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O TruckingWhat is EFS (Electronic Funds Source)?
EFS stands for Electronic Funds Source, a payment network created specifically for the trucking and transportation industry. Originally an independent company, EFS was acquired by WEX Inc. in 2016, making it part of one of the largest fleet payment companies in the world.
The EFS system includes three main products:
EFS Fuel Cards
Fleet fuel cards accepted at 16,000+ truck stops. Pay cash price, save $0.40-0.60/gallon, and get automated expense tracking.
EFS Money Codes
Electronic codes representing specific dollar amounts. Use them to fill out blank EFS checks for cash advances, lumpers, and repairs.
EFS Checks
Paper checks drawn on Wells Fargo. Cash them at truck stops or banks. Used for broker payments and driver advances.
Who Uses EFS?
- Trucking companies — Issue fuel cards to drivers, generate money codes for expenses
- Freight brokers — Pay carriers via EFS check, issue advances for lumper fees
- Factoring companies — Provide EFS fuel cards as a value-add service
- Owner operators — Cash EFS checks, use fuel cards for discounts
How Does EFS Work?
EFS provides a closed-loop payment network specifically for the trucking industry. Instead of using traditional banks for every transaction, funds move through the EFS/WEX network, making payments faster and giving fleet managers more control.
Common Uses for EFS
Pay cash price at 16,000+ truck stops with EFS fuel card
Get money codes for warehouse unloading payments
Pay for roadside service and shop repairs
Get cash at truck stops using EFS money codes
Receive payment from brokers via EFS check
Cover weigh station and toll expenses on the road
Important: EFS vs Regular Banks
EFS operates on its own network, separate from traditional banking. Not every business accepts EFS payments—only those enrolled in the EFS/WEX network. Before expecting to pay with EFS, always confirm the vendor accepts it. Similarly, not every truck stop can cash EFS checks—see our cashing locations below.
EFS Checks & Money Codes: How They Work
EFS Checks
An EFS check looks like a regular paper check but works differently. It's drawn on Wells Fargo and requires authorization through the EFS network before it can be cashed.
Three Numbers You Need to Cash an EFS Check:
Issue Number
Identifies who issued the check (the company or broker). Pre-printed on the check.
Transaction Number
Unique to each check. Usually printed in the top right corner.
Authorization Number
Call 1-800-925-8000 (EFS authorization line) with the issue and transaction numbers. They'll verify funds and give you the auth number.
EFS Money Codes
A money code is an electronically generated number that represents a specific dollar amount. Your dispatcher or broker creates the code, and you use it to fill out a blank EFS check.
How Money Codes Work:
Dispatcher generates code — Creates a money code for a specific amount (e.g., $350 for lumper fee)
Driver receives code — Gets the money code via phone, text, or email
Fill out blank EFS check — Write the money code on a blank EFS check
Cash or pay — Use the check to pay the lumper, repair shop, or cash at a truck stop
Lumper Fee Example
You arrive at a warehouse requiring a $400 lumper fee. Call your dispatcher, who generates an EFS money code for $400. Write the code on a blank EFS check, present it to the warehouse, and they verify it through the EFS system. The lumper is paid, and you can get the load unloaded. This works 24/7—no need to wait for banks to open.
Where to Cash EFS Checks
EFS checks can be cashed at most major truck stops and travel centers. Here are the limits and fees at popular locations:
| Location | Cash Limit | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Flying J | $999.99 | 3% (waived with 25+ gal fuel) | Largest network |
| Love's Travel Stops | $999.99 | 3% (varies by state) | Free with 25+ gal fuel |
| TA-Petro | $300 | Varies by location | Lower limit than others |
| Road Ranger | $999.99 | 3% | Midwest locations |
| Sapp Bros | $500 | 2-3% | Great Plains region |
| Wells Fargo | No limit | Free (account holders) | EFS checks drawn on WF |
Pro Tip: Waive the Fee
Most truck stops waive the 3% cashing fee if you purchase fuel. At Love's and Pilot, buy 25+ gallons within 2 hours of cashing the check. At TA-Petro, purchase 60+ gallons or $50+ in merchandise. Always ask about fee waivers before cashing.
Wells Fargo Option
Since EFS checks are drawn on Wells Fargo, you can deposit or cash them at any Wells Fargo branch—usually with no fee if you have an account. For checks over $999.99 that exceed truck stop limits, this is your best option.
Places That Do NOT Cash EFS Checks
- • Walmart — Does not accept EFS checks
- • Most grocery stores — EFS is trucking-specific
- • Check cashing stores — Usually don't handle EFS
- • Some regional banks — May not process EFS verification
EFS Fuel Cards: Save Money on Fuel
Beyond checks and money codes, EFS is known for its fuel card program. EFS fuel cards are among the most widely accepted in the industry, offering significant discounts compared to paying with regular credit cards.
EFS Fuel Card Benefits
Savings Example
Weekly Miles
2,500
Gallons Used (6 MPG)
417
Savings @ $0.50/gal
$208/week
That's over $10,000 per year in fuel savings alone.
Where Are EFS Fuel Cards Accepted?
EFS cards work at 16,000+ locations including:
EFS vs Comcheck: Key Differences
EFS and Comcheck are the two dominant payment systems in trucking. They work similarly but run on different networks. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | EFS | Comcheck |
|---|---|---|
| Network Owner | WEX Inc. | Comdata (Fleetcor) |
| Code Format | Issue # + Transaction # + Auth # | 14-18 digit Express Code |
| Fuel Card Acceptance | 16,000+ locations | 15,000+ locations |
| Fee to Issue | $2-5 per check | $4 per $1,000 |
| Bank Drawn On | Wells Fargo | Various |
| Cash Limit (Truck Stops) | Up to $999.99 | Up to $999.99 |
Which Should You Use?
You may not get a choice—it depends on what your broker, carrier, or factoring company uses. Many trucking businesses work with both systems to maximize flexibility. If a vendor only accepts Comcheck and you have EFS (or vice versa), you'll need to arrange alternative payment. Always confirm payment method acceptance before assuming.
EFS Fees & Cash Limits
Typical EFS Fees
- Check Issuance Fee$2-5 per check
- Truck Stop Cashing Fee3% (often waived)
- Fuel Card Transaction$0 at in-network
- Bank DepositFree
Cash Limits by Location
- Pilot Flying J$999.99
- Love's Travel Stops$999.99
- TA-Petro$300
- Wells Fargo (bank)No limit
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy fuel when cashing checks to waive the 3% fee
- Deposit checks over $1,000 at Wells Fargo instead of truck stop
- Use EFS fuel card for cash-price fuel (saves $0.40-0.60/gallon)
- Ask factoring company about free EFS fuel card programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EFS in trucking?
EFS (Electronic Funds Source) is a payment system owned by WEX Inc. used throughout the trucking industry. It includes fuel cards accepted at 16,000+ truck stops, money codes for cash advances, and paper checks for payments. Trucking companies use EFS to pay drivers for fuel, lumper fees, and repairs, while brokers use it to pay carriers.
How do I cash an EFS check?
To cash an EFS check, you need three numbers: the Issue Number (pre-printed), the Transaction Number (top right corner), and the Authorization Number (call 1-800-925-8000). Present the check at Pilot, Love's, TA-Petro, or other accepting truck stops. Fees are typically 3%, but often waived with a 25+ gallon fuel purchase.
What is the difference between EFS and Comcheck?
EFS and Comcheck are competing trucking payment systems. EFS is owned by WEX Inc. and uses Issue/Transaction/Authorization numbers. Comcheck is owned by Comdata (Fleetcor) and uses 14-18 digit express codes. Both work similarly, but merchants may only accept one network. EFS checks are drawn on Wells Fargo.
Does Walmart cash EFS checks?
No, Walmart does not cash EFS checks. EFS checks are industry-specific and require verification through the EFS network. Stick to truck stops (Pilot, Love's, TA-Petro) or banks—especially Wells Fargo since EFS checks are drawn on Wells Fargo accounts.
How much can I save with an EFS fuel card?
EFS fuel card holders typically save $0.40-0.60 per gallon by paying cash price instead of credit price at truck stops. That's $200-300 per week for a truck running 2,000+ miles, or over $10,000 annually. Many EFS cards also offer zero transaction fees and discounts on maintenance services.
What is an EFS money code?
An EFS money code is an electronically generated number that represents a specific dollar amount tied to a fuel card account. Your dispatcher or broker generates the code, and you use it to fill out a blank EFS check. Money codes work 24/7 at participating truck stops for cash advances, lumper fees, and repairs.
EFS Guides
Related Resources
What is Comcheck?
Comdata's trucking payment system
What is Factoring?
Get paid in 24 hours for loads
What is QuickPay?
Broker fast-pay option
What is Detention Pay?
Compensation for waiting time
What is Layover Pay?
Overnight wait compensation
Owner Operator Costs
True cost of running your truck
Best Factoring Companies
Top 8 companies compared
What is a Lumper Fee?
Warehouse unloading costs explained
What is TONU?
Canceled load fee protection