Fuel usage data is a critical asset for fleet managers seeking to gain control over expenses, enhance operational efficiency and improve driver performance. The ability to track, monitor and analyze fuel purchases across all vehicles in your fleet delivers unparalleled insights, making modern fleet fuel cards a cornerstone of effective business management. Whether operating a small business with a handful of vehicles or managing a nationwide logistics company, fuel usage data powers better decisions, cost savings and operational agility.
Fuel usage data from fleet fuel cards allows managers to see where, when and how much fuel is purchased.
Why Fuel Usage Data Matters to Fleet Management
Fuel is often one of the most significant ongoing expenses in fleet operations. Without detailed data, businesses risk overspending, missing fraud and failing to uncover inefficiencies. Fuel usage data from fleet fuel cards allows managers to see where, when, and how much fuel is purchased. This visibility provides the foundation for effective reporting, spending control and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Fleet managers can set purchase controls, track transactions in real-time and spot unusual spending patterns quickly. This supports more accurate budgeting while helping to enforce policies and optimize driver behavior. Integrated platforms, such as those offered by Phillips 66®, Conoco® and 76®, combine comprehensive transaction details with security features like driver IDs and pump-level controls.
Key Benefits of Using Fleet Cards to Track Fuel Usage
Fleet cards and fuel usage data insights can translate to measurable benefits across various dimensions of fleet operations.
Cost Control and Savings
Tracking fuel expenses allows businesses to monitor costs per gallon, evaluate vendor pricing and uncover potential savings from fuel discounts and rebates. With Phillips 66 fleet cards, businesses have access to fuel rebates of up to 7¢ per gallon at Phillips, Conoco and 76 fuel stations, helping lower total fuel spend.
Fraud Prevention
Real-time alerts and transaction limits flag unauthorized purchases, while card controls can restrict usage by fuel type, dollar amount or time of day. Managers can reduce risk and prevent misuse by enforcing these rules fleet-wide.
Enhanced Driver Accountability
Fuel data linked to driver IDs gives managers insight into driver behavior. When combined with telematics, it reveals patterns like excessive idling or inefficient route choices, providing opportunities for coaching and training.
Improved Reporting and Decision-making
Dashboards and scheduled reports simplify administration by compiling fuel expenses, usage patterns, and compliance metrics in a centralized location. Managers can use this information to monitor KPIs, support financial planning, identify trends and align fuel strategy with business goals.
Using Fuel Data to Optimize Fleet Efficiency
The insights derived from fuel usage data extend beyond tracking transactions. By integrating data from fuel cards with telematics and GPS tracking, fleet managers can gain a complete picture of vehicle performance, route efficiency and driver productivity.
For instance, GPS-enabled solutions from WEX track the duration of each vehicle’s visit at a job site, enabling accurate job costing and helping to prevent unauthorized activity. Tracking time spent at locations also supports payroll validation and improves customer service through accurate billing.
By integrating data from fuel cards with telematics and GPS tracking, fleet managers can gain a complete picture of vehicle performance, route efficiency and driver productivity.
Vehicle diagnostics and engine performance data, when paired with fuel consumption records, help identify underperforming vehicles that may require maintenance. Addressing these issues proactively reduces downtime and extends the vehicle’s lifespan, contributing to a better total cost of ownership.
Key Features that Amplify Data-driven Fleet Management
Leading fuel card providers like Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76 offer platforms enriched with robust features that empower data-driven decision-making:
- Customizable controls: Set spending limits by driver, vehicle or day. Prevent unauthorized purchases by restricting card use to specific merchant categories, such as gas-only or diesel-only options.
- Advanced reporting tools: Schedule reports by location, vehicle or time frame. Easily analyze fuel usage trends, cost per mile and driver performance.
- Mobile app integration: Provide drivers with access to station locators and enable managers to monitor activity on the go. Phillips 66 fleet cards integrate with apps that streamline administration and support real-time tracking.
- Nationwide acceptance: Fuel card options accepted at thousands of stations across the U.S., including Phillips 66, Conoco and 76 locations, reduce driver detours and optimize route planning.
How Fuel Usage Data Supports Business Operations
Fleet managers aren’t the only ones who benefit from access to accurate fuel usage data. Accounting teams use transaction details to streamline invoice reconciliation and simplify tax reporting. Operations managers analyze fuel usage against job types and routes to identify inefficiencies. Executives rely on these insights for forecasting and strategic planning.
By centralizing data across the organization, businesses can align departments around shared goals, reducing costs, improving performance, and driving long-term growth.
Addressing Industry-specific Needs
Different industries face unique challenges in fuel management. In construction, remote job sites and unpredictable schedules make location tracking and fuel access critical. Logistics companies depend on real-time data to ensure timely deliveries and maintain customer satisfaction. Municipal and government fleets often face strict compliance requirements, which make reporting and audit trails essential.
Fuel cards from Phillips 66, Conoco and 76 offer the flexibility to meet these diverse needs, supporting businesses across transportation, service and industrial sectors. From small businesses to enterprise-level fleets, the right card solution delivers tailored tools to match every operational profile.
Bringing it All Together: The Power of the Phillips 66 Fleet Card Program
The Phillips 66 fleet card program stands out by offering business owners access to a powerful combination of security, savings, and simplified management:
- Business Universal Card Option: Accepted at over 95% of U.S. fueling locations, including major truck stops — ideal for fleets needing maximum flexibility. Also accepted at over 45,000 service stations. Includes up to 7¢ per gallon fuel rebates available at Phillips 66, Conoco and 76 locations.
- Business Fleet Card Option: Accepted at more than 7,500 Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76 stations, offering control, tracking and rebates for businesses that prioritize network loyalty.
- Robust online account management: Administrators can oversee driver usage, monitor account balances, and run detailed reports — all from a single, user-friendly dashboard.
- Customer support and scalability: Dedicated support teams and scalable solutions ensure businesses of all sizes receive personalized assistance and growth-ready tools.
Smarter Fleet Management Starts with Data
Fuel usage data is no longer optional — it’s a must-have for any fleet manager serious about reducing expenses, improving efficiency, and driving long-term value. With modern fuel cards, businesses gain access to detailed transaction visibility, real-time controls and actionable insights that empower informed decision-making.
From monitoring driver behavior to identifying maintenance needs and maximizing rebate opportunities, fuel data insights help businesses implement a comprehensive fuel management platform that supports today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.
Learn more at phillips66fleet.com.