Managing fuel expenses is a crucial aspect of fleet management, and there are several methods to handle these costs. Corporate credit cards and personal reimbursement are common approaches when starting out, but quickly cause issues amongst employees when it comes to card sharing, keeping track of receipts, and those dreadful out of pocket expenses.
Here are the top reasons employees prefer to use company fuel cards:
1. Dedicated Payment Method
With many fuel card programs, every driver receives their own card, eliminating the frustrations associated with card sharing or being without a payment method when needed. Having a payment method dedicated to fuel and maintenance expenses ensures they are always prepared for their journeys on the road.
2. Easy Access to Amenities and Stations
Fuel cards often come with apps that help drivers locate nearby fuel stations and other amenities they’ll need to access throughout their work day. This simplifies trip planning and ensures drivers can easily find necessary services on the road, minimizing downtime.
3. No More Hanging Onto Receipts
With fuel cards, drivers no longer need to keep track of paper receipts for reimbursement or expense reporting purposes. Digital records of transactions simplify the process and reduce the hassles associated with lost or misplaced receipts.
4. Employee Retention: No Out-of-Pocket Payments
Fuel cards relieve drivers from the burden of using personal funds for work-related expenses. This ensures they aren't left waiting for reimbursements, which can improve job satisfaction and retention.
5. Eliminate Expense Reports
Fuel cards streamline the expense tracking process and eliminate the need for employee expense reports. By taking this work off their plates, employees can spend more time doing what they love.
6. Improved Work-Life Balance
By eliminating the need to manually manage expenses, fuel cards contribute to a better work-life balance for employees who spend their days on the road. They can focus on their job during work hours and enjoy their personal time without the extra paperwork.
Not only are fuel cards beneficial for business owners, operators and accounting teams, they also provide drivers with the convenience, security and efficiency they need to stay focused on the road. When evaluating fuel cards for your business, keep these benefits in mind to ensure the program provides value for those who use it most.