Announcements

TruckSmarter Partners with TCS to Bring Real-Time Fuel Savings to Every Carrier

TruckSmarter Partners with TCS to Bring Real-Time Fuel Savings to Every Carrier

Save an average of 51¢/gallon at the pump and see your true all-in rate before you book—no credit check, no catch.

The TruckSmarter x TCS Fuel Card — a yellow card co-branded with TruckSmarter and TCS logos, shown against an open highway background.

The Fast Facts

TruckSmarter carriers can save an average of 51¢ per gallon at TCS in-network fuel locations, based on Q1 2026 TCS client transactions.

The TCS Fuel Card offers discounts at 2,300+ in-network locations and is accepted at more than 12,000 fuel stops nationwide.

There are no transaction fees at in-network locations, and the cash-secured card does not require a credit check.

TCS fuel data is integrated into Dispatch, helping drivers compare fuel prices and estimate fuel costs when evaluating loads.

The Fast Facts

TruckSmarter carriers can save an average of 51¢ per gallon at TCS in-network fuel locations, based on Q1 2026 TCS client transactions.

The TCS Fuel Card offers discounts at 2,300+ in-network locations and is accepted at more than 12,000 fuel stops nationwide.

There are no transaction fees at in-network locations, and the cash-secured card does not require a credit check.

TCS fuel data is integrated into Dispatch, helping drivers compare fuel prices and estimate fuel costs when evaluating loads.

TruckSmarter has officially partnered with TCS to offer industry-leading fuel discounts to every carrier on the platform and integrate real-time fuel data directly into Dispatch.

Fuel is consistently one of the top operating costs for owner operators, and most are still making fueling decisions based on habit or proximity rather than price. This partnership is built to fix that.

What You Save

  • Average savings of 51¢ per gallon at in-network locations

  • $0 transaction fees at in-network stops

  • Discounts at 2,300+ in-network locations

  • Accepted at 12,000+ fuel stops nationwide

On a 100-gallon fill, that's $50 back in your pocket. The 51¢ average is based on actual in-network TCS client transactions from Q1 2026.

How to Sign Up

Signing up takes a few minutes through the TruckSmarter app:

  • Open the TruckSmarter app

  • Go to Home

  • Tap Fuel discounts under Products

  • Review the TCS Fuel Card offer

  • Tap Get your TCS Fuel Card

  • You'll be redirected to TCS to complete your application

You can also apply directly at apply.transconnectservices.com.

Who Can Apply

The TCS Fuel Card is built for commercial trucking operations, including owner operators, small fleets, and larger carriers. Every carrier qualifies. No credit check required. Because the card is cash-secured, approval typically comes within 1-2 business days.

Where You Can Use It

The TCS Fuel Card is accepted at more than 12,000 fuel stops nationwide, with in-network discounts at 2,300+ locations including TA, Petro Stopping Centers, TA Express, AMBEST, 7FLEET, Casey's, Irving, Kwik Trip, Maverik, Road Ranger, Roady's, Sapp Bros., and more.

TCS also provides a mobile app to find fuel prices along your route, view in-network stops, track transactions, and manage your account from the road.

TruckSmarter x TCS Fuel announcement video with chat-interface examples of questions carriers can ask Dispatch for real-time fuel data insights

Fuel Intelligence Built Into Dispatch

TCS fuel data is now integrated directly into Dispatch, TruckSmarter's AI-powered assistant and the first AI chat product built for freight. When you're considering a run, Dispatch already shows you available loads and market rates. With this integration, it will also show you where to fuel along that lane, what those stops will cost, and what the net rate looks like after fuel.

For a driver running Chicago to Dallas, that kind of trip visibility has historically been out of reach for independent carriers.

"TruckSmarter was built to give independent drivers access to tools typically reserved for the largest of fleets," said Dan Kao, CEO of TruckSmarter. "Now with TCS, fuel intelligence and real savings are immediately accessible with a single prompt."

Fuel intelligence through TCS is available to all Dispatch subscribers. New users can try Dispatch free for 30 days, then $49/month after that.

Why TruckSmarter Partnered with TCS

TruckSmarter's mission is to empower truck drivers' lives by giving independent carriers access to tools that have traditionally only been available to the largest fleets. Fuel costs are one of the few controllable variables in this business, and most carriers haven't had the right tools to manage them.

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in giving carriers better control over one of their largest expenses," said Chris Courts, President and Managing Director at TCS. "Real-time fuel intelligence inside Dispatch is going to create immediate value for drivers."

TCS was built for this industry from day one, with a mission that lines up with TruckSmarter's: level the playing field for small and mid-sized carriers.

What Is the TCS Fuel Card?

TCS (TransConnect Services) is a fuel card platform built specifically for the trucking industry. Founded in 2014 and a wholly owned subsidiary of Apex Capital Corp, TCS's mission is to level the playing field between small- to medium-sized carriers and larger fleets.

The TCS Fuel Card gives carriers point-of-sale discounts at the pump. No rebate programs, no fuel reservations, no waiting. Savings show up at every fill.

Start Saving on Fuel Today

Drivers who sign up for TCS through TruckSmarter get an average of 51¢ off per gallon. Open the TruckSmarter app and go to Home → Fuel discounts to get your TCS Fuel Card.

Already using Dispatch? Ask it about fuel costs on your next load and see what you'll spend before you book. Not on Dispatch yet? Try Dispatch for free!

Trucking Terms To Know

Fuel Card

A payment card designed for commercial fuel purchases that may include discounts and fleet-management features.

In-Network Location

A participating fuel stop where TCS cardholders can access negotiated fuel discounts and other network benefits.

Cash-Secured Fuel Card

A fuel card funded with the carrier's own money rather than through a traditional credit line.

Point-of-Sale Discount

A fuel discount applied when the purchase is made rather than paid later as a rebate.

Fuel Cost Per Mile

The amount spent on fuel for each mile driven, typically calculated using fuel price and truck fuel economy.

All-In Rate

The total revenue for a load, including applicable charges, used to evaluate what the freight pays before operating expenses.

Trucking Terms To Know

Fuel Card

A payment card designed for commercial fuel purchases that may include discounts and fleet-management features.

In-Network Location

A participating fuel stop where TCS cardholders can access negotiated fuel discounts and other network benefits.

Cash-Secured Fuel Card

A fuel card funded with the carrier's own money rather than through a traditional credit line.

Point-of-Sale Discount

A fuel discount applied when the purchase is made rather than paid later as a rebate.

Fuel Cost Per Mile

The amount spent on fuel for each mile driven, typically calculated using fuel price and truck fuel economy.

All-In Rate

The total revenue for a load, including applicable charges, used to evaluate what the freight pays before operating expenses.

FAQ

Does the TCS Fuel Card require a credit check?

Does the TCS Fuel Card require a credit check?

No. The TCS Fuel Card offered through TruckSmarter is cash-secured and does not require a credit check.


How much can drivers save with the TCS Fuel Card?

How much can drivers save with the TCS Fuel Card?

TCS customers saved an average of 51¢ per gallon at in-network locations based on Q1 2026 transaction data. Actual savings vary by location and fuel price. The card is accepted at more than 12,000 fuel stops nationwide, with discounts available at more than 2,300 in-network locations.

What’s the difference between the TCS Fuel Card and the Mudflap Fuel Card?

What’s the difference between the TCS Fuel Card and the Mudflap Fuel Card?

Both help carriers save on diesel, but they work differently. The TCS Fuel Card is a cash-secured fuel card with discounts at participating locations, while Mudflap is a fuel discount program that drivers access through its app. When comparing the two, consider fuel prices and participating stops along your regular routes, as well as fees and how you prefer to pay for fuel.

What’s the difference between the TCS Fuel Card and the OTR Fuel Card?

What’s the difference between the TCS Fuel Card and the OTR Fuel Card?

Both fuel cards are designed to help carriers save on diesel, but their discounts, fuel networks, fees, and account features differ. The TCS Fuel Card available through TruckSmarter offers an average savings of 51¢ per gallon at 2,300+ in-network locations, with no transaction fees at in-network stops. When comparing TCS vs. OTR, check which card offers better discounts along the lanes you run most often, along with any transaction or account fees.

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For brokers

Post loads, get bids, and book carriers directly.

No middleman and no subscription fees for drivers means more carriers see your freight.

Get the app

Share your mobile number with us, and we'll text you a link to download the free app.

By providing my phone number above, I acknowledge TruckSmarter’s Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms of Service, including the arbitration provision linked here, consent to receive calls and SMS from TruckSmarter for feedback collection and marketing purposes (including through the use of an autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice), and consent to the recording of such call for quality assurance purposes. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to cancel or HELP for help.

For brokers

Post loads, get bids, and book carriers directly.

No middleman and no subscription fees for drivers means more carriers see your freight.

Get the app

Share your mobile number with us, and we'll text you a link to download the free app.

By providing my phone number above, I acknowledge TruckSmarter’s Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms of Service, including the arbitration provision linked here, consent to receive calls and SMS from TruckSmarter for feedback collection and marketing purposes (including through the use of an autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice), and consent to the recording of such call for quality assurance purposes. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to cancel or HELP for help.

For brokers

Post loads, get bids, and book carriers directly.

No middleman and no subscription fees for drivers means more carriers see your freight.