For many fleet managers, fueling is one of those behind-the-scenes headaches that can quietly eat away at both productivity and budgets. That was exactly the case for Uncle Buck Carrier Services, a FedEx Ground contractor based in Newark, New Jersey. 

With 16 step vans and cutaway trucks serving the busy corridors of Orange, East Orange, and South Orange, their operation depends on keeping vehicles moving on time, every time. 

But for years, something as simple as fueling was slowing them down.

A Daily Headache on the Road

As Operational Manager, ArielGarofalo was used to solving problems on the fly. But fuel? That was an issue she could not get ahead of.

The company was locked into a single small gas station account, which left drivers with few options if they were low on fuel outside of that one location. 

“We were already unhappy with our fueling situation,” Garofalo explained. “It felt like I was paying a bill every day.”

If a driver could not make it back to the preferred station, they would be stuck calling in, waiting for approval, or, in some cases, stranded on the road. Garofalo often had to send money via Cash App or Zelle just to get a truck fueled and moving again. On top of the inefficiency, there was another issue: security. 

“When you hand a card to someone you barely know, you can’t help but wonder how it will be used,” she said.

The breaking point came when the one gas station they relied on abruptly shut its doors with no notice. Routes were delayed, drivers were frustrated, and Garofalo knew it was time for a change.

Finding a More Flexible Solution

After weighing her options, Garofalo turned to RoadFlex, a fleet fuel and expense management solution. What caught her attention was not just cost savings but flexibility and control.

“Opening up to multiple fueling locations with RoadFlex was a godsend,” Garofalo said. “Drivers don’t have to call me to send $20 anymore. They just fill up where they are, and I can still see it all on the dashboard.”

Fraud prevention was another major advantage. The ability to restrict purchases, disable lost cards, and review transactions gave her peace of mind. 

“With RoadFlex, giving a fuel card to a new hire doesn’t keep me up at night. I can control what they buy and shut it down if needed,” she explained.

The onboarding process also helped smooth the transition. Garofalo said the RoadFlex team worked closely with her to adjust settings, so drivers were not blocked unnecessarily. “The RoadFlex team helped us fine-tune things, so drivers weren’t blocked unnecessarily. They’ve been responsive and easy to work with.”

Tangible Results in Weeks

For Uncle Buck Carrier Services, the changes were immediate. The company saw cost savings of about 10% a week. Drivers gained the freedom to fuel wherever they needed without losing time or calling for emergency cash transfers.

Just as importantly, the new system gave management a clear view into spending. 

“The RoadFlex invoices are easy to understand and completely transparent,” Garofalo said, adding that hidden fees were no longer a concern.

Garofalo also saw a major reduction in time spent managing payments. She no longer drives to the station to settle bills or scrambles to send cash transfers in the middle of the day. 

“RoadFlex saves us money, saves me time, and makes fueling easier for our drivers,” she said.

Fueling Best Practices for Fleets

Uncle Buck’s experience highlights a universal truth for fleet managers: fueling can make or break your daily operations. Whether you manage 10 vehicles or 1,000, here are a few practical tips to keep your fueling program running smoothly:

• Diversify fueling options: Relying on a single station or provider can leave drivers stranded. Build relationships with multiple vendors or networks.

• Use controls to prevent misuse: Whether through fuel cards or internal policies, set limits on spend and restrict purchases to fuel only.

• Prioritize visibility: Real-time reporting or regular audits help spot irregular transactions before they become costly problems.

• Streamline payments: Consolidated invoicing or digital platforms can reduce the time managers spend reconciling multiple receipts or transfers.

• Lean on partners: Whether it is a fuel card provider, a cooperative buying group, or a local vendor, strong support can make transitions smoother and keep operations running without disruptions.

Smart Fueling Strategies for Small- and Mid-Sized Fleets

Uncle Buck Carrier Services’ story is a reminder that operational pain points do not always come from big-ticket items like vehicles or shop equipment. Sometimes the most effective improvements start with everyday necessities such as fueling.

By shifting to a program that gave both flexibility and control, the company reduced risk, improved transparency, and put more time back in managers’ and drivers’ hands.

As Garofalo summed it up, “RoadFlex gives our drivers flexibility while giving managers control. That’s the best of both worlds. It’s why I’d recommend it to any fleet.”

For Uncle Buck, the shift has meant less stress, fewer roadblocks, and more time to focus on what matters most: getting deliveries out on time and keeping customers happy.