Fellow BusNuts -
TSD Logistics, a bulk carrier trucking outfit based in TX, has opened up their discount fuel program to those of us in the RV industry that have diesel rigs.
Savings are anywhere from 10¢ to 40¢ per gallon, which can be substantial when we're fueling our coaches.
The program is free to join, with plenty of FAQs to answer the most common questions on their website and Facebook page.
They first opened this up via Facebook, and so far, within the first month, over 2000 RVrs have signed up.
Because of the volume, if/when you do sign up, be patient as they work thru the backlog, it normally takes about 10 business days to get your confirmation call from them. They also have an "expedited" option for those who are impatient.
There's also a referral program if you spread the word and get others to join. So if any of you do take advantage of this program, on the application, please put my name (Russell Long) down as the person referring you.
Here's the link to the program:
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/
And, to answer a question before it arises, this is NOT a scam!
FWIW & HTH. .
;)
Sounds good RJ. Nothing to loose.
JC
Is this any cheaper than just finding the cheapest diesel price with the Gas Buddy app? Regular gas stations are almost always cheaper than the truck stops. In Fernley, Nevada I found a station that was 40 cents cheaper than the truck stops. That station was really easy to get in and out of.
The big chain truck stops are certainly convenient and easier to get in and out of then most of the cheaper gas stations. There have been stations it wasn't possible to get into with my rig. My last two trips we only stopped at a truck stop once. We didn't plan ahead and needed fuel in a fairly small town. There was Love's and one other station that was more expensive.
Sometimes it really looks like truck stops gouge on fuel prices. Of course, that may depend on the area competition. But even if the service only brings the truck stop fuel in line with the cheap neighborhood station, it would be nice for the added convenience, access, and pump speed. Some truck stops even charge less at the front pumps than they do for the truck lot, but getting to the front pump can be a challenge depending on space and competition.
Only thing that bothers me is giving a outfit access to your bank account .it is stored somewhere and you have groups spending 24 hrs a day trying to figure out how they can get it ;D.You have to watch all the fuel discount card most have a minimum purchase for a month or you pay a fee Wright was 50 bucks read the fine print before you leap it is worth the read
No thanks! Not turning my banking info over to some trucking outfit so they can get a bigger discount for fuel than me, regardless of who recommends it.
I heard about this a couple of months ago and signed up then. I tried it for the first time yesterday at Loves (which has the best discount) and saved $50 on 3/4 tank of gas.
If you are concerned about giving them your regular bank account, you can set up a separate bank account and transfer funds in as needed. Some of us are doing that "just in case". But this was also published on FMCA so I assume it is on the up and up.
To use this system, download the Loves app (or TA, Flying J, or Pilot) and log in when you get to the pump and choose the pump number and you can then start the pump without going into the station. When finished choose to pay with the TSD fuel program and you are done. If you want to go into the station to get a printed receipt you can, but you will see it on your bank statement anyway.
If you want to see your balance or points, you can log into the TSD app which you should also download.
Gary
Quote from: Van on September 28, 2019, 07:46:55 PM
No thanks! Not turning my banking info over to some trucking outfit so they can get a bigger discount for fuel than me, regardless of who recommends it.
Van -Not such an issue if you do like Gary & I have done, which is to open a separate checking account specifically for this program, and transfer funds into it as needed. Just make sure the two accounts are not linked together in any way, should you use the same financial institution. Unless you don't mind paying an extra 20¢-40¢ per gallon, that is.
Quote from: luvrbus on September 28, 2019, 07:02:16 PM
You have to watch all the fuel discount cards, most have a minimum purchase for a month or you pay a fee. Wright was 50 bucks, read the fine print before you leap, it is worth the read.
Clifford -No monthly purchase minimum, no monthly fees, just a small commission to TSD when you actually use the program. No fine print, either, it's all spelled out in their FAQs at the bottom of the page I linked to.
Quote from: belfert on September 28, 2019, 03:53:21 PM
Is this any cheaper than just finding the cheapest diesel price with the Gas Buddy app?
Brian -Generally speaking, yes. Or at least equal to what you can find on Gas Buddy, but w/o the worry about trying to fit your rig into the islands.
Quote from: Lin on September 28, 2019, 05:42:37 PM
Some truck stops even charge less at the front pumps than they do for the truck lot, but getting to the front pump can be a challenge depending on space and competition.
Lin -Per the TSD's FAQs page, this program ONLY works on the truck islands, not the front pumps.
Quote from: lostagain on September 28, 2019, 07:22:44 AM
Nothing to loose.
JC -Except for our Canadian Busnut friends. You must have a US bank account for the program to work.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
I've been using this system for a few trips now - it works exactly like it says. They help you get a good discount, and they only take a fee equal to 10% of the discount. So, if they get you a $50 savings they take $5, so in the end you still save $45. A good deal still.
The information you're providing them about your bank account is nothing more than you do when you write a check - routing number and account number. If you write checks you probably have given that information to thousands of businesses already. If you're still writing checks, many (if not most) places you send a check are processing them through ACH anyhow, so there is functionally no difference.
I've had an account in an American bank for many years, since both our kids went to school in the US, and we spend a considerable amount of time there. The debit/credit card is convenient.
JC
The card at truck stop fuel island would do me no good in 30 years I have never used the nasty truck island to fuel my buses I not in that big of hurry to fuel and watch the foam 8)
Quote from: richard5933 on September 29, 2019, 04:07:14 AM
The information you're providing them about your bank account is nothing more than you do when you write a check - routing number and account number. If you write checks you probably have given that information to thousands of businesses already. If you're still writing checks, many (if not most) places you send a check are processing them through ACH anyhow, so there is functionally no difference.
I do not know exactly how the system works and whether there is ultimately any difference, but in this case you are authorizing them to remove funds from your account. Does merely possessing your routing and account number from a check give others that ability? I would use a dedicated account.
A separate account does not exempt it from being hacked either by the "Dark Web" or some disgruntled TSD employee who feels they deserve a raise. Been down this road once before and it took years to recover and hope it never happens to anyone here (If it has happened to you, you know of what I speak), so no I don't mind paying the extra .20-.40 cents per gallon for some piece-o-mind, to each his own. Call me ol' fashioned I guess. ;)
Quote from: Van on September 29, 2019, 10:27:00 AM
A separate account does not exempt it from being hacked either by the "Dark Web" or some disgruntled TSD employee who feels they deserve a raise. Been down this road once before and it took years to recover so no I don't mind paying the extra .20-.40 cents per gallon for some piece-o-mind, to each his own. Call me ol' fashioned I guess. ;)
You are so Old Fashioned Van. Maybe you should trade in that new Prevost for a 1950 GM bus. ;D
How about I give you my fuel card number and you can send me a check for the price on the pump evertime you fill up and I will get the extra 50 cents per gallon. 8)
Ok Gary, check is in the mail :P
Every year or two one of my credit card numbers gets stolen. This stuff happens all the time, so being cautious is a good thing but doesn't guarantee safety. Van, the thing about using a separate account means that you can just keep enough in it for maybe 100 gallons of fuel so loss can be kept to a minimum if it happens.
Aside from a disgruntled TDS employee, you can also worry about disgruntled bank employees, credit card company employees, store clerks, utility companies, etc. Even "Steve" from customer support in India or the Philippines might cause a leak. What about the major hacks of places like Equafax that compromised the info on millions?
Freeze your info with all the credit agencies, use a good password manager, and offer something to the God of your choice.
If it helps anyone...
None of those trucks are paying the price showing on the pump, unless they are on the path to bankruptcy.
The profitable trucker belongs to a discount program, or has a fuel company card with established pricing.
This TSD program is one way, of many, to pay less than the advertised price on the pump.
In these days of scam and theft, (and when was it that these scammers weren't stealing our money...?) everyone needs multiple ways to pay, disconnected from one another.
Electronic/online banking what it is today, it is really easy to set a low limit on a credit card from one bank, and pay into it as you go, from your other bank.
Keep your "good card" in reserve.
And when all this is too much to handle, there's your warning sign that it's time to sit on the porch in the rocking chair?
Self testing, self correcting, and safe banking all in one?
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Quote from: Lin on September 29, 2019, 09:49:50 AM
I do not know exactly how the system works and whether there is ultimately any difference, but in this case you are authorizing them to remove funds from your account. Does merely possessing your routing and account number from a check give others that ability? I would use a dedicated account.
I guess I trust the folks at TSD no more and no less than any other vendor I have that takes payments via ACH, including the electric company. You are authorizing them to make transfers, but the authorization is only for legitimate purchases. They'd be on the hook for any shenanigans. I know that things can (and do) still happen and am not naive. That said, I've used ACH payments for a number of vendors over the years and never have had a problem.
I write about 3 paper checks per year. All of my payments come out of my bank account directly or one of my credit cards. Because I travel, this works much better for me. And the checks I write are all electronic. I log into my bank account and specify who to write the checks to and how much and my bank mails them for free. Never had a problem. Not sure what all of the fuss is all about.
People send me money all the time for subscriptions to Bus Conversion Magazine. Our rack rate is $999/year, but I frequently offer a discount of $19/year to my friends. If you want to post your bank account or credit card number here now, I promise I will not share it with anyone and I will sign you up for a subscription. ???
I don't mind electronic paying as long as I am in control,I use Chase Pay the vendor requests payment I know the amount and need to approve it before it is paid and I have no problem with that.I don't write checks either Gary I let Chase write the checks and do the mailing,Now giving some outfit your SS number and access to your bank account is something I am not going to do and FWIW I change my debit card number every 6 months
Geeesshhh - The negativity in this thread is unbelievable!
Here I went and shared a way for fellow busnuts to save some serious money as they travel, and with a couple of exceptions, everybody else is bitching and moaning.
SMH. . .
Quote from: RJ on October 01, 2019, 09:31:16 AM
Geeesshhh - The negativity in this thread is unbelievable!
Here I went and shared a way for fellow busnuts to save some serious money as they travel, and with a couple of exceptions, everybody else is bitching and moaning.
SMH. . .
That's life RJ everyone has a different opinion on what they purchase and how they handle their finances, I'll say it again I don't use truck islands for fuel so the card would do me no good
Quote from: RJ on October 01, 2019, 09:31:16 AM
Geeesshhh - The negativity in this thread is unbelievable!
Here I went and shared a way for fellow busnuts to save some serious money as they travel, and with a couple of exceptions, everybody else is bitching and moaning.
SMH. . .
Aww take it easy RJ no one is trying to piss in your cheerios. If you are referring to my comment as being negative, it is not. Just presenting an opinion on submitting my SSN to an uninsured (so far as I am aware) company. There are plenty of testimonials of Folks receiving great savings using the TSD card, so don't take my input as being negative. This deal With TSD is still relatively new to the recreational user and I will wait awhile to see how it all shakes out in due time. So lighten up Francis lol!
Quote from: Van on October 01, 2019, 03:16:46 PM
Just presenting an opinion on submitting my SSN to an uninsured (so far as I am aware) company.
Van -I doubt very seriously that they're uninsured:
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/about/
;)
RJ thank you very much for posting this . I saw this for some real world experience.
https://rvlove.com/2019/09/19/discount-fuel-how-to-save-money-on-fuel-with-this-fuel-discount-card/
This potentially is a game changer for us considering doing some serious travel this winter and next year. I've often wondered "How do the truckers afford $3.05 diesel?" Turns out they pay more like $2.50
Have any of you guys ever walked up to fuel counter and negotiated a price for 100+ gals of fuel ? the card will save you some bucks over the inflated prices at major truck stops since they done the negotiating for you.We are headed to Texas to pickup our new ride (if it passes my inspection) that holds 180 gals of fuel I will let you if negotiating works or not
Interesting experiment. I would wonder if the person at the counter has any authority to negotiate -- maybe a manager does.
I don't think you would be able to negotiate a price reduction for 180 gals of fuel. Those decisions are made way above the store manager's head. Now the big fleets like Swift/Knight with 100,000 tractors since they merged, swing a lot of weight, and pay way less than the posted retail price.
JC
Go for it Cliff! Have you heard the expression "Pound Sand"? Prepare to hear it when you try to negotiate....after the guy gets off the floor from laughing. Those semis hold 250 to 300 gallons or more.
Owner Operator trucks are more likely to be the ones with bigger tanks so they can fuel up in the cheaper states, and they don't have particular clout with the truck stops. The big trucking companies with thousands of trucks are the ones that get the biggest discounts, and they generally do not reveal what that discount is. The truck I drove the longest had two 100 Gal. tanks, and after 700,000 miles they gave me a new truck, but the tanks were 75 Gal., and the sleeper area was two feet shallower. They figured that this would reduce the weight of the truck, and since I was being paid by the mile, so what if I had to refuel more often. If this discount program actually works, it might be worthwhile, but this checking account only deal, and them having your social security number is troubling.
For those of you who are not comfortable giving out your bank account info, then you may want to consider picking up a fuel trailer to pull behind your bus. Then you can negotiate larger discounts on fuel all by yourself, then pay cash on top of that and probably get an even better discount than you will ever get on a fuel card. Thoughts?
First, the truck stops would laugh at your pathetic attempt to get a discount, and second, since the tanker is commercial activity, the DOT would impose great grief at least for being too long. Third, the comedy channel will not think your spoof is good enough. One or two of us might crack a smile. ;D
Signed up and getting my card Monday or Tuesday :)
Quote from: DoubleEagle on October 03, 2019, 05:25:54 PM
First, the truck stops would laugh at your pathetic attempt to get a discount, and second, since the tanker is commercial activity, the DOT would impose great grief at least for being too long. Third, the comedy channel will not think your spoof is good enough. One or two of us might crack a smile. ;D
Quick Trip didn't laugh Walter,I told the clerk I needed about 125 gals and had no fuel discount card and would they give me a discount, a few minutes she came back and said $.19 is the best I can do for credit or cash lol I may need a fuel card this 600 HP Cummins is a thirsty dude but fun to drive it maybe worth 6.8 MPG
Well, that proves it doesn't hurt to ask for a discount. 6.8 mpg is not bad considering the power level, which probably got used. Have fun with your new ride. ;)
Clifford where the pictures of the new ride? 6.8 is good thats 13.6 both ways..... ;D
Got my EFS card and activated it. Just have one question. What is the $200 cash advance and how does it work and how do you get it if you need it and do they charge interest on it?
Quote from: Scott & Heather on October 08, 2019, 01:12:25 PM
Got my EFS card and activated it. Just have one question. What is the $200 cash advance and how does it work and how do you get it if you need it and do they charge interest on it?
A cash advance is an option when you fuel up. You just specify how much you want up to the $200 limit and they will give you cash at the register and it comes directly out of your bank account.
When I use the app I never go in for a receipt so getting a cash advance would not be convenient for me as I usually go to my BOA Money Tree now and then and get sufficient cash to last a month or two at a time whilst on the road.
Ok thanks Gary. Good info.
Out of curiosity I asked my local BP station if they can give me a better price, I'd be buying 100+ gal at a time and I've been not going there because it's cheaper elsewhere. They told me they'd do $.10 off, not bad just for asking, but I'm very interested to use this card as well.
Don't forget, EVERYTHING we buy is marked up to accommodate the fees charged by bank and credit companies to the vendor, for the service.
CASH is KING.
But beware, they are forbidden in their contract language to offer a cash discount...
Buy bank stocks, we're all contributing...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
I always pay cash at the truck stops but the cash discount is nowhere near what the EFS discount is. So I'll be using the EFS card all the time now. It's awesome.
Quote from: luvrbus on October 02, 2019, 09:43:33 AM
Have any of you guys ever walked up to fuel counter and negotiated a price for 100+ gals of fuel ? the card will save you some bucks over the inflated prices at major truck stops since they done the negotiating for you.We are headed to Texas to pickup our new ride (if it passes my inspection) that holds 180 gals of fuel I will let you if negotiating works or not
This did not go well for me today Cliff. I told the nice-looking girl at the fuel counter that I wanted 100+ gallons of fuel and asked her what she would take off for cash and she slapped me in the face. I won't try that again. ;D
Now, that is a funny one, your best joke yet! ;D
Quote from: DoubleEagle on October 09, 2019, 06:27:23 PM
Now, that is a funny one, your best joke yet! ;D
;D ;D ;D
Quote from: buswarrior on October 09, 2019, 12:20:10 PM
Don't forget, EVERYTHING we buy is marked up to accommodate the fees charged by bank and credit companies to the vendor, for the service.
CASH is KING.
But beware, they are forbidden in their contract language to offer a cash discount...
My understanding is merchants could offer a cash discount, but could not charge extra to use a credit card. I seem to recall that Flying J stopped taking certain credit cards for a time due to a dispute over the cash/credit pricing.
A few years back there was a settlement with the credit card companies in the USA that required them to allow merchants to have minimums for card purchases and to allow merchants to add a fee for use of a credit card. There are very specific rules for merchants to tack on a fee for credit cards. I have not yet been to a merchant that started charging for credit cards after the changes.
Very few merchants offer a cash discount so I use my credit card since the costs is already figured into the price. The cashiers at the big retailers have no authority nor ability to offer a cash discount. The small businesses that might offer a cash discount generally charge so much more that a cash discount might still mean a higher price in the end.
There are lots of gas stations here the charge more for using credit cards. There signs advertise both the cash and credit price.
Quote from: Lin on October 09, 2019, 07:11:28 PM
There are lots of gas stations here the charge more for using credit cards. There signs advertise both the cash and credit price.
Isn't Arco one of the chains that charges extra for credit cards? A few Arco stations are now in Minnesota, but I don't know if they charge extra for credit cards or not. I have not yet run into any gas stations in Minnesota that charge extra for credit cards.
Different jurisdictions, different rules...
And none of it for the consumer...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Quote from: buswarrior on October 10, 2019, 04:25:59 PM
Different jurisdictions, different rules...
And none of it for the consumer...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Here in Wisconsin the signs at stations usually have the credit price AND the cash price if there are differences. You know what you're going to pay when you pump without confusion.
I've traveled to other states where the only price posted is the cash price, and when you press the "credit" button on the pump suddenly things get more expensive. I always hate that kind of surprise.
Guess you get used to what ever you deal with regularly.
Who wants $25 in free fuel? I'm going to signup but I want to refer someone. Put your name down, first one will get it.
Quote from: neoneddy on December 17, 2019, 08:43:32 AM
Who wants $25 in free fuel? I'm going to signup but I want to refer someone. Put your name down, first one will get it.
RJ started this and said use his name :-\
So.... just RJ? I didn't see his full name in the post. I've been known to be blind though.
Russ Long
Just remembered that I signed up for the FMCA TCS program about 2 months and haven't heard back! Need to give it another shot. It seems that nobody has complained about their bank accounts being raided by nefarious types since signing up.
Best Regards, Phil
Quote from: plyonsMC9 on December 19, 2019, 09:51:30 PM
Just remembered that I signed up for the FMCA TCS program about 2 months and haven't heard back! Need to give it another shot. It seems that nobody has complained about their bank accounts being raided by nefarious types since signing up.
Best Regards, Phil
I signed up for that program, and to be honest I don't think it was worth all the effort. Took me multiple phone calls and emails to finally get signed up. Then it took me about a week to find a way to put money on the card. Finally found a way through Zelle, but it was not seamless and involved contacting TCS via email. They were supposed to have some type of method to add funds through their app, but apparently they haven't done that yet.
In the end, I got signed up. Put $405 in the account, and haven't touched it since. Their discounts are not as good as the TSD program, and if I use the funds in the account I've got to go through the steps to refund the card.
Initially they appeared to offer discounts in more locations and at more chains, but right now TSD has really expanded their program. The TSD discounts are generally larger going head-to-head at the same station.
One might ask why I keep the TCS card then? Mainly I keep it for now as a back-up funding source for fueling. Also I have it since they do offer a few discount locations not in the TSD system, especially in areas away from the Pilot/Flying J/Loves zones.
If you still want the card, I'd suggest calling TCS directly after the holidays. Tell them you're trying to sign up from FMCA, and they will send you a packet via email. It takes a few back-and-forths to get this all set.
I wonder why i continue to belong to FMCA...
A bad habit? Like a heroin addiction?
In this day and age, why would signing up for a fuel card require all that fooling?
Just another enterprise structured, towards and by, ignorant mediocraty...
Wish it was better.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
I will say FMCA stepped up and paid there share on Sonja's helicopter medical emergency ride so I renewed again,I mostly use QuickTrip they do all right on price and don't hassle me over the extra 8 cents tax off for RV's either here in AZ.Loves is the pits unless you fill at the RV pumps to get the 8 cents off
After you are a member for thirty years, you should automatically be converted to a lifetime member with no more dues. When they built their main office building, they offered lifetime memberships with no convention rally fees for, if I recall $500 donation?
Quote from: chessie4905 on December 20, 2019, 05:59:52 AM
After you are a member for thirty years, you should automatically be converted to a lifetime member with no more dues. When they built their main office building, they offered lifetime memberships with no convention rally fees for, if I recall $500 donation?
No mention of that we been members since 1984 or 85,FMCA has sure changed over the years and not for the better.You maybe right thinking about it Sonja pays no dues on her dad's number from the early 70's
I gave up on FMCA 6 or 8 years ago, and don't miss it.
JC
They probably won't offer Lifetime anytime soon. The revenue streamed has been drying up the last several years after the recession back in early 2000 or maybe before. My father was a lifetime member. The number plates are just stickers now. They were cast aluminum back then. I recall seeing somewhere that you can get a cast one done now somewhere. Maybe a polished brass one would be cool. The Michelin tire program is nice, except for the hoops. Some don't like that brand, so useless to them.
At my age the medical assistance program is worth the dues the rest of the stuff they offer you can on your own like the tires they now offer 3 brands
The problem I have is I go in and tell them I will need about 130 gallons and do I get a discount and they say yep we'll charge you for 130 gallons but you will only get 75 gallons, How's that for a discount, LOL :)
I checked online to see what kind of discount were being offered. It seems that Loves was pretty good, but Pilot/Flying J were just a couple of cents. It didn't seem worthwhile.
Lin, are you talking about the FMCA, or the TSD program that RJ mentioned?
JC
Here are the two program's contact pages. The first is TSD, which to my estimation is the better of the two by a long shot. It has better discounts, a seamless payment/billing structure, and it's easy to set up.
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/
The other is the TCS program being offered through FMCA.
Here's the page from FMCA:
https://www.fmca.com/rv-fuel-discounts
And here's the page from TCS itself:
https://www.tcsfuel.com/