Running a plumbing business involves more than installing pipes and fixing leaks—it also includes managing a fleet of service vehicles that require regular fueling, maintenance, and expense tracking. With fluctuating fuel prices and the challenges of managing employee reimbursements and receipts, many plumbing businesses struggle with hidden administrative burdens and unnecessary expenditures.
Fortunately, fleet fuel cards offer a practical solution tailored to the unique challenges plumbers face.
For plumbing companies, fuel cards can be a comprehensive tool for managing fleet operations more effectively. With the
For plumbing companies, fuel cards can be a comprehensive tool for managing fleet operations more effectively. With the right card, you can automate expense reporting, improve compliance with spending policies and even access rewards and discounts that can significantly reduce overall costs.
Understanding Fuel Cards
Fuel cards are similar to credit cards but are designed exclusively for fuel and vehicle-related purchases. These fleet fuel cards help streamline fuel purchasing and control fuel costs, include detailed reporting and even offer discounts on fuel and other business-related expenses. By implementing these cards, plumbing companies can take control of one of their most significant recurring costs, allowing them to focus on what they do best: providing exceptional plumbing services.
Here’s a closer look at what fuel cards do:
- Simplify the payment process: Instead of dealing with reimbursements and managing petty cash, employees use a designated fuel card for all their fuel-related purchases.
- Provide real-time expense tracking: Fuel card providers typically include software or online portals allowing business owners to track fuel purchases in real time.
- Enhance reporting: Detailed transaction reports can be generated automatically, helping businesses monitor fuel spending and identify trends or potential misuse.
- Control spending: Managers can set transaction limits, ensuring funds are used strictly for fuel and related expenses.
For plumbing companies, fuel cards can be a comprehensive tool for managing fleet operations more effectively. With the right card, you can automate expense reporting, improve compliance with spending policies and access rewards and discounts that can significantly reduce overall costs.
Key Benefits for Plumbers
Many fuel cards offer similar benefits for fleet management. Below, we detail the main advantages of using fuel cards like those offered by WEX. WEX fleet cards are tailored to meet the needs of businesses with mobile operations, such as plumbing companies.
Accepting Fuel Stations
One of the primary concerns for many mobile service providers is ensuring fueling options. This is especially critical for plumbers and other contractors who work in various locations throughout the day.
Nationwide Acceptance
WEX cards are accepted at 95% of U.S. gas stations. An extensive fueling network means plumbers can refuel just about anywhere in the country without worrying about payment issues.
Ease of Use on the Road
Plumbers can travel across states without worrying about finding a specific type of fuel station. This flexibility ensures that no matter where a job takes them, there is almost always a fuel station nearby that accepts their card.
Cost Savings
Cost efficiency is critical for any business, and fuel cards are designed with this in mind. Leveraging fuel rebates and discounts can help plumbing companies improve their bottom line.
Rebates on Fuel Purchases
Up to 3¢ per gallon with the WEX Fleet Card: This rebate can lead to substantial savings over time. Unlike many other providers, this rebate is available wherever you fuel.
Discounts on Other Expenses
WEX Edge Savings Network: The WEX Fleet Card gives businesses access to additional discounts on parts and services, hotels and more. These savings reduce fuel costs and help reduce operational expenditures.
Expense Management
Managing fuel expenses can be a logistical nightmare, especially when dealing with numerous receipts, mileage logs and varying fuel prices. Fuel cards streamline these processes, providing a clear, automated record of all transactions.
Automatic Fuel Expense Tracking
Fuel cards automatically track and categorize each transaction, eliminating manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
No More Lost Receipts
Since every purchase is recorded electronically, the need to collect and store paper receipts is eliminated.
One-click Reporting
With one-click reporting, detailed transaction information is readily available for audits or expense reviews. This is particularly useful during tax season or when seeking reimbursements. Detailed reports also provide insights into fuel usage patterns, helping managers identify opportunities to reduce expenses further.
Purchase Control
Fuel cards offer sophisticated controls that help managers monitor fuel expenses and prevent unauthorized usage. This level of control is especially valuable for businesses where multiple employees have access to the fuel cards.
Purchase Controls
There are a variety of customizable limits a business owner or manager can take advantage of, including:
- Amount restrictions: Set limits on how much can be spent on a single transaction.
- Card or employee limits: Managers can set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits by card or individual employees, ensuring funds are used appropriately.
- Time-based restrictions: Define when purchases can be made, such as during business hours only. This will reduce the risk of misuse during off-hours.
Security Features
WEX fleet cards require driver PINs, which means employees must enter a personal identification number (PIN) when using the card. This process helps prevent unauthorized use and protects against fraud.
Mobile App Capabilities
Mobile access to financial tools while on the go is essential for any business. WEX’s free mobile app empowers plumbing businesses by putting fuel management in the palm of your hand.
On-the-go Fuel Management
With mobile access, plumbers can locate the cheapest fuel. The mobile app allows plumbers to quickly find the least expensive gas or diesel station nearby, ensuring cost efficiency even while on the road.
Real-time Account Access
Combining real-time data with mobile account access offers two powerful advantages for business operations:
- Immediate updates: Owners and managers can access account information anytime, anywhere, allowing them to better control and monitor fuel expenses.
- Manage card programs: Easily adjust spending limits, review transaction histories and manage employee access directly through the app.
Additional Wexcard Features
WEX offers several other benefits. Using these features effectively can help plumbers extend their savings even further.
Operational efficiency is key for plumbing businesses. Fuel cards, as comprehensive fleet management tools, can impact daily operations.
Telematics and GPS Tracking
Telematics and GPS tracking options allow businesses to monitor vehicle locations and routes, helping to optimize service calls and reduce unnecessary travel. With onboard diagnostics, managers can address potential maintenance issues early before minor problems become major disasters.
Maintenance Services
With acceptance at over 45,000 service stations, WEX fuel cards cover maintenance needs beyond fueling. This extensive network includes services such as tire repair, oil changes and more.
Using Fleet Cards to Enhance Operational Efficiency
Operational efficiency is key for plumbing businesses. Fuel cards, as comprehensive fleet management tools, can impact daily operations.
Time Savings
With automated reporting and digital receipts, administrative tasks that previously took hours each week can now be completed in minutes. This frees up valuable time for managers and accountants to focus on other tasks, such as strategic planning and customer service.
Streamlined Workflow
Instead of juggling multiple payment methods, plumbing companies can centralize fuel purchasing under one system. This standardization simplifies processes and reduces the likelihood of errors or miscommunications.
Better Financial Forecasting
Detailed reports on fuel spending provide insights into consumption patterns, allowing businesses to budget more effectively and forecast future expenses. A data-driven approach supports strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
Reduced Fraud and Misuse
Fuel cards help minimize the risk of fraud or misuse by offering features such as purchase controls, real-time alerts and driver PINs. This added security ensures that funds are used solely for business-related fuel purchases.
Cut Costs and Improve Service with a Wex Fleet Card
For plumbing companies striving to enhance operational efficiency, a fleet fuel card isn’t just a payment method — it’s an integrated tool that can lead to significant cost savings and improved service delivery. By choosing a solution like the WEX fuel card, plumbing businesses can better control fuel expenses, streamline their operations and ultimately focus on what they do best: providing expert plumbing services.