Manufacturing businesses rely on complex logistics to move materials, parts, and finished products — often involving fleets of vehicles powered by diesel and gasoline. In this environment, managing expenses and controlling fuel usage isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Many manufacturers are turning to fuel cards to help manage the challenges of running a business. These alternatives to credit cards are so much more than a payment method. They are an all-in-one business tool for operational efficiency, security, and savings.
Every transaction made with a WEX fleet card is captured with key data points — location, fuel type, time of day, driver, vehicle and even odometer readings. This real-time data helps operations teams track usage, spot irregular spending and reconcile accounts without chasing down paperwork.
Fleet cards like the WEX Fleet Card and WEX FlexCard offer powerful capabilities designed for manufacturers with transportation needs. They go far beyond traditional credit card payments, enabling real-time fuel expense tracking, access to fuel discounts, fraud protection and seamless reporting. For manufacturing companies looking to reduce overhead and streamline operations, fuel cards are a wise investment that meets financial and logistical goals.
The Business Case for Fuel Cards in Manufacturing
Manufacturing fleets often operate under tight schedules and multiple locations and rely on diesel and gasoline to transport personnel and materials. Any business that uses vehicles for operations has a large fuel budget, and manufacturing is no exception. Manually managing fuel expenses results in lost receipts, inefficiencies, and unmonitored spending. Fuel cards centralize this process.
With WEX fleet fuel cards accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations, manufacturers gain near-universal access to fuel for every truck or delivery vehicle. This vast acceptance means fewer route detours to refuel, keeping operations on track and drivers focused on their delivery windows.
Every transaction made with a WEX fleet card is captured with key data points — location, fuel type, time of day, driver, vehicle, and even odometer readings. This real-time data helps operations teams track usage, spot irregular spending and reconcile accounts without chasing down paperwork. The result? Cleaner books, less risk and more time for high-value tasks.
Real-time Expense Tracking and Enhanced Control
Real-time tracking is essential for manufacturing companies managing multiple vehicles across shifts and routes. The WEX FlexCard and Fleet Card offer real-time data reporting — enabling businesses to know precisely where fuel dollars are going as they’re spent.
WEX’s mobile app allows account access anywhere, allowing teams to view transaction history, manage employee cards, cancel lost cards or even find nearby gas stations offering the lowest fuel prices. This capability can be a game changer for companies trying to control costs while increasing convenience.
Built-in features like driver PINs, purchase limits and fuel type restrictions allow businesses to enforce fueling policies automatically. For example, if a driver tries to fill up outside of authorized hours or uses the card for unauthorized expenses, the transaction will be blocked at the pump. This preventative control helps prevent misuse before it impacts the bottom line.
Savings per Gallon and Beyond
The WEX FlexCard offers a 3¢ per gallon fuel rebate for six months, while the WEX Fleet Card delivers up to 3¢ per gallon ongoing — both based on monthly fuel volumes. These rebates are available nationwide. When the WEX Fleet Card is used through the WEX savings network, you can save up to 15¢ per gallon. For high-mileage fleets, these per-gallon savings add up fast.
Beyond pump savings, WEX fuel cards offer discounts on services critical to the manufacturing sector — including auto parts, vehicle maintenance, hotel stays and more. These exclusive discounts help extend value beyond fuel and into the broader world of logistics and driver support.
The benefits continue in the form of time savings. WEX’s automated reporting replaces the time-consuming task of processing employee fuel receipts. With one-click downloadable reports and integration into most accounting platforms, financial teams get accurate expense data for faster reconciliation and deeper insight into cost trends.
Tools for Efficient Fleet Management
Every minute and dollar saved in transportation supports the manufacturing production cycle. With WEX’s fleet tools, managers gain a bird’s-eye view of all card activity with dashboard reporting, tax-exemption insights and the ability to generate custom reports highlighting spending patterns, maintenance needs, or outlier behavior.
Whether your company operates five vehicles or 500, WEX’s fuel card solutions provide security through 24/7 fraud monitoring, usage limits and mobile card control.
When coupled with telematics, geofencing features and site-specific reporting, tracking can be refined by monitoring how long vehicles spend at specific sites or job locations—an essential feature for time-sensitive manufacturing deliveries. These tools don’t just help detect fraud or misuse. They also improve driver efficiency, eliminate side jobs, and help businesses align fueling behaviors with production goals.
Security that Scales with your Fleet
Security is a priority in manufacturing — and that extends to fleet operations. Whether your company operates five vehicles or 500, WEX’s fuel card solutions provide security through 24/7 fraud monitoring, usage limits and mobile card control.
If a driver loses a card or notices suspicious activity, accounts can be frozen instantly via the app or portal. This capability is vital in minimizing financial damage from theft or unauthorized transactions. Additionally, companies can set card-level permissions tied to job roles or driver license classes — adding another layer of operational control.
Flexibility for Manufacturers of all Sizes
Not every manufacturing business has the same cash flow model. That’s why WEX offers flexibility through its two flagship products:
- The WEX FlexCard is ideal for businesses that need flexible payments, allowing you to pay in full or carry a balance based on current cash flow.
- The WEX Fleet Card works best for businesses that prefer monthly full payments and want access to the most robust suite of discounts, tools and reporting features.
Both cards support automatic fuel accounting, mobile access and the ability to control purchases by product, time and dollar amount — making them well-suited to dynamic manufacturing environments with fluctuating demand and production schedules.
Streamlined Application and Onboarding
WEX makes it easy for manufacturing companies to get started. The application process is online, fast, and built for business convenience. Whether you’re a small regional manufacturer or a nationwide supplier, WEX can scale its support to match your needs. Teams benefit from dedicated customer service and a dashboard experience that’s intuitive and actionable from day one.
Fleet managers can also quickly onboard new drivers or vehicles through the online portal or mobile app.
The Bottom Line: Why Manufacturing Needs Fuel Cards
The manufacturing sector thrives on efficiency, predictability and control — all made possible with the WEX FlexCard and WEX Fleet Card. With robust tracking, secure transaction controls, flexible payments and per-gallon rebates, fuel cards offer business tools that streamline operations and reduce unnecessary fuel expenses.
More than just a payment method, a fuel card becomes an extension of your logistics and operations strategy — helping your business reduce costs, enhance accountability and gain deeper visibility into how your vehicles contribute to production success.
Adopting a WEX fuel card is a strategic move for manufacturing companies navigating today’s competitive market with long-term benefits. Learn more or apply online at wexcard.com to see how your fleet can drive real value on every gallon.