Keeping a truck on the road is expensive, but there are practical ways to cut costs on parts, fuel, and maintenance. From setting up accounts with dealers to taking advantage of special fleet programs, smart truckers can save thousands of dollars a year. Below are several tips and programs – shared by experienced drivers – that can help owner-operators and small fleet owners save money and keep their rigs running efficiently.
Open Dealer Accounts for Parts Discounts
One of the simplest steps is to ask your truck dealer about opening a customer account. Many dealerships offer discounted pricing to account holders. For example, some Kenworth dealers provide lower parts prices if you have an account with them. Setting up an account is usually free – talk to the parts department at any major truck dealer (Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, etc.) and ask if they have an account program or a fleet pricing plan for owner-operators. By becoming an account customer, you may immediately get better-than-retail pricing on parts and supplies. This means everything from filters to brake shoes could cost you less just because you took the time to register as a regular customer.
How to get started: The next time you visit a dealership for parts, inquire about creating an account. You’ll typically fill out a simple form with your business details. Even single-truck owners can often qualify for these account discounts. Once set up, always mention your account when getting quotes or ordering parts to ensure you receive the discounted rate.
Navistar FleetCharge – Nationwide Parts Savings
If your routes take you near International Truck dealers or you purchase all-makes parts, the Navistar FleetCharge program is a valuable money-saver. FleetCharge is a maintenance credit card program offered by Navistar (the makers of International trucks) that locks in discounted prices on parts 20%–50% lower than retail. It works at any International Trucks dealership nationwide, and it’s open to all makes and models – you don’t have to drive an International to benefit. The pricing is consistent at every dealer, so you get the same deal wherever you go.
FleetCharge has no fees – no enrollment fee, no monthly fee, no late fees, and no hidden costs. Essentially, it’s a fee-free credit account for parts and service at International dealers. You do need to apply and get approved (since it’s a credit card account) by Navistar. Once you have the FleetCharge card, you can buy parts (and pay the bill later under the credit terms) while getting the fleet-level discounted pricing.
Another perk is the optional Emergency Breakdown Service (EBS). This 24/7 roadside assistance can be added to your FleetCharge account with no annual fee – you only pay a small fee if you actually use a breakdown service call. With EBS, if you have a breakdown, you call a dedicated number and they’ll coordinate repairs through the International dealer network, billing it all to your FleetCharge account. This gets you back on the road faster and with less hassle during emergencies.
Importantly, FleetCharge isn’t just for International trucks. You can use it to buy parts like oil, filters, brakes, or even generic components for any brand of truck. One owner-operator shared that he saved almost $800 in one purchase by using FleetCharge for items like hoses, kingpins, and bearings. Those are significant savings that directly boost your bottom line.
How to get started: You can apply for FleetCharge through any International Truck dealership or via Navistar’s FleetCharge website. Approval will depend on your credit since it’s a credit-based account. Once approved, you’ll receive a FleetCharge card. Whenever you need parts, visit an International dealer, present your FleetCharge, and you’ll get the pre-negotiated low pricing. Even if you normally drive a different truck brand, it’s worth having a FleetCharge account for buying universal items (oil, coolant, lights, etc.) at a discount.
FinditParts VIP Membership – Online Parts Deals
When shopping for parts online, FinditParts is a popular one-stop shop that carries over ten million heavy-duty truck and trailer parts. They stock OEM and aftermarket components from hundreds of manufacturers – everything from Meritor brake parts to Cummins engine filters. Prices on FinditParts are often below a dealer’s list price, and they frequently have hard-to-find items.
For additional savings, consider joining the FinditParts VIP program. The VIP membership costs about $50 per year, but it unlocks extra discounts on all your orders. In fact, VIP members get roughly 5% off every purchase, plus other perks like 15% off your first order and enhanced warranty coverage. Many drivers find that the $50 fee pays for itself immediately – one trucker noted they earned back the fee in savings on their very first order. Another bonus is that the VIP program isn’t limited to large fleets; even if you’re a single-truck owner (nowhere near the $100,000 annual spending some big fleets do), you can still join and reap the benefits.
Using FinditParts also lets you quickly search by part number or cross-reference other part numbers to ensure you get the right item. This can be extremely helpful if you’re trying to source a part and have a manufacturer’s number or an old part number from another vendor. The website’s vast catalog and search tools can save you time, and with the VIP membership, you’ll save money on every order.
How to get started: Go to the FinditParts website and sign up for an account. During registration (or in your account settings), you can join the VIP program by paying the annual fee. Once you’re enrolled, the discounts will automatically apply to eligible purchases. Always compare the VIP price with other sources – but often you’ll find FinditParts with VIP is hard to beat for convenience and savings.
Cummins Online Parts and Credit Accounts
If your truck has a Cummins engine, it pays to check Cummins’ own parts and service options. Cummins operates an online parts store where you can search for engine and aftertreatment parts by your engine serial number or even by your truck’s VIN. Their prices are often very competitive compared to third-party dealers, and you know you’re getting genuine Cummins components. You can order the parts directly online. Cummins gives you the option to have the parts shipped to your address, delivered to your repair shop, or even sent to the nearest Cummins distributor or service center for pickup. This can be handy if you want your mechanic to get the part quickly.
A smart move is to comparison shop – for instance, look up a needed part on the Cummins store and also check the price on FinditParts or at a local dealer. This way, you ensure you’re getting the best deal. Often Cummins’ direct price will be as good as (or better than) aftermarket sources, especially for engine-specific pieces.
Another tip for frequent parts buyers is to establish a Cummins credit account. Instead of always using a personal credit card, applying for a business credit line with Cummins can offer two benefits: it might come with payment terms or special offers, and it helps build your business credit profile. Many owner-operators rely on credit for big repairs, so having an account with a major company like Cummins can strengthen your credit history. Over time, a good credit history can help if you decide to lease another truck or trailer or finance new equipment.
How to get started: Visit the Cummins official parts website and create an account to start browsing parts. You can search by your truck’s VIN or your engine number to see the exact parts catalog for your model. For a credit account, contact Cummins (either via their website’s credit department page or at a local Cummins service center) and ask about opening a business account. You’ll typically need to fill out a credit application. Once approved, you can use your Cummins account for purchases, possibly enjoy deferred billing, and bolster your company’s credit references.
Rush Truck Centers – Parts Connect and Service Management
Rush Truck Centers (a large network of heavy-duty truck dealerships across the country) offers digital tools that can save drivers time and money on maintenance. If you deal with any Rush location for parts or service, it’s worth knowing about RushCare Parts Connect and RushCare Service Connect.
Parts Connect is an online parts ordering platform that Rush provides to its customers. It’s designed to be easy to use and available 24/7. With RushCare Parts Connect, you can look up parts for all makes and models of trucks, see detailed diagrams, check what’s in stock, and place orders from any device. Essentially, it gives owner-operators access to the same information a parts guy at the dealership has. You just input your truck’s VIN, and the system will pull up the correct parts catalog (for example, it ties into the manufacturer’s database for International models) so you can identify exactly the part you need. This feature is a big time-saver, especially if you’re working on repairs during off-hours. You can find the right part number and even see which Rush locations have it in stock and how many are available at each store. By knowing who has the part, you might save money and downtime by driving a little further to a location that has it, or by ordering it to be shipped from another branch.
Service Connect is a companion online portal that helps you manage repair work being done at Rush service centers. It lets you track the status of your truck’s service in real time from your computer or phone. You can see updates, approve repair estimates electronically, and review all the service documents. This transparency can indirectly save you money by keeping you informed – no more sitting on hold to get an update, and you can make decisions faster, potentially getting your truck back on the road sooner. Time is money in trucking, so a quicker repair process means less downtime cost.
How to get started: To use these RushConnect tools, you’ll need an account with Rush. If you already have a parts or service account at a Rush Truck Center, you can sign up for online access by providing your account number and contact info. If you don’t have an account yet, get in touch with your nearest Rush dealership and let them know you’d like to set up a customer account and access RushCare Parts Connect. A sales representative can get you registered and issue an account number and login credentials. There is no extra charge for these online tools – they are services Rush offers to keep customers connected. Once you’re set up, you can log in anytime to order parts or check on service jobs without hassle.
RepairLink – Wholesale OEM Parts for Free
Did you know you can buy original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts at wholesale prices even if you’re not a dealer? RepairLink is a program that lets independent repair shops order OEM parts directly from dealerships at discounted rates – and savvy owner-operators can use it to their advantage. The trick is that you register yourself (or your trucking business) as a repair shop on the RepairLink website. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes.
Once you’re signed up as a RepairLink user, you can connect with participating local dealers (both truck and auto manufacturers) in your area. Through the RepairLink interface, you get access to the dealers’ parts inventories and pricing. In many cases, the dealers list parts on RepairLink at lower than retail cost, because they expect only repair shops are buying (who need a margin to resell to end customers). In other words, you’re effectively getting the shop price on those parts, which can be significantly cheaper. You can place orders online and then pick up the parts at the dealership or have them shipped.
RepairLink started with car manufacturers but now includes some heavy-duty brands as well. Supported OEMs range from Ford, GM, and Toyota up to International Truck/IC Bus for heavy trucks. So if, for example, you weren’t able to get a FleetCharge account or you want to buy parts for your personal pickup truck or trailer, RepairLink is a great alternative for savings. You’re still getting brand-new OEM parts straight from the dealer – just at a better price than walking in the door as a retail customer.
How to get started: Go to the RepairLink Shop website (run by OEConnection) and register as a new user. It will ask for business information; you can use your trucking company name or even your own name as the repair business. Once registered, you select which dealerships or brands you want to connect with (for example, you might add your local International dealer, a nearby Freightliner or Volvo dealer, etc.). After that, you can search parts by part number or vehicle, see the pricing, and order online. There’s no cost to use RepairLink and no obligation – it simply gives you an inside track on OEM pricing like a repair shop gets.
Love’s Express Billing – Fuel & Service Discounts with No Fees
Fuel is one of the largest expenses for any truck operator. Love’s Express Billing is a program by Love’s Travel Stops that helps drivers save on fuel, tires, and light maintenance at Love’s truck stops and Speedco service centers. It works like a fuel credit card (charge account) but with no transaction fees or card fees at all. Love’s Express essentially lets you fuel up at the cash price (which is already lower than the credit price) and then gives you additional per-gallon discounts on top of that. According to Love’s, drivers can save around 14–16 cents off each gallon’s cash price – totaling roughly 19–21 cents off per gallon compared to paying with a regular credit card. These fuel savings can add up significantly, especially for long-haul drivers.
Beyond fuel, Love’s Express provides several other savings and perks:
- Tire & Oil Change Discounts: Get $25 off each new tire or retread, and $25 off each oil change at Love’s or Speedco locations.
- Service Labor Savings: Save 10% on the hourly labor rate at Love’s Truck Care and Speedco (this includes roadside service calls).
- Wi-Fi and Loyalty Rewards: Enjoy free premium Wi-Fi at Love’s (with a My Love Rewards membership) and automatic Platinum status in My Love Rewards for the first 90 days, which means faster rewards like free showers.
- Roadside Assistance & Fast Fueling: Pay no mileage fees on Love’s 24/7 roadside assistance calls, and take advantage of RFID wireless fueling (tap-and-go fuel pumps) for quicker, cardless fueling.
All these benefits come with no account fees – Love’s doesn’t charge any application, transaction, or monthly fees to use the service. They simply bill you for your fuel and services (usually weekly), which eliminates the need to carry cash or use personal credit at the pump. You’ll get one consolidated invoice for all your Love’s and Speedco purchases, making it easier to manage expenses.
How to get started: You can apply for a Love’s Express Billing account through Love’s website or by contacting their fleet sales team. Approval is usually quick and once you have your account number (and cards or RFID tags), you can start using Love’s Express. Simply fuel or get service at Love’s and Speedco, and the discounts will automatically apply. Be sure to also use your My Love Rewards card in tandem to maximize points and benefits alongside the Express program.
TA Fleet Universal Card – No-Fee Fuel Card for TA/Petro
TravelCenters of America (TA) offers the TA Fleet Universal Card, which is an excellent fuel and maintenance card option – especially if you frequent TA, Petro, or TA Express truck stops. This card is designed to be an all-in-one solution for on-the-road purchases, covering fuel, truck service, and even travel store items at any TA, Petro, or TA Express location. The big selling point of the TA Fleet Universal Card is that it provides many benefits while charging none of the typical fees.
With the TA Fleet card, you enjoy:
- Unified billing: One consolidated bill for all your fuel, service, and store purchases.
- Fuel & service discounts: Discounted pricing on diesel and truck repair/labor at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.
- Account management tools: Free online account management and detailed expense reporting to help track your costs.
- No fees: No application fees, no monthly fees, and no transaction fees when using the card at TA-Petro stops.
- 24/7 support & rewards: Around-the-clock customer service, plus integration with TA’s UltraONE loyalty program so you keep earning reward points on all purchases.
Because there are no extra fees, the TA card costs nothing to keep in your wallet – even if you only use it occasionally, it’s worth having for the automatic savings and convenience. It essentially works like a charge account: you fuel up or get work done, and later receive a single invoice for all those charges, rather than paying on the spot each time.
How to get started: Applying for the TA Fleet Universal Card is straightforward; you can sign up through the TA-Petro website (the application is usually handled through a fleet card partner). You’ll need to provide some business information and a credit check may be required. Once approved, you’ll receive your fleet card. Use it whenever you fuel or get service at TA or Petro, and the discounts will automatically apply to your bill. Check your statements or the online portal to see your savings in action. With no fees to worry about, this card is a low-risk addition to your cost-saving toolkit – it can only help your bottom line.
Putting It All Together
Running a trucking operation on a budget requires taking advantage of every program and discount available. By opening dealer accounts, you immediately qualify for better pricing on parts at many OEM dealers. Programs like Navistar’s FleetCharge give you nationwide consistent parts pricing with big discounts and no fees, which is a huge win for maintenance costs. Online platforms such as FinditParts and RepairLink let you shop smarter and pay less for quality parts, all from the convenience of your phone or laptop. Don’t overlook the power of fuel cards: both Love’s Express Billing and the TA Fleet Universal card provide significant fuel and service savings without tying you down with fees. These fuel programs, combined with loyalty rewards, can noticeably cut your per-mile expenses.
In practice, an owner-operator might use multiple of these strategies: for example, using FleetCharge or RepairLink for truck parts, FinditParts VIP for online orders, and carrying both a Love’s and a TA fuel card to always get the best price wherever they stop. The effort to sign up for these programs is minimal compared to the ongoing savings. By being proactive and leveraging these tips, professional drivers can keep more money in their pocket while keeping their equipment in top shape – a true win-win in today’s challenging trucking industry environment.
