel app on his phone.
Today’s contractors need tools that move with them. With the Valero mobile app, fleet managers can view accounts, track usage, manage cards and pay balances on the go. This level of access simplifies account management, especially for businesses that operate in multiple locations or with rotating crews.

Whether on a job site or traveling between contracts, your fuel card program remains accessible and efficient, improving responsiveness and flexibility​.

Real-time Reporting for Better Business Decisions

Detailed reporting enables smarter, faster decisions. Custom reports reveal trends in fuel usage, driver behavior and station selection — helping you optimize routes, reduce idle time, and identify potential issues before they impact profitability. Tax exemption reports, summary reports and exception alerts give you the information you need to fine-tune your operations​.

Integrated accounting data also helps with audits, budgeting and client negotiations by providing accurate, documented operating costs.

Enhanced Security for Every Transaction

Fuel cards protect contractors from internal fraud and external threats. By replacing cash or generic credit cards with a dedicated fleet card, every transaction is secure, traceable and auditable. Lost or stolen cards can be deactivated immediately. The requirement for driver IDs and odometer readings adds another layer of accountability at the pump​.

Security and control aren’t just technical perks — they’re essential safeguards for a growing contracting business that can’t afford unnecessary losses.

With Valero’s fuel card solutions, contractors get more than a way to pay for fuel—they gain a tool for operational control and financial precision.

Maintenance and Service Integration

The Valero Fleet Plus Card offers access to over 45,000 service locations, allowing contractors to manage vehicle maintenance alongside fuel expenses. Consolidating services through a single account streamlines cost tracking, reduces administrative overhead and ensures vehicle uptime remains high.

Contractors can better allocate resources to equipment, staffing and new projects when service costs are predictable and centralized.

Around-the-clock Customer Service

Valero Fleet and Fleet Plus Cards combine broad station coverage with dedicated customer service, offering 24/7 support whenever and wherever it’s needed. This matters for contractors with diverse routes and remote job sites. Whether fueling in a major metro area or a small town, your team can access a reliable network and receive immediate help when questions or issues arise​​.

Flexible Balance Management for Better Cash Flow

Unlike standard corporate cards that require immediate repayment, the Valero Fleet Card allows contractors to carry a monthly balance. This flexibility is crucial for small- to mid-sized businesses dealing with delayed client payments or seasonal revenue fluctuations.

By choosing a card that meets your business’s needs, you can maintain cash flow stability without sacrificing operational capability​.

Custom-fit for Contractor Needs

Contractors face unique fuel challenges, including irregular schedules, fluctuating workloads, and dispersed job sites. A fuel card designed for these demands must offer efficiency, savings and visibility. With Valero’s fuel card solutions, contractors get more than a way to pay for fuel—they gain a tool for operational control and financial precision.

To learn more or to find a card that matches your contracting needs, visit valerofleetcards.com.