Fuel is one of the biggest and most unpredictable expenses for trucking businesses. With diesel prices constantly changing, many truckers rely on fuel cards to control costs and manage expenses more efficiently. One card that’s gaining attention in the industry is the DAT One Fuel Card.
But before signing up, it’s important to know what you’re actually getting. Fuel discounts are great, but factors like credit requirements, payment terms, fees, and network coverage can make a big difference in how much you truly save.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the DAT One Fuel Card—how it works, where you can use it, what kind of savings it offers, and whether it’s a good fit for your operation.
I’ve taken a close look at DAT One’s discount programs, payment options, and hidden costs to give you a clear picture of the real benefits this card provides for truckers and small fleet owners.
Quick Answers
The DAT One Fuel Card is a prepaid fuel card designed for truckers, allowing you to load funds and avoid credit checks or interest. It can be used at over 8,000 fuel stations, with discounts available at more than 2,200 in-network locations. On average, users save around $0.51 per gallon, with potential savings reaching up to $1.73 at select stops.
Unlike traditional credit cards, it offers better cost control with no debt and no transaction fees at in-network stations. This makes it a strong option for owner-operators and small fleet owners who want to reduce fuel expenses, manage cash flow efficiently, and simplify fuel tracking without dealing with hidden fees or complex billing systems.
What Is the DAT One Fuel Card?
The DAT One Fuel Card, powered by OTR Solutions, is a prepaid fuel program built specifically for trucking businesses. Instead of working like a traditional credit card, it lets you load funds directly and use them at thousands of fuel stations across the country.
Here’s what makes it different:
- It works like a debit card, so there’s no credit check or interest to worry about.
- You can use it at over 8,000 fuel locations, including major stops like TA Petro, Speedway, and AMBEST.
- It offers exclusive discounts at more than 2,200 in-network stations, with savings that average $0.51 per gallon and can go up to $1.73 per gallon at select locations.
- There are no transaction fees when fueling at in-network stops, helping you keep more of your savings.
- Plus, the card is backed by OTR Solutions’ support team, who can help you manage your account and get the most out of your card.
Overall, the DAT One Fuel Card makes fuel management simple and cost-effective for both owner-operators and small fleet owners.
Why Fuel Costs Matter So Much in Trucking
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in trucking — it can make up 20–30% of your total operating costs. Without a solid plan to manage these costs, even a busy trucking business can see profits vanish quickly.
Here’s an example:
If your truck burns about 1,200 gallons of diesel each month, saving just $0.51 per gallon means you keep over $600 in your pocket. For small fleets running multiple trucks, those savings can easily multiply into thousands of dollars every month.
Still, many truckers pay full price at the pump and miss out on easy savings. Manually tracking receipts, fuel prices, and surcharges takes time and leaves room for mistakes.
That’s where fuel cards come in. They help simplify expense management while giving you automatic discounts at fuel stations.
The DAT One Fuel Card stands out by offering built-in savings, no transaction fees at in-network stations, and easy fuel tracking—all designed to help truckers cut costs and keep their business profitable.
Key Features of the DAT One Fuel Card
Big Savings on Fuel
The DAT One Fuel Card offers some of the strongest fuel discounts available in the trucking industry. On average, users save about $0.51 per gallon, which can add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.
At select in-network stations—including major names like TA Petro, Speedway, and AMBEST—the savings can reach as high as $1.73 per gallon. That makes this card one of the most competitive fuel-saving options out there.
For owner-operators and small fleet owners, these savings can go straight back into your business—helping cover maintenance, driver pay, or future growth.
The Fuel Finder Tool
The Fuel Finder tool is one of the standout features of the DAT One Fuel Card. Available in the OTR Solutions mobile app, this free tool is a must-have for truckers looking to save on fuel costs.
It allows drivers to locate discounted fuel stops along their routes, ensuring they can maximize savings without detouring unnecessarily.
What’s even more helpful is the real-time route optimization feature. It doesn’t just show fuel prices; it also considers your location and planned route to identify the best fueling stations with the greatest discounts.
This ensures that you save time and money with every trip, making the Fuel Finder tool an essential asset for owner-operators and small fleets alike.
Zero Transaction Fees at 2,200+ Locations
Unlike many fleet fuel cards for small businesses, the DAT One Fuel Card charges no transaction fees at in-network locations. Whether you’re stopping at TA Petro or Speedway, you won’t be hit with extra charges for swiping your card.
This transparency is a huge advantage over traditional fuel credit cards, which often sneak in fees that eat into your savings.
Simple Fund Management
Managing your fuel money is straightforward with the DAT One Fuel Card. Since it’s a prepaid card, there’s no credit check required. You can load funds instantly using a debit or credit card, making it quick and hassle-free.
If you factor with OTR Solutions, you can even request fuel advances on active loads, ensuring your drivers always have the funds they need on the road.
Reliable Support from OTR Solutions
One of the standout benefits of the DAT One Fuel Card is the dedicated customer support offered by OTR Solutions. Their bilingual support team helps with everything—from setting up your card to resolving any issues that might come up.
Having direct access to knowledgeable representatives means you’re never stuck dealing with problems alone. This hands-on support is especially valuable for owner-operators who depend on quick and reliable service to keep their operations running smoothly.
Who Is the DAT One Fuel Card Best For?
The DAT One Fuel Card is a great fit for owner-operators and small trucking businesses looking to cut down on fuel costs and simplify expense tracking.
If you’re running a one-truck operation or managing a small fleet, fuel expenses can quickly eat into your profits. With average savings of $0.51 per gallon, you could save over $600 per month per truck—money that can go toward maintenance, driver pay, or business growth.
Larger fleets can benefit too. The card includes centralized management tools that let you:
- Load funds in advance for each truck or driver
- Track spending in real time through the DAT One app
- Use the Fuel Finder tool to plan routes and locate the best fuel prices along the way
This card is especially useful for long-haul carriers, regional delivery fleets, and specialized haulers like flatbed or refrigerated carriers—where fuel costs play a major role in profit margins.
DAT One Fuel Card vs. Other Fleet Cards
What sets the DAT One Fuel Card apart from other fuel cards is its focus on small fleets and owner-operators. Many fuel card programs are designed for large trucking companies, but DAT One understands that smaller operations need flexible, easy-to-manage solutions.
One of its biggest advantages is the integration with OTR Solutions’ factoring services. This setup allows you to manage both fuel expenses and factoring in one place, without juggling multiple accounts or payment systems.
The result? Less paperwork, faster access to funds, and more time to focus on driving and growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DAT One Fuel Card
Where can I use the DAT One Fuel Card?
You can use the card at over 8,000 fuel stations nationwide, including major brands like TA Petro, Speedway, and AMBEST. At more than 2,200 in-network locations, you’ll also enjoy exclusive fuel discounts.
How much can I save?
On average, DAT One users save about $0.51 per gallon, which can add up to over $600 in savings per truck each month. At select in-network stops, discounts can go as high as $1.73 per gallon.
Is it better than a credit card?
Yes — the prepaid design means no credit checks, no debt, and no interest fees. It also provides clear spending control and no transaction fees at in-network stations—advantages that traditional credit cards can’t offer.
Is the DAT One Fuel Card Worth It?
If you’re an owner-operator or run a small trucking fleet, the DAT One Fuel Card is definitely worth considering. It combines strong fuel discounts with easy expense management tools, helping you cut costs and simplify your day-to-day operations.
That said, it’s important to think about your specific business needs before signing up. If most of your routes are local or tied to certain fuel stations, make sure those stops are part of the DAT One network to get the best savings.
You should also be comfortable with the prepaid system, as it requires loading funds in advance. This setup can actually help with budgeting, but it’s best to see how it fits your cash flow before committing.
Overall, for most small fleet owners and independent truckers, the DAT One Fuel Card offers solid value. The fuel savings alone make it worth trying, and the management features can help keep your operation organized and efficient. While no fuel card is perfect, DAT One stands out for its transparency, focus on smaller businesses, and real-world savings potential.
