According to industry experts, fuel purchases can account for approximately 25% of a trucking company’s operating expenses. The average truck driver travels around 68,000 miles per year and gets an average of 5.29 miles per gallon, which translates to over $37,000 being spent yearly on fuel. So, any opportunities to increase fuel efficiency and save money are valued in the industry, and fuel purchase routing is a commonly used strategy by many long-haul truck drivers.

What is fuel purchase routing?

Essentially, fuel purchase routing is a way to reduce your operating costs by planning your route based on areas, states, or truck stops that offer the optimal fuel prices.

How do you calculate the best fuel purchase route?

Several variables can be considered to calculate the optimal fuel purchase route such as: fleet size, location, vehicle type & model, vehicle usage patterns, fuel taxes, fuel card discounts, fuel tank level, fuel type, and of course real time fuel prices.

Because there are several variables to consider, the best way to calculate the optimal fuel purchase route is to let a software application do the work for you. There are several reputable companies that have solutions designed around fuel purchase routing. Here’s a look at a few:

1. ProMiles – ProMiles offers “Fuel Purchase Optimization” which it advertises as assisting companies and drivers in planning legal trips that are safer and more efficient. The cost is $50-100 per month, depending on your business type.
2. PC Miler with Fuel Routing – ALK Technologies has partnered with IDSC (Integrated Decision Support Corporation) to provide over-the-road fuel purchase optimization directly through its PC*Miler routing and mileage software. IDSC provides planning and execution solutions, including fuel optimization, specifically for truckload carriers. The IDSC partnership will enable PC*Miler users to incorporate the most cost-effective over-the-road fuel purchases into driving directions without exiting the application. PC Miler utilizes a customized pricing model that depends on a user’s requirements, but you can expect to pay $39.95-469.95/month per user.  
3. Trucker Tools App, Routing & Fuel Optimizer Section – this section of the TruckerTools app uses your current location and then asks you to input your destination. It will then show you where the cheapest fuel is in the next 100 miles of your trip. You’ll get truck routing with turn-by-turn directions, locations with the cheapest fuel and truck stops along the route. Three different options let you optimize fueling buying to meet your needs. The best part about TruckerTools is that it is free to use.

If you perform an internet or app store search, you will see that there are many other companies that offer fuel purchase routing – the choice will depend on your truck specifications, requirements, and budget. Many can be added on to other services you already subscribe to such as load boards, and many are free. Just be sure to do your research and make sure the company offering the service is reputable, and the cost is reasonable.

How much money can you save?

While on a single trip, using fuel purchase routing will save you what might seem like a small or negligible amount (maybe close to $50); but drivers must think about how many trips they are doing throughout the year and that small amounts can add up to large savings. Experts predict and truck drivers report that a company can save $200-250/month per vehicle by using fuel purchase routing. That’s $2,400-$3,000 per year per truck! A significant savings for your bottom line. With that in mind, fuel purchase routing is not an option for carrier companies or even owner operators with only one truck; the significant yearly savings make the practice a necessity.