Manufacturing companies depend on consistent fleet performance to deliver goods, pick up materials, and service production lines, often across multiple locations. With high diesel and gasoline usage, managing vehicle-related expenses is not just about cutting costs — it’s about controlling them, tracking every transaction, and optimizing operations. A fuel card designed for manufacturers does more than streamline payments — it’s a core tool for business efficiency.
WEX fleet cards let managers set detailed purchase controls, ensuring drivers only buy authorized items at the right locations within the right time frames.
Why Manufacturers Need a Purpose-built Fleet Card
Manufacturing fleets face a unique blend of logistical challenges. Multiple drivers, varying vehicle types and route fluctuations demand a solution that adapts to operational complexity. That’s where fleet cards like the WEX Fleet Card and WEX FlexCard shine. These cards give manufacturers the power to:
- Track diesel and gas purchases.
- Implement strict purchase controls to prevent off-policy spending.
- Access exclusive discounts and fuel rebates to lower cost per gallon.
- Eliminate manual receipt tracking through real-time data capture.
- Integrate with corporate accounting systems for streamlined reporting.
Key Fuel Card Features that Drive Value for Manufacturers
Fuel Rebates that Add Up
Manufacturers often operate fleets that consume large quantities of fuel each month. Choosing a card with per-gallon rebates makes every stop at the pump more cost-effective. WEX offers up to 3¢ per gallon in rebates, accepted at 95% of U.S. fueling locations.
- WEX FlexCard: 3¢/gal rebate for the first 6 months, ideal for small- to mid-size manufacturers needing flexibility.
- WEX Fleet Card: Earns up to 3¢/gal ongoing and up to 15¢ rebates if you fuel within their savings network.
These rebates are a practical way to offset rising fuel costs without changing fuel types or providers.
Widespread Network Access and Convenience
Your drivers need fueling flexibility. With over 95% acceptance across gas stations nationwide, WEX cards support fueling at virtually any pump, regardless of the route or vehicle type. From rural job sites to metro hubs, drivers can fill up anywhere.
Convenience features:
- Locate diesel or gas stations using the WEX driver mobile app.
- Real-time alerts on fueling locations and prices.
- Driver support and 24/7 customer service.
Advanced Purchase Controls and Spending Limits
WEX fleet cards let managers set detailed purchase controls, ensuring drivers only buy authorized items at the right locations within the right time frames.
Examples of control options:
- Limit by fuel type (diesel vs. regular gasoline).
- Restrict by dollar amount per transaction.
- Block purchases outside of specific authorized fueling hours.
- Enforce product-level filtering to prevent snacks or convenience store items from being charged.
With every swipe tied to a driver PIN, the card becomes a secure, trackable transaction tool — not a general credit card with loose controls.
Real-time Tracking and Alerts
Knowing who filled up, where and when is essential. WEX fleet cards deliver automated expense tracking by capturing all transaction data at the point of sale.
Managers get real-time access to:
- Fuel costs per driver or vehicle.
- Frequency of fuel stops.
- Gallons pumped and fuel-grade purchased.
- Location and timestamp of each fill-up.
This GPS-enabled tracking not only reduces fraud and misuse but also supports optimized fleet management by identifying unusual behavior or unnecessary detours.
Security Built for Business Operations
Security is a core concern for manufacturers moving expensive cargo and equipment. Every transaction with a WEX fuel card is protected by:
- Driver PIN authentication.
- Fraud detection tools that flag off-pattern activity.
- Card deactivation via the WEX mobile app.
- Optional odometer readings for deeper vehicle diagnostics.
WEX cards function as both a payment tool and a fleet security system, preventing unauthorized usage and reducing theft risk.
Fuel cards aren’t just for drivers — they support your accounting team, logistics managers and even the maintenance crew by providing reliable, categorized data.
Custom Reporting and Analytics
Streamlined accounting and reporting tools are essential for reconciling costs across departments. WEX provides both standard and customized reports, automatically delivered to your inbox.
Report features:
- Transaction summaries by location, driver or date.
- Tax exemption reports for qualified manufacturers.
- Expense breakdowns by fuel type, product type and purchase category.
- Integration-ready data for ERP and accounting systems.
Reports are filterable, exportable and can sync with popular bookkeeping software — removing the guesswork from monthly fuel analysis.
With WEX, Manufacturers Have Options
Different manufacturers have different cash flow needs. Some prefer to pay in full each month, while others require flexibility during peak production periods.
- WEX FlexCard: Offers the ability to carry a balance—ideal when operations ramp up or cash flow is temporarily constrained.
- WEX Fleet Card: Structured for full monthly payments, with expanded features and discount tiers for larger fleets.
This payment flexibility ensures you can select the right solution for your financial model.
WEX Fuel Cards vs. Credit Cards: The Business Advantage
| Feature | WEX Fleet/Flex Cards | Traditional Credit Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel rebates | Yes (up to 3¢/gal) | No |
| Custom Spending Limits | Yes, by driver, product, time | No granular controls |
| Real-Time Reporting | Yes | Typically delayed |
| Receipt Management | Automatic tracking | Manual receipt submission |
| Security Features | PIN, fraud alerts, location lock | Basic fraud detection |
| Accounting Integration | Full ERP and bookkeeping sync | Requires manual exports |
Using a general-purpose credit card for fleet operations leaves gaps in oversight, security and savings. Fuel cards are purpose-built business tools with built-in reimbursement tracking, detailed fuel usage metrics and actionable analytics.
Supporting Operational Efficiency Across Departments
Fuel cards aren’t just for drivers — they support your accounting team, logistics managers and even the maintenance crew by providing reliable, categorized data.
- Track vehicle maintenance schedules using odometer and fuel usage trends.
- Monitor vehicle downtime and identify fuel-related inefficiencies.
- Generate reports for internal audits or external tax filings.
- Answer vendor or management questions about fleet expenses with proof.
Manufacturers can leverage fuel cards to enhance corporate governance, improve budget forecasting and deliver more predictable cost-per-mile metrics.
Putting it All Together: The Benefits of a WEX Fuel Card for Manufacturers
- Earn fuel rebates and lower your cost-per-gallon.
- Track usage and spot inefficiencies before they escalate.
- Control driver behavior with real-time alerts and purchase rules.
- Automate expense reporting and eliminate paper receipts.
- Secure transactions and prevent fraud with advanced controls.
- Improve cash flow with flexible payment options.
- Access customer service 24/7 — anytime your fleet is on the road.
A Fuel Card for Manufacturing Success
WEX fuel cards combine the power of control, savings and flexibility to help manufacturing businesses manage fuel-related expenses across complex fleet operations. Whether you’re running 10 vehicles or 200, the right fleet card enhances every mile driven — saving you money, simplifying accounting and making your team more efficient.
Ready to take control of your fleet expenses? Compare WEX cards now to find the best fit for your business needs.