Driver-first, numbers-only. Save more on every fill. Protect your margin.
TL;DR
- Real, carded savings at major chains typically land around ¢20–47 per gallon depending on the network.
- Rule of thumb: cents-per-gallon ÷ MPG = cents per mile saved. Example at 6.5 MPG: ¢20 → ~3.1¢/mi, ¢27 → ~4.2¢/mi, ¢47 → ~7.2¢/mi.
- Biggest discounts today are often via program-partner fuel cards (e.g., TA/Petro with TCS). Love’s and Pilot/Flying J deliver strong, reliable savings with broad networks and perks.
Who Saves You More—Per Gallon and Per Mile?
Assuming a typical long-haul MPG of 6.5. Your truck and load will vary.
| Chain / Network | Typical Savings* | Program / Card | Approx. ¢/mile (6.5 MPG) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA / Petro | ~¢47/gal (avg., in-network) | TCS Fuel Card (in-network) | ~7.2¢/mi | Deep discounts when routed to TCS network; strong shop ecosystem. |
| Pilot / Flying J / One9 | ~¢27/gal (avg.) | Axle Fuel Card | ~4.2¢/mi | Large network, parking, showers; predictable savings and perks. |
| Love’s | ≥¢20/gal (program floor) | Love’s Express Billing + My Love Rewards | ~3.1¢/mi | Strong presence, fast lanes, dependable amenities and promos. |
| Cardlock (various) | ¢19–35+/gal vs. truck stop (historical studies) | Cardlock network cards | ~2.9–5.4+¢/mi | Often beats posted truck-stop price; fewer amenities. |
*Published program averages/floors; your price depends on lane, station, timing, and card terms.
What It Means in Your Paycheck
At 1,200 miles/week and 6.5 MPG (~185 gallons):
- ¢47/gal → save about $87/week
- ¢27/gal → save about $50/week
- ¢20/gal → save about $37/week
Stack that over a month and you’re keeping $150–$350+ in your pocket—just by fueling smarter.
How to Pick the Right Chain for Your Lane
- Price your route before you roll. Check your fuel app(s) for live pump vs. carded price at your next two stops.
- Use the card that fits the lane. If you can hit TA/Petro in-network on TCS, that’s often your biggest per-gallon cut. On other lanes, Pilot/Flying J/One9 or Love’s may net more total value.
- Count perks as dollars. Parking, showers, shop discounts, and loyalty points reduce real cost—even if posted price is slightly higher.
- Watch MPG and terrain. The same cents-off goes further when you’re at higher MPG (light loads, flat terrain).
- Cardlock when it makes sense. If amenities aren’t critical, cardlock can beat many posted truck-stop prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do fuel card discounts stack with chain loyalty points?
Generally yes. Your price comes from your card/program; points come from the chain’s loyalty. Always check card terms.
Which chain is cheapest—always?
None—it’s the program + location. TA/Petro paired with TCS often posts the deepest per-gallon cuts in-network; Pilot’s Axle and Love’s Express deliver strong, predictable savings across very large networks.
Are cardlock stations worth it?
If you don’t need amenities, cardlock frequently beats posted truck-stop prices. For quick turns and lean runs, it’s a smart lever.
How do I convert cents-off to per-mile savings?
Formula: cents-off per gallon ÷ your MPG. Example: ¢27 ÷ 6.5 MPG ≈ 4.2¢/mile.
What if the posted price is high but the stop has parking and showers?
Price the whole stop. If amenities save you an hour, that time is money. Sometimes a slightly higher pump is the smarter business call.
Company driver vs. owner-operator—does the strategy change?
Owner-operators should optimize for net cost per mile (fuel + time + perks). Company drivers should follow dispatch fuel plans while still using loyalty to bank personal benefits.
We don’t guess. We plan. We execute. Fuel smarter and keep more per mile.