Fuel Discounts - The Flying J Question

[KBOnTheRoad]

I generally dont like to fuel at Flying J for many reasons most of them having to do with the fact that the lines are terrible, but I also find the staffs generally completely ill-informed about the Flying J CHARGE CARD.

I reentered the US at Calexico last March from the winter in the Baja and made my way to Alaska then upon return to the US through Montana on my way to Mich, Minn and now I am in Florida. I have been comparing the Flying J fuel price all along the way (Canada excepted).

This is what I have found: With the exception of Montana Flying J/Pilot are as much as 20 to 50 cents HIGHER for diesel than nearby competing stations. Now this does NOT include Loves or other "Truck Stops".

I have been able to reliably get fuel for as much as 40 to 50 cents per gallon cheaper at regular stations nearby the Flying J's. When you add to this the discount I get from my Fred Meyer, Kroger, Winn Dixie, Safeway grocery cards which lower that cheaper price by as much as 10 cents a gallon I am finding I rarely use my Flying J charge card.

I tow a 33 foot TT with a new Dodge P/U and am 53 feet overall. I rarely find a station I cant get into and out of.

The high prices of fuel at Flying J's and Pilots, Loves et al reflect the fact they are primarily marketing to a captive audience, class 8 over the road trucks that need a lot of space, parking, showers etc. All of that "FREE" stuff is added into the fuel price.

I have traveled more than 20,000 miles since April of 2016 when I bought my new diesel truck. This means I can save a lot of money by NOT going to FJ. I use my Gas Buddy app (not to be confused with the Fuel Buddy app) to find stations that have the lowest diesel prices wherever I am.

So if you travel alot like me get those Grocery discount cards that are tied to gas discounts as many are and leave the FJ Charge card buried in your wallet.

[Puddles]

GoPackGo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

I think I made my point that saving $400 was not worth it to ME. You estimated saving $406.56, pretty darn close.

So if I used your gallons used by my re fuel average that would be 71 times to re fuel (seems like a lot) that would mean I would be saving $5.80 per fuel stop. Easy on and off with lots of room and a place that there is a LOT of fuel/Diesel used is a huge bonus for me. Besides the wife likes to shop at some of the trucks tops. I tow with a Dually and RV is 41', that is certainly a factor when I have no idea what the conditions are a ways off the freeway.

I gave up trying to save every nickel once we retired, it is just another thing we don't worry about.

Same thing goes for NOT having a big bed fuel tank. I carry a 5 and have needed to use it once.

Lot's of ways to get the same job done, nice to have choices.

Any time I can save 10 percent by driving a few extra blocks and then get another 1.5 - 5 percent back from my credit card company, I'll happily do it. Sign me up !

Right now, we have historically low diesel prices. I suspect the savings noted would contain much different numbers if diesel gets back closer to $4.00/gallon. Remember ? When was that ? 2 - 3 years ago ?

The only way to encourage retailers to lower their prices is to do business with the ones who sell the identical product for the lowest price.

2 if consumers paid attention... so would oil companys

[Slowmover]

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

If one has a handle on the yearly fuel expenditure, one can "save" far more than this by addressing waste in solo use.

But that would require record-keeping. The app Fuelly makes it easy. To record and to track. The question becomes, "at what CPM fuel cost in solo driving am I underwriting vacation travel"?

Those who want to mix it up with four wheelers at a convenience stores take risks about damages I wouldn't consider. On top of that is the increased risk of accidents just going to and from an Interstate. They're metro or regional bottlenecks.

Chasing pennies in the off season is what pays.

Again:

The average RVer travels 5k annually. The average American about 15k. 90% travel to 90% the same places 90% of the time. That's ripe for changing DD habits. Combine those trips. Lay out a fuel efficient route. Reduce the number of DD annual miles thereby. And then be willing to exchange some bad driving habits for good ones.

Since driving for economy also tracks with safety and vehicle plus component longevity, it's a win all around. I made a 20% improvement to my fuel cpm in DD driving AND reduced annual miles.

That paid for MORE than 5k miles at my towing average. With no loss in convenience.
So I've also underwritten some overnights with full hookups.

Not the first time I've brought this up the past 7-8 years. I shouldn't be surprised, therefore, at resistance to what

Saves more money
Takes less time
Decreases risk
Saves mental & emotional energy (staves off fatigue)

In vacation trip planning I'll try and choose a fuel stop in my direction of travel. And past any Interstate intersection. Eastbound, the one at the SE corner. Etc.

From the time I come off cruise control, till I am back on it is the duration of the break. Try this measure. Generally, its far shorter. Or, I can eat a quick sandwich and still be back on the road sooner. If that matters. Or have cleaned all glass and exterior lights and checked tire pressures. If that matters.

My fuel will still be cheaper.

[GoPackGo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

I think I made my point that saving $400 was not worth it to ME. You estimated saving $406.56, pretty darn close.

So if I used your gallons used by my re fuel average that would be 71 times to re fuel (seems like a lot) that would mean I would be saving $5.80 per fuel stop. Easy on and off with lots of room and a place that there is a LOT of fuel/Diesel used is a huge bonus for me. Besides the wife likes to shop at some of the trucks tops. I tow with a Dually and RV is 41', that is certainly a factor when I have no idea what the conditions are a ways off the freeway.

I gave up trying to save every nickel once we retired, it is just another thing we don't worry about.

Same thing goes for NOT having a big bed fuel tank. I carry a 5 and have needed to use it once.

Lot's of ways to get the same job done, nice to have choices.

Any time I can save 10 percent by driving a few extra blocks and then get another 1.5 - 5 percent back from my credit card company, I'll happily do it. Sign me up !

Right now, we have historically low diesel prices. I suspect the savings noted would contain much different numbers if diesel gets back closer to $4.00/gallon. Remember ? When was that ? 2 - 3 years ago ?

The only way to encourage retailers to lower their prices is to do business with the ones who sell the identical product for the lowest price.

[Cummins12V98]

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

I think I made my point that saving $400 was not worth it to ME. You estimated saving $406.56, pretty darn close.

So if I used your gallons used by my re fuel average that would be 71 times to re fuel (seems like a lot) that would mean I would be saving $5.80 per fuel stop. Easy on and off with lots of room and a place that there is a LOT of fuel/Diesel used is a huge bonus for me. Besides the wife likes to shop at some of the trucks tops. I tow with a Dually and RV is 41', that is certainly a factor when I have no idea what the conditions are a ways off the freeway.

I gave up trying to save every nickel once we retired, it is just another thing we don't worry about.

Same thing goes for NOT having a big bed fuel tank. I carry a 5 and have needed to use it once.

Lot's of ways to get the same job done, nice to have choices.

[Mr_Mark1]

I certainly look for convenience near the interstate when looking for fuel. We are 65 ft. in length with the toad and every 3rd tank I fill up with DEF.

We have a LOVE'S discount card through Profit Tools that gives us .10 off of the CASH price (no discount for DEF). Anything other than LOVE'S gives us 3-5 cents off the cash price. So, I try to find LOVE'S when possible. Our checking acct. is deducted at the end of the next business day.

Our coach has a 230 gallon fuel tank so I can plan pretty far in advance.

Safe travels,
MM.

[wbwood]

boblinfoto wrote:

Itakethe5th2011 wrote:
I agree with you. I have been using Gas buddy last 3 years on trips all over the country. I make it a point to stay away from those big truck stops as their prices are so much higher than brand name stations a block away. I have saved up to 40 cents a gallon. I pull a 34' Fifth wheel and never had problems fueling my pickup. Plan ahead and use Google map to look at station for ease in and out. Save money!

I drove by a Flying J and there were two truck stops across the highway displaying similar prices. Diesel was $2.71 a gallon. Five miles up the road the diesel was $2.39. I agree that Flying J used to be a great place to buy gas, but no more. I suspect that trucking companies get a significant break in the price through contracts with FJ, but consumers like the average Joe, shouldn't have to pay such an exorbitant price for diesel. I know diesel is made the same way at every refinery, and there are no additives added depending on the season like with regular gasoline, so why does the price fluctuate so much?

There's about a 10 cent difference in the gas at my exit to the next exit up the road about 6 miles. My exit costing more. I believe it's due to the fact that we are in a more rural area. The Pilot is the lowest along with another gas station at my exit. An Exxon is 4 cents more. As you mentioned, the other places had similar prices as the Flying J. I believe it's due to location and possibly that they are truck stops.

[boblinfoto]

Itakethe5th2011 wrote:
I agree with you. I have been using Gas buddy last 3 years on trips all over the country. I make it a point to stay away from those big truck stops as their prices are so much higher than brand name stations a block away. I have saved up to 40 cents a gallon. I pull a 34' Fifth wheel and never had problems fueling my pickup. Plan ahead and use Google map to look at station for ease in and out. Save money!

I drove by a Flying J and there were two truck stops across the highway displaying similar prices. Diesel was $2.71 a gallon. Five miles up the road the diesel was $2.39. I agree that Flying J used to be a great place to buy gas, but no more. I suspect that trucking companies get a significant break in the price through contracts with FJ, but consumers like the average Joe, shouldn't have to pay such an exorbitant price for diesel. I know diesel is made the same way at every refinery, and there are no additives added depending on the season like with regular gasoline, so why does the price fluctuate so much?

[wbwood]

My rewards card is bigger than yours....lmao

[Lynnmor]

fulltimedaniel wrote:


Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

I appreciate what you are saying. One other thing to consider is that your credit card may give you 1 to 5 percent on your purchases, and the cards mentioned previously may not. Cha-Ching, another $35 to $180 bucks added.

[fulltimedaniel]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

Thats fine and as long as you are happy that's good.

But what you said was that I was wrong about the price difference. Thats a different thing.

Actually I used 1848.18 Gals and estimate that I have saved an average of 22 cents per gallon by avoiding the big truck stops. I have never filled up more than a block or two from the freeway-road and have never had any problem getting in and out.

And it has only been 9 months not a year. Thats $406.56 and to me that's worth it.

I certainly am not trying to tell you that you have to change. I am only pointing out the huge difference in price and how much can be saved. Some folks might appreciate that.

[Michelle_S]

I'm with you Cummins. We used to use the cheapest places with our 34' 5er and still almost got stuck a few times, now with a 43' 5er Pilot/Flying J are our preferred. Being Life Time Good Sam members with the Pilot/GoodSam card we get 8 cents per gallon off the cash price, making them cheaper than the hard to get into stations, plus I don't stand in any line, swipe my card, enter my code, pump my fuel, and leave.

[Cummins12V98]

Ok let's say you burned 2,000 gallons in your 22,323 miles. Let's say you saved an average of .10 per gallon. That is $200 and NOT worth going out of my way. Over a "one year period" to save that much $$$, even at twice the $$$ still not worth it TO ME.

Convenient near the freeway with easy access locations is what it is all about FOR ME.

[fulltimedaniel]

Toolguy5 wrote:

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Toolguy5 wrote:
I have not seen where they have been that much higher priced then anyone else.
We have been all over. Idaho, Wyoming, Montanan, South and North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Tennesse, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Alabama, Utah, Kentucky, Ohio. In fact Diesel prices in Ohio I find higher at regular stations then when traveling and buying at Flying J or Pilot.

If you are comparing the prices at the exit where the big truckstops are then you would likely get the outcome you see, However if you use GasBuddy app you can see that there is a station (s) at other exits or at the Wal Mart which are up to 40 cents per gallon less.

I am with the majority here that agree that Flying J and Pilot and the other big truck stops are routinely higher than other stations for DIESEL. The GAS prices shown are often competitive but not the Diesel.

No I find all within a few cents. Wether they are next to exit or away. When traveling with the 5er I use primarily Loves, Pilot, and Flying J. I have never seen one that was 40 or 50 cents higher then other stations. I do use gas buddy and a truckers app when planning trips. I try and determine prior to getting on road when I would need to stop for fuel and use the apps as well as the next exit to see what is around.

Again...if you are comparing Fly J, Loves, TA, Pilot then yes you are right. But at the next exit or down the street two blocks is a Racetrack, Murphys, Chevron, or like station that IS 20,30 or 40 Cents per gallon cheaper. It is easy to get in and out of (My total rig length is 53 feet) and the time spent is less or the same because I dont have to stand in line with 8 guys getting weight tickets and showers to buy a coke.

And when I add my grocery store discount on top of that fuel price difference at certain stations the picture gets even brighter.

Since April 11 of this year (2016) I have travelled 22,323 miles and spent $4,522.74 on fuel. Getting the best deal when you cover that much ground is important. And you can bet I pay very close attention to this subject. That represents a lot of geography and stations compared.

[joelc]

Just a note. When we were traveling across country we noticed that Flying J and some of the other truck stops had the fuel a little cheaper at the area where cars fueling area over the truck area. Usually, you have clearance, gas and diesel at the auto islands. This was not the case all at every place but a enough to make me notice.