The Fuel Store Card
Fuel cards for
tradespeople
Fuel prices are unpredictable, but one thing is certain: as a tradesperson, you rely on your vehicle every single day. Finding the right fuel card can save you money.
Fuel prices are unpredictable, but one thing is certain: as a tradesperson, you rely on your vehicle every single day. When you count travel between jobs and journeys to pick up supplies from merchants, the miles can soon clock up. Fluctuating fuel prices can hit your cash flow hard. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We share our tips for reducing the cost of travel.
Could rising fuel prices
impact my business?
The simple answer is, unfortunately, yes. The harsh reality is, when fuel costs rise, the wider economy can take a hit. Consumers will have less money to spend on non-essential building and refurbishment work, and rising transportation costs could hit the supply chain, pushing up the cost of parts and peripherals. For many small businesses, including sole traders, there is a tough call to make between absorbing additional costs or passing them on to your customers.
Consider using a fuel card
One of the best ways to save money off forecourt fuel prices is to sign up for a company fuel card. Fuel cards work a bit like a credit card. Simply sign up for a card and use it to fill up on the forecourt. The key difference between a fuel card and a credit card is that selecting the right card can unlock significant savings off the pump price. It’s also worth noting that company credit cards often attract hefty interest rates – making fuel cards a cheaper way of accessing credit and discounted fuel. Low credit score or start-up? The advantage card offers access to cheaper fuel with no credit check.
Improve your cash flow and spend less time on admin
We provide regular invoicing for the fuel used, allowing you to keep tabs on spending, and budget for fuel costs. While this approach can’t actively reduce your mileage, it can help you to manage cash flow more effectively – weekly invoicing means you can invoice customers and receive payment for your work before paying for your fuel. One invoice also means less admin. No searching for lost fuel receipts, and a far faster, easier submission to the lovely people at HMRC. Hurrah to that.
Plan ahead, for less time off-road
Once your fuel cards are active, our station finder is an essential tool for you and your drivers. Use it to locate the nearest station to refuel with diesel or petrol while on the road – without having to divert off route. You can also plan ahead by entering two postcodes to view all available fueling locations along your route.
Change your driving habits
It’s also worth considering other habits:
- Our Fuel AI tool can analyse fuel usage, mileage, and other driver data to identify efficiencies that could save as much as 9% on fuel costs.
- Opting for a premium fuel such as Shell’s FuelSave Diesel or Esso-Synergy can actively improve the health of your engine.
- Avoid rapid acceleration and harsh braking to improve fuel efficiency, and turn off the engine when idling.
- On a hot day, if travelling over 50mph, opening the window is more fuel efficient than running the air con.
- Keeping a van full of unused tools and parts can also reduce your fuel efficiency – but careful planning is needed for this one.
Simple vehicle checks, for HMRC compliance
Keeping your van in good condition can make a big difference to fuel efficiency, as well as improving safety. Before travelling, check the condition of your tyres, brakes, steering, lights, indicators, and hazard warning lights. Tyre inflation and tread in particular can directly impact fuel consumption. Our Driver Toolkit can help ensure you carry out the right checks. Results of the checks should be recorded, defects or faults must be reported, and any necessary repairs undertaken before the vehicle is driven. Failing to comply with DVSA regulations may result in fines and penalties, which can significantly add to the cost of running your vehicle.
Considering an electric vehicle?
With all the talk about electric vehicles, you might be wondering if now’s the time to switch. But for most tradespeople, diesel is still the most practical and cost-effective choice. Pairing diesel vehicles with the right fuel card could make savings go even further. Shell FuelSave or Esso Synergy can help improve fuel efficiency by keeping your engine healthy. If you’re keen to go for an EV, there’s lots of government support available – including grants, capital allowances, and reduced company car tax, and we are pleased to offer an EV charge card with unrivalled coverage.
Ready To Start Saving On Fuel?
We’re confident we can save you money and improve your fleet efficiency. Simply share your details, and we’ll be in touch for a no-obligation chat.