Wizard 1946 wrote:
Would really be nice if GS could negotiate fuel discounts with other suppliers such as Loves, TA or others.
I generally use P/FJ but sometimes they are just not available on my routes.
The P/FJ deal, and likely any other discount program with Loves or TA, is almost certainly a exclusive deal. i.e. We will give a fuel discount if our company is the ONLY one your members get a discount with.
Hands down the best discount is one which a credit card company gives its customers on the post fuel price.
Exxon has the very best discount program - but only for retirees from Exxon using an certain Exxon card at Exxon stations - 30% post tax credit on their CC statement.
Pen-Fed is a great discount, but we don't have that card.
On the road, we use:
P/FJ RV Plus Card - 6 cents per gallon on gasoline
Exxon - 2 cents per gallon at most Exxon/Mobil stations using their card
Kroger Brands Fuel Points - 10 cents per gallon discount per $100 spent at Kroger Brands stores. Discount can be up to $1 per gallon at some Kroger Brands Fuel Centers, or a max of 10 cents per gallon at some affiliated Shell stations
Plenti-Points - we get a decent discount once a month due to our ATT phone / data bill adding points each month.
We also use Costco because they seem to have the lowest prices in many California cities.
When we were in a region without Kroger Brands for a length of time, we usually find a regional supermarket chain with a fuel discount program.
If you travel, you need to look at using any and all the fuel discount programs you can qualify for. A single card system is easiest to keep track of, but if you are serious about your money, you will work all the programs you can.
I always compare fuel prices when possible, and choose the cheapest option. Having done some work with gas stations in the past, I know they all get their fuel from the same regional distributor, though each brand has its own additive formula.
I've gone to the extent of dropping the trailer in a Pilot truck parking lot and driving three miles down the road to fill up at Costco - for a 12 cent per gallon price difference.
