Fuel costs are easily one of the most unpredictable line items for fleet managers. Your need for a consistent, controlled way to refuel only grows if your team spans multiple sites or works in rural areas. There’s one easy way to track spending and save money, though: fuel cards for fleets.
Not all fleet fuel cards work the same, so choose carefully. You’ll inevitably end up comparing a national program with another one from a regional provider (the two most common ways to organize these programs). The better choice will depend on where you operate and how much control you need. Are you in it for the card alone or are you looking for more than a swipe-and-go experience?
Let’s break down the key differences between national and regional fleet fuel card programs:
National vs. Regional Fuel Cards For Fleets: Pros & Cons
Feature |
National Fuel Cards |
Regional Fuel Cards |
|
Coverage |
Accepted nationwide at thousands of retail stations |
Covers your local region; often includes a wide network of co-op stations in multiple states |
|
Pricing |
Typically retail pump price as it spans many markets |
Potential for bulk discounts or negotiated local pricing |
|
Customer Service |
Call centers, often outsourced or automated (it’s too large a program for that personal feel) |
Direct support from a local account rep who knows your routes |
|
Transaction Controls |
Varies; may offer PINs or driver IDs |
Granular controls at the driver, vehicle, or department level |
|
Extras |
National chains may include loyalty programs |
Local providers may include onsite fueling, wet hosing, and tank rentals |
Why Go With Regional Fuel Cards?
A regional provider of fleet fuel services (like our program at Whatley Oil) goes beyond the card. It’s more of a comprehensive partnership designed to meet the needs of local businesses in your region — which, for us, means the American southeast. Our cardholders get access to a wide network of local fueling stations through the Intevacon platform, including our own Whatley fleet fueling station in Columbus, Georgia.
Fleet managers can:
- Set limits per driver or vehicle to prevent unauthorized purchases.
- Receive real-time data for every transaction, which simplifies billing.
- Eliminate manual receipt tracking and cut down on back-office paperwork headaches.
- Save money per gallon with access to off-road diesel and tax-exempt fuel options.
- Pair cards with other services like tank rentals or on-site refueling. This consolidates your fuel strategy under one provider.
See our service areas and locations for a closer look at the full regional coverage of our fuel cards for fleets.
Why Go With a National Program?
There are some cases where national fleet fuel card companies have a natural edge as large-scale programs:
- Coast-to-coast access for businesses that run vehicles in multiple regions across the country.
- Not tied to a home base, which can help when you work with a wide variety of drivers based out of multiple areas.
- Set-and-forget convenience is your priority over advantageous pricing or personalized support.
With all that said, for operations that are primarily regional, the benefits of national reach can be overstated. The tradeoffs in price and service can often be substantial, which isn’t worth it unless you truly need coast-to-coast fuel access.
Quick Checklist: Choosing the Right Fleet Fuel Card
Before you evaluate individual fuel card programs, ask yourself the hypothetical questions on this checklist to identify your priorities:
✅ Do I need the card to cover everywhere, or just the areas where my fleet operates?
✅ Is it important that I can set driver-level controls and track spending easily?
✅ Will I need or want support from someone who knows my business and market area?
✅ Are fuel cost advantages from discounts or local tax savings more important than national area coverage?
✅ Will I want to integrate this program with fuel tank delivery or on-site fueling services?
If you answered YES to more than half of the above questions, a regional fleet fuel card is likely to best suit your needs. If you answered NO to most of them, a national program could make sense.
Local Service, World-Class Fleet Fueling Program
The best fleet fuel cards provide the controls and flexibility to adapt with your business. Our regional fuel cards for fleets at Whatley Oil give you the coverage you need whether you're managing 5 trucks or 50. Access our trusted network of fueling stations across the southeast in addition to reliable fuel delivery and better reporting. All of our services are tailored to the unique needs of fleets in Georgia, Alabama, and the surrounding region.
Contact Whatley Oil today to get started with a card program built around your routes.
