Commercial construction fleets face intense pressure to operate with maximum efficiency while controlling rising fuel expenses and streamlining project logistics. Between off-site builds, heavy-duty diesel equipment and long-haul material transport, tracking vehicle activity and managing driver behavior becomes complex fast. That’s where fleet fuel cards like Shell’s Business and Business Flex cards come into play — transforming fuel management from a routine cost into a strategic advantage.
Shell’s business gas card offerings give construction managers control over day-to-day operations and long-term fleet optimization.
Shell’s fleet card solutions are tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry. They help companies better control purchases, monitor usage, and cut costs across their entire operations. Whether your business operates a few trucks or oversees a region-wide fleet, fuel cards bring structure, savings and powerful data into focus.
Fuel Management in Construction: A High-stakes Challenge
Commercial construction companies often juggle a diverse fleet of vehicles — from pickups and vans to excavators and flatbeds. These vehicles may travel between multiple job sites, supplier yards and maintenance facilities in a single day. Without a centralized way to manage fuel purchases, businesses risk overspending, lost receipts, fraudulent transactions and missed rebate opportunities.
Traditional expense tracking methods often fall short. Paper logs and driver-submitted receipts introduce human error and fail to deliver real-time reporting or actionable analytics. This lack of visibility can result in unclear fuel usage, unmanaged spending and unnecessary fleet costs that erode profitability.
A Better Way: Why Fuel Cards Work for Construction Fleets
Shell’s business gas card offerings give construction managers control over day-to-day operations and long-term fleet optimization. Here’s what makes Shell fuel cards especially effective for construction:
Wide Network Access for On-site and On-road Fueling
The Shell Business option is accepted at over 12,000 Shell stations and participating Jiffy Lube locations, and the Shell Card Business Flex™ delivers acceptance at 95% of U.S. fueling stations, including diesel providers. This broad fueling network ensures your team can refill at convenient, trusted locations — reducing downtime and unnecessary detours.
Misuse and fraud are real risks in commercial construction, especially with multiple drivers and vehicles rotating job sites. Shell fuel cards integrate security features.
When fueling options are consistent and accessible, your drivers stay on task, saving time and reducing the risk of off-route spending. That’s essential when crews operate in remote areas or follow rigid construction timelines.
Purchase Controls for Smarter Spending
Fuel cards aren’t just for paying for fuel — they’re ideal for purchase control. With Shell, construction managers can define spending limits based on dollar amount, product type (gas, diesel), location or time of day. This prevents misuse and keeps purchases aligned with business needs.
Integrated tools like Driver IDs and vehicle tracking ensure every transaction is traceable. If a driver tries to fill up outside of approved hours or attempts to purchase non-approved items, the card’s built-in controls help stop it before it impacts your bottom line.
Real-time Tracking and Reporting
With Shell’s reporting tools ClearView™ Essentials and ClearView Snap, construction companies get real-time insights into fuel transactions, driver behavior and vehicle mileage. You’ll know who fueled what, where, when and for how much — all from a centralized dashboard.
Accessing ClearView analytics through the Fleet SmartHub® app means fleet managers can monitor fuel expenses and uncover cost-saving opportunities without being tied to the office. This transparency supports better project bidding, job costing and resource allocation.
Significant Savings and Rebates
Shell Card Business offers rebates up to 6¢ per gallon at Shell stations, while the Shell Card Business Flex delivers up to 5¢ per gallon and includes the benefit of universal acceptance. Both cards currently offer a 25¢ per gallon rebate for the first 6 months, making them especially attractive during peak project seasons or fleet expansion phases.
Construction firms can also access discounts at participating Jiffy Lube® locations (15%–20%) for vehicle maintenance, helping extend fleet life and minimize downtime. Fewer breakdowns mean more active workdays — and less disruption on the job site.
Enhanced Security and Fraud Protection
Misuse and fraud are real risks in commercial construction, especially with multiple drivers and vehicles rotating job sites. Shell fuel cards integrate security features like:
- Driver and vehicle validation at the pump.
- Real-time alerts for suspicious transactions.
- Instant card suspension via the Shell Account Manager or Fleet SmartHub® app.
- Granular restrictions by location, category or amount.
These features provide companies with protection to reduce risk and enforce policy without creating friction for legitimate fueling activity.
EV Compatibility for Forward-thinking Fleets
For construction companies integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleet operations, the Shell Card Business Flex card supports EV charging payments — both at home and on the road. Mixed fleets can manage gas, diesel and EV expenses through a single platform, simplifying reporting, budgeting and compliance.
Fleet Fuel Cards: Integrating with the Broader Construction Ecosystem
Fuel cards don’t operate in a vacuum. They’re most effective when integrated with other tools and systems in your business — from fleet tracking and telematics to payroll and accounting platforms.
Construction firms using WEX fleet solutions benefit from features like:
- Location-based tracking to verify time on-site and prevent unauthorized side jobs.
- Geofencing to ensure vehicles remain within approved work zones.
- Historical reporting for dispute resolution and compliance documentation.
These features go beyond fuel card transactions to deliver holistic fleet management, aligning with business-wide KPIs and project profitability metrics.
A Scalable Solution for Construction Businesses of Every Size
Whether you manage five pickups or 500 mixed-use trucks, Shell’s fleet card programs scale to your needs. Small firms enjoy no setup or card fees, while large operators have a dedicated Account Manager for tailored support and advanced features.
As your fleet grows, you’ll gain more rebate potential, loyalty rewards and operational insights, contributing to better margins across all jobs.
Using Fuel Cards as a Strategic Construction Tool
Construction leaders aren’t just looking for a way to pay at the pump — they need a fuel management solution that drives efficiency, enforces control and delivers measurable savings.
With Shell’s fuel cards, construction fleets gain the ability to:
- Reduce costs on every gallon of fuel.
- Monitor and manage driver behavior.
- Enforce spending controls.
- Improve job costing and budgeting.
- Simplify reporting and fleet tracking.
In an industry where every mile, minute and dollar count, fuel cards aren’t just convenient — they’re essential.
Ready to optimize your construction fleet with the power of Shell? Explore the Shell Card Business or Shell Card Business Flex options today and take the first step toward smarter fuel usage, tighter controls and stronger project outcomes.