Simon Pavey, Author at Fuel Card Services

Where can I use my Esso fuel card?

Posted on 18th September 2020 | by Simon Pavey

At Fuel Card Services, we offer the Esso Commercial fuel card. You can see where you can use your card below:

Access to the largest branded network of over 1,300 sites

The Esso Commercial fuel card also offers various additional benefits:

Its large network offers convenience as 70% of people live within a 2 mile radius of an Esso site
Save up to 10p per litre at participating motorway sites
Free fuel management reports available online 24/7
With Synergy diesel and unleaded, increase fuel economy by 1.8% compared to standard fuel
Avoid unauthorised purchases with cards restricted to fuel and lubricants only
All cards are PIN protected
Get the most out of your account with a dedicated account manager
Collect Nectar points at all Esso sites
No advance payment for fuel, only pay for the fuel you use
Receive free price notifications weekly by email in advance

We hope you can see the great benefits of the Esso Commercial fuel card.

Sign up to our pump locator to easily find your nearest site and save time. Also, you may find our pump locator on our Drivers Club app, as well as access big brand offers, premium services, and receive the latest driving trends and essential announcements.

Click here for more information on the Esso Commercial fuel card. If you are interested in the card, fill out this quick form, and a member of our expert team will be in touch shortly.

Top tips for fleet managers during COVID-19

Posted on 16th September 2020 | by Simon Pavey

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been far-reaching this year. Businesses across the UK have endured forced closures, limited trading opportunities and lots of uncertainty. As a result, fleet managers have faced a lot of stress during COVID-19.

With the situation unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, there’s a need to consider how businesses can successfully operate within the ‘new normal’ of COVID-19. Here we offer some simple advice on vehicle safety and how to manage your fleet against this challenging backdrop.

Minimising the impact for your business

Effective fleet management during COVID-19 needs to take into account the disruption the pandemic has caused. This means fleets need to be more flexible in the way they operate.

Planning is crucial to success. With more people making use of online deliveries, that means more traffic and longer queues or delays when filling up vehicles. It can therefore pay dividends to plan journeys in advance to avoid congested areas. Our Pump Locator service, available through our free Drivers Club mobile app, can also help managers plan ahead to ensure they are getting the best deals to save money on fuel.

Meanwhile, clear communication is also essential between managers and drivers. Fleet managers need to be able to inform drivers quickly and easily. This could be about changes in delivery schedules or procedures for visiting clients. It’s also important to know who has been using each vehicle and when.

Vehicle maintenance during COVID-19

Managing your fleet in an efficient and cost-effective way is essential at the best of times, but even more so when faced with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Essentials to remember include:

Step up cleaning schedules: Vehicles should be deep cleaned after every use. This is especially important if they are to be used by more than one driver.
Inspecting tyres: Tyre laws haven’t changed in recent months. Vehicles must still comply with all measures of roadworthiness. This includes maintaining minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm for all tyres.
Carry out daily checks: Vehicles should undergo a thorough inspection every time they are used. This should include things like checking lights, brakes, mirrors and oil levels. A full vehicle checklist can be found at Gov.uk.

The use of tools like our MyDriveSafe app can make completing daily vehicle checks easy. It gives clear visibility for managers and drivers alike that the right checks are being carried out.

Government advice on MOTs

Significant support for businesses has been offered throughout the pandemic so far. One area where this has been apparent is MOTs.

For smaller vehicles, a six-month MOT deferral was put in place for vehicles with MOTs expiring between 30th March and 31st July 2020. For HGVs, trailers and other large commercial vehicles, the government has extended MOTs by 12 months.

Keeping drivers safe during COVID-19

It’s not just vehicles that businesses should be looking after in these difficult times, but drivers as well. All companies have a duty of care to their staff and, against the backdrop of a global pandemic, this is perhaps now more important than ever.

A key element of driver safety is to remind individuals about the basics of social distancing, regularly washing hands and disinfecting their vehicles to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some key pointers that can help to boost hygiene for staff:

Disinfect high-touch areas: Focus on door handles, steering wheels, gear sticks and other high-touch areas of your vehicle.
Wash/disinfect hands: Keep antibacterial wipes or gel in your vehicle to allow you to disinfect your hands quickly and easily. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, when possible.
Keep apart from others: Maintain a two-metre distance from others when possible.
Reduce vehicle occupancy: Limit the number of people within a vehicle. Close proximity to others will increase the chances of passing on infection.
Wear a mask/disposable gloves: When leaving your vehicle, wear a mask covering your nose and mouth and cover your hands.
Promote contactless payments: You can reduce their risk of passing on or contracting coronavirus by using contactless payments when making payments. Access to a fuel card account can also ensure you’re not handing over cash when filling up vehicles.

Finally, fleet managers must remember to educate drivers on any changing guidelines. It’s essential that people know what is best-policy behaviour in order to protect themselves and others.

How to control fuel costs

Uncertainty for businesses due to the impact of COVID-19 remains extremely high. As a result, it’s important to keep a close eye on expenses. One way to reduce your monthly costs is to take advantage of discount fuel.

Signing up for a fuel card account can offer significant savings every time your drivers fill up. Use our handy guide to compare fuel cards to determine the product that’s right for you. At Fuel Card Services, we provide a wide range of fuel cards – including all of the biggest brands, Shell, Esso, BP, etc. We provide flexibility and cost reductions for our customers.

You can save up to 10p per litre on the cost of fuel with us. Meanwhile, complementary services like vehicle and asset tracking through our Tele-Gence service and accurate reporting of your mileage expenses through MileageCount can further streamline your fleet.

UK Fuel Card Locations

Posted on 11th September 2020 | by Simon Pavey

The location where you use your fuel card depends on the type of vehicle your fleet drivers drive and their whereabouts.

Some may have localised coverage, and others may have national coverage.

What Is a fuel card in the UK?

A fuel card is a payment card that allows users to purchase fuel and other vehicle-related expenses at participating service stations. Fuel cards are similar to credit cards but are only used to buy fuel.

Click here to see what else you can buy on a fuel card.

Doing a fuel card audit to determine UK fuel card locations

Fuel card audits allow fleets to determine whether they have the correct coverage for their needs. This includes controlling where they can use their cards geographically, down to the different types of fuel stations where they can use them.

Fuel card audits are also helpful because they ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

How does a fuel card work?

We offer the UK Fuels fuel card at Fuel Card Services. You can use it by following the steps below:

Find a fuel station that accepts the card
Fill up your vehicle
Present your card to the cashier
Enter your PIN or sign for the transaction
The cashier may ask for your vehicle registration and mileage
The transaction will be logged on your account and appear on your next invoice

Where can I use my UK fuel card

Below are some UK fuel card locations where you can use your UK fuel card using the steps above.

Access to over 2,950 sites and accepted at a selection of BP, Shell, Esso, Texaco, and independents on the UK Fuels network.
Accepted at all Morrisons, Tesco, and Co-op sites

Types of fuel cards

Fuel cards come in different types, broadly categorised as branded, universal, and prepaid.

Branded cards are specific to a particular fuel network, while universal cards offer access to multiple stations. Prepaid cards have a fixed value preloaded. Depending on their fleet composition, businesses may also consider diesel-specific or mixed-use cards.

Branded fuel cards

Specific fuel brands like Shell, BP, Esso, or Texaco issue these. They offer access to that brand’s network of stations and may sometimes offer discounts or rewards.

Universal fuel cards

These cards are accepted at a broader range of fuel stations, including those of major brands and independent operators. Businesses often prefer them with a diverse fleet or those that travel frequently.

Prepaid fuel cards

These cards have a fixed amount of fuel preloaded, and the value can be used like cash to pay for fuel purchases. Small businesses or those with less complex fuel management needs often use them.

Diesel-specific cards

These cards are designed for diesel fuel and may offer benefits like fixed prices or discounts on diesel purchases.

Mixed-use cards

These cards can be used for both petrol and diesel fuel.

Fuel cards for different locations

It is essential to have places where you can use your fuel card. Below is a list of locations where you can use different fuel cards.

Supermarket fuel card

If your fleet consists of cars or vans completing inner-city journeys, a supermarket fuel card might be the best option for your fleet. With these supermarket fuel cards, you can also collect supermarket points as a bonus.

For inner-city fuel stations that aren’t supermarkets, a fuel card that allows you to use independent fuel stations may be the best option.

Motorway fuel card

Fleet drivers using motorways and A-roads may need a card with locations around these roads and services.

Choosing a UK fuel card that includes these roads will make refilling your fleet mid-journey easier.

For haulage fleets that rely on HGV sites, a fuel card with access to HGV fuel stations will be the optimal solution, particularly for time-saving. HGV sites are strategically placed on major trunk roads such as A-roads and motorways for ultimate convenience.

Do you still need more information? Click here to find the best fuel card for your small business.

Fuel card benefits

Save up to 10p per litre on diesel at participating motorway sites
Competitive fixed weekly price on diesel available at 1,800 sites across the UK
Free fuel management reports are available online 24/7
Receive free price notifications via email in advance for the following week
Collect Tesco Clubcard points across all Tesco forecourts
Avoid unauthorised purchases with cards restricted to fuel and lubricants only
Access to high-quality fuels from Shell, Texaco, Esso, and BP
Interest-free credit is available

Which fuel card is best?

There isn’t one “best” fuel card, as the ideal choice depends on your needs and priorities. Factors to consider include network coverage, pricing structure (fixed price vs. pump price discounts), and features like online portals and additional benefits.

To find the best fuel card for your business:

Assess your needs

Consider your fuel consumption, the size of your fleet, and the regions your drivers travel in.

Compare providers

Research different fuel card options and their features, network coverage, and pricing models.

Factor in costs

Consider any fees, monthly charges, or minimum usage requirements.

Read reviews

Look for feedback on reliability, customer service, and ease of use.

Tailor your choice

Select the card that best aligns with your business’s specific requirements and budget.

Can anyone get a fuel card?

Fuel cards are primarily designed for businesses and self-employed individuals who use vehicles for business purposes. They are not intended for personal use.

How much does a fuel card cost?

Fuel cards have varying costs. Many providers charge an annual fee, typically around £20 per card. Some fuel card companies also require a monthly minimum spend.

Fuel card pump locator

You may also find our pump locator on our Drivers Club app, access premium services and big brand offers, receive the latest driving trends, and receive essential announcements on our Drivers Club app.

How to get a fuel card from Fuel Card Services?

Click here for more information on the UK Fuels card.

If you are interested in the card, fill out this quick form, and a member of our expert team will contact you shortly.

Alltask Ltd: FORS Affinity Partner Fuel Card Services have offered great consistent fuel card prices

Posted on 10th September 2020 | by Simon Pavey

At Fuel Card Services (FCS), we aim to ensure our customers have the best experience possible. We love to hear from satisfied clients when they get in touch. For scaffolding and insulation specialists Alltask, that was precisely the case who contacted us and gave fantastic feedback.

Fast and efficient service from Fuel Card Services

Martin Lloyd, transport manager at Alltask Ltd, provided us with a thorough testimonial that illustrates his outstanding experience with his major accounts manager Rachel Pearson.

We are proud to be an Affinity Partner for the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS). Rachel is our FORS account manager and works solely with customers from the partnership, as mentioned above.

“From the help and support with initial contact from our account manager, through to receiving the itemised and comprehensive invoice, the process is complete with fast and efficient service”, Martin remarked.

Martin continued, “FCS, a FORS partner, have offered consistent good fuel card prices, and more importantly an account manager who has been there many years.

“Multiple benefits with Fuel Card Services include:

Fantastic interaction with our account manager, thanks to Rachel, with scheduled catch-up meetings
Excellent fuel prices which are more than 4p per litre saving
Management time reduced in understanding and coding invoices as split via department using a different cost codes
Pump locator app for outlets to use is excellent

Thank you, FCS for an excellent service.”

Based in Kent, Alltask Ltd have a fleet of 100 vehicles which all use diesel fuel cards including Shell and UK Fuels. Alltask Ltd has specialised experience in their industry of over 25 years.

A massive well done to Rachel for your hard efforts with our FORS customers.

FORS Fuel Expert card brought to you by Fuel Card Services.

Why are petrol prices so high?

Posted on 9th September 2020 | by Simon Pavey

We’ve all been there. You go to fill up your car, see the price at the pumps and think to yourself, ‘how much?’ Fuel pricing is a complex equation that’s made up of many moving parts, so it’s understandable if UK fuel prices are a bit of a mystery to some.

At Fuel Card Services, we’re all about transparency. As such, we’re keen to explain just what goes into setting the price for petrol and diesel in the UK. Read on to find out exactly what makes up the price you pay per litre.

What impacts UK fuel prices?

Fuel pricing in the UK is made up of three predominant factors. These are:

Combined wholesale cost, distribution cost and retail margin.
Fuel duty owed to the government.
VAT.

Wholesale, distribution, and retail margins determine the cost of purchasing petrol for a retailer, while costs involved in shipping and storage of the fuel (getting it to individual sites) and the actual margin (profit) on each litre.

UK fuel prices also track closely to the price of Brent Crude oil as traded on global markets. These markets are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

The impact of oil on fuel prices

Figures from the RAC Foundation show that UK petrol prices remain lower than the ten-year rolling average. This is due to a number of underlying factors. A drastic fall in Brent crude oil prices was seen at the start of 2020. It came in the wake of oversupply by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

While this pushed down the price of crude oil per barrel, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic served to push up distribution and retail costs. As a result, petrol and diesel prices remain lower than average, but are not tracking as closely to oil markets as they used to.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 saw the cost of crude oil, already inflated from the global pandemic recovery, shoot up. With Russia as one of the biggest producers of natural gases and oil, this had knock on effects particularly in European countries, Russia’s main market. As the European Union cut its import of Russian oil by two-thirds, costs of fuel reflected a new scarcity.

So, who’s responsible for setting fuel prices?

Ultimately, there is no single body that sets the price of fuel in the UK. It’s up to individual retailers to make that decision based on the level of margin they want to receive and the other factors we’ve previously listed. Pump prices can therefore change on a daily basis.

Fluctuation in the price of oil will have an impact on the amount we all pay at the pumps, as will any changes in duty or VAT. That said, it is up to each retailer to decide if they want to pass on any cost increases or decreases to the end consumer.

Will petrol still be available after 2040?

The UK is set to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles at the end of the decade as part of the Government’s efforts to move the country towards NetZero 2050. The sale of new combustion engines drawing to a halt will not have an impact on the sale of petrol and diesel, and with many drivers still using petrol and diesel engines its unlikely that these fuel types will be removed from the market before 2040.

What will happen to petrol cars after 2035?

With the 2030 ban in place, new combustion engines will no longer be legally sold but the sale of these vehicles second hand will continue for the foreseeable future. What the ban on new combustion engines aims to achieve is to encourage the uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles; creating a steady move towards newer, green models for travel.

As time passes and existing combustion engine vehicles age, we will likely see more EVs on the road, reducing our need for petrol and diesel. With cars having an average lifespan of around 13 years, we can expect to see the number of petrol and diesel vehicles deplete in the decades after the ban comes in.

How to find the cheapest fuel

So, what does this all mean for motorists? Finding the cheapest fuel should be a priority; why spend more when you don’t have to? As a result, we aim to make it easy for our customers to get the best deals – which are then passed on to fleets and employees using company cars.

One way to find cheaper fuel is to take out an account with Fuel Card Services. Our fuel cards can deliver up to 10p per litre off the price at the pump for cardholders. At the same time, we offer vehicle and asset tracking through our Tele-Gence service. We also provide accurate reporting of your mileage expenses – both are essential tools that can help to cut costs for fleet drivers.

Searching out the best deals is not always easy, though. Find the nearest place to fill up by registering for our Pump Locator service, available through our free Drivers Club mobile app.

You can find out more about the wide selection of fuel cards we have to offer – including all the biggest names, such as BP, Esso and Shell. Use our handy guide to compare fuel cards to determine the product that’s right for you and enjoy cheaper fuel today.

Fuelcard