Do Truck Drivers Pay for Their Own Gas?

Company drivers typically don’t pay for their own gas. Most carriers cover fuel costs through fleet cards or reimbursement programs. Owner-operators, on the other hand, are responsible for fueling their own trucks. However, they can often reduce expenses through fuel discounts, tax deductions, and route optimization.

Key Takeaways

The average truck driver uses $50,000-$70,000 each year in diesel fuel, with prices hovering around $4-$5 per gallon depending on the region and time of year.
Many trucking companies cover gas through fleet fuel cards, reimbursements, or direct billing to company accounts, especially for company drivers.
Trucking companies may also pay for or reimburse lodging, meals, tolls, parking, and routine vehicle maintenance depending on the carrier and driver status.

Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint

At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our mission is to give truckers and fleet owners clear, unbiased, data-driven insights into the tools that help control fuel expenses, from fleet fuel cards and conservation strategies to advanced fuel management systems.

We research and evaluate a wide range of fuel-related solutions by comparing pricing transparency, reporting accuracy, hardware reliability, ease of use, and integration capabilities. We also review real-world feedback from drivers and fleet managers to understand how each solution performs day to day, from reducing waste to preventing theft.

Our editorial team verifies all information for accuracy and relevance, ensuring you get reliable guidance when choosing tools that support your business goals and fuel efficiency.

How Much Truck Drivers Spend on Gas

Fuel is one of the biggest recurring costs for truck drivers, especially those operating long-haul routes. With diesel prices often fluctuating between $4 and $5+ per gallon, a single fill-up can cost well over $1,000, especially considering most semi-trucks have dual tanks that hold up to 250 gallons combined.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average for on-highway diesel fuel consistently hovers in this range, which means many drivers are spending upwards of $2,000-$3,000 per week on fuel alone. These costs can eat into profits quickly, which is why it’s essential for both company drivers and owner-operators to look into fuel-saving strategies and reimbursement tools like fleet cards and route optimization software.

How Trucking Companies Pay for Fuel

Fuel Card

Fuel cards are one of the most common ways trucking companies cover gas expenses. Think of them like specialized credit cards made specifically for fuel and truck-related purchases. They’re issued by the company and can be used at a wide network of fuel stations to streamline payments and track spending.

These cards often come with built-in discounts, making fuel purchases a little easier on the budget. Drivers don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs, and companies can monitor usage in real time. If the card doesn’t work at the pump, it’s usually just a matter of checking the PIN, transaction limits, or whether the station is in-network.

Fuel Surcharge

A fuel surcharge is a way for trucking companies to deal with fluctuating fuel prices without constantly adjusting their base shipping rates. It’s an extra fee added to a customer’s invoice to help cover the rising cost of fuel. The surcharge is usually based on national diesel price averages and is recalculated regularly to stay in line with the market.

By passing on some of the cost to shippers, companies can keep their business running without taking a hit every time prices spike. This helps keep fuel costs more predictable for drivers and ensures they’re not stuck footing the bill during volatile pricing periods.

Fuel Contract

Some larger carriers work out what’s called a fuel contract with major fuel suppliers. This is essentially a locked-in deal where the company agrees to purchase a certain amount of fuel at a fixed rate. It helps avoid sticker shock when prices shoot up unexpectedly and creates more stable budgeting.

For drivers, this can mean getting access to fuel at consistent prices—often through cards or reimbursements tied to the contract. It’s a behind-the-scenes agreement that benefits everyone by keeping costs predictable and reducing surprise fuel expenses.

Freight Factoring Company

Freight factoring companies help solve one of the biggest pain points in trucking: slow payments. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for a customer to pay, the factoring company buys your unpaid invoices and gives you the cash up front—usually within a day.

Many trucking companies use this instant cash flow to cover fuel costs and pay drivers quickly. It’s not a direct fuel payment method, but it frees up the money needed to keep trucks fueled and on the road without delays.

How Trucking Companies Save on Fuel

Many of the most effective fuel conservation strategies used by individual drivers can also be applied at the company level.

Trucking companies use a combination of tools, technology, and policies to control costs and boost fuel efficiency across their fleets, including:

Fleet fuel cards: These cards offer discounts at fuel stations, help monitor purchases, and limit unauthorized spending by drivers
Fuel surcharges: Companies add a surcharge to freight bills to help offset fluctuating fuel costs and maintain consistent pricing
Driver training programs: By training drivers in fuel-efficient habits like reducing idle time and avoiding harsh acceleration, companies can cut down on overall fuel use
Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance checks keep vehicles in top condition, helping avoid unnecessary fuel burn caused by mechanical issues
Telematics and GPS tracking: These tools let companies monitor vehicle locations and driver behavior in real time, optimizing routes and reducing fuel waste
Fleet management systems: Companies save money with fleet management systems because they centralize data tracking, fuel monitoring, and maintenance scheduling to improve efficiency
Load optimization: Reducing and redistributing cargo weight ensures vehicles operate more efficiently and burn less fuel per mile
Fuel contracts: Companies negotiate fixed pricing with fuel providers to reduce the impact of market volatility and plan fuel budgets more accurately

What Trucking Companies Cover Beyond Fuel

Per diem: Many companies offer daily reimbursements to cover meals, lodging, and other on-the-road expenses, often within IRS non-taxable limits.
Hotels and lodging: If a driver’s truck breaks down or is out of service for an extended time, companies may reimburse hotel stays or provide a per diem to offset the cost.
Tolls and weigh station fees: Most companies reimburse drivers for toll roads and required weigh station stops to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.
Truck maintenance: For company drivers, maintenance and repair costs are typically covered in full, including tire changes, oil, and brake work.
Licensing and permits: Companies often pay for necessary permits, registration, and licensing required for legal operation across different states.
Insurance coverage: Many companies cover the cost of liability and cargo insurance, and may also offer occupational accident insurance or health plans for drivers.

FAQ

Do trucking companies track driver fuel usage?

Yes, most trucking companies use fleet management software or fuel card integrations to track fuel purchases by driver. These systems help enforce spending limits, identify potential misuse, and highlight opportunities for improved efficiency.

This kind of tracking benefits both the driver and the company. Drivers who maintain strong fuel efficiency may be eligible for bonuses or incentives, while companies can identify maintenance needs or inefficient driving behavior before it becomes costly.

Are fuel expenses covered during training or orientation?

Many trucking companies cover fuel costs during official training or orientation periods, especially when the driver is operating company equipment. These expenses are usually handled via prepaid fuel cards or direct billing through the company.

However, not all companies offer this benefit, and policies may vary depending on whether the training is held on-site or over the road. It's best to ask upfront what expenses will be covered during your onboarding period.

Do truck drivers get paid more when fuel costs rise?

Company drivers typically do not see pay increases tied directly to rising fuel prices, since they are not paying for fuel out of pocket. However, their companies may implement changes to routes or schedules to conserve fuel, which could affect day-to-day operations.

Owner-operators, on the other hand, are directly impacted. While they may receive a fuel surcharge from brokers or shippers, it’s not always enough to offset the full cost increase. This makes efficient fuel management a critical part of their business model.

Do truck drivers earn rewards or discounts on fuel purchases?

Yes, many fuel card programs offer discounts at the pump, points, or cashback incentives that drivers can accumulate over time. These rewards can be tied to specific fuel stations or networks, giving drivers an incentive to refuel at partner locations.

Even independent drivers and owner-operators can benefit from these programs by signing up for cards tailored to smaller fleets. While savings may be modest per transaction, they add up significantly across long hauls and frequent refueling stops.

How do lease-purchase drivers handle fuel expenses?

Lease-purchase drivers are responsible for buying their own fuel, even though they are technically working for a larger carrier. These drivers operate as independent contractors and are expected to manage their own fuel budget and planning.

Some companies offer fuel cards or negotiated discounts to lease-purchase drivers to ease the financial burden. However, it’s up to the driver to monitor usage and optimize fuel efficiency to maintain profitability.

Can truckers choose where they fill up?

Company drivers can usually choose where to refuel, but they may be encouraged or even required to stop at preferred fuel partners. These preferred locations are often chosen for their lower rates, available discounts, or integration with the company’s fuel tracking systems.

Owner-operators have complete freedom to choose fuel stops, which gives them flexibility but also requires more price shopping and route planning. Tools like fuel card apps and GPS systems can help drivers locate the most affordable stations along their route.

What happens if a company driver uses fuel outside approved limits?

If a company driver purchases fuel outside the approved network or exceeds the set limits on a fuel card, the transaction may be declined or flagged for review. Some companies also issue warnings or dock pay if misuse becomes a pattern.

Drivers should always check with dispatch or their company’s fuel policy before refueling outside the preferred locations. Following guidelines helps maintain trust and ensures the driver doesn't get stuck paying out of pocket for a denied transaction.