Archive for October 28, 2011
Why Businesses Should Get Fuel Card Quotes
When managing a fleet of vehicles for the business, one of the major budget concerns is the cost of fuel. Availing of a fuel card can be beneficial for some types of businesses. Fuel card quotes can help business owners determine if they need such a card and in choosing the right type for their needs. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these types of cards and how to pick the right one from among the lot.
Businesses use fuel cards for a number of reasons. For one, fuel is sold at wholesale rates. This can mean savings of up to 5 pence for every litre. Their use also offers business owners greater control. All transactions made with the card are reported. Proprietors can easily see and monitor how much fuel each vehicle is using. This reduces the chances of employees abusing company funds for fuel or other purposes. As all information is recorded on the same account, there is no need for drivers to carry cash around or to keep and submit receipts. This is convenient for the driver and reduces the chances of being robbed during the trip.
Although getting fuel cards for the business has its perks, it is also worth noting its disadvantages. For one, each type of card is limited to a particular brand of fuel. This means drivers will need to plan their routes around available stations. There is also a minimum purchase required with applying. In some cases, at least 300 must be spent on fuel in order to reap the benefits. Much like a credit card, some fuel cards also charge an annual fee or other miscellaneous fees.
There are many kinds of fuel cards. Some companies offer pump price and fixed types of cards. Fixed types are aimed at hauling companies or diesel fleets. The price of diesel is set on a weekly basis and is lower than the existing pump price. With using pump price cards, users are assured of greater network coverage.
A number of factors must be considered before picking a fuel card. One is determining the vehicle size and fuel type used by the vehicles as each type of card targets a specific market. It is also important to know the base location of the company and where the vehicles will be heading. Planning routes and knowing what types of petrol stations are available in the area can limit the choices. Before applying, get fuel card quotes to be assured of the best rates and services for the type of fleet and business.