For years, WestLake HVAC prided itself on being a dependable, efficient service provider throughout the region. But behind the scenes, a quiet struggle was chipping away at their margins—fuel costs. What was once a manageable line item ballooned into a frustrating source of lost revenue and operational headaches. At the heart of the issue: their fuel card program.

Like many mid-sized service fleets, WestLake HVAC had relied on a traditional fuel card provider—Fuelman. Initially, it promised convenience and control. But over time, things changed. Fees crept in. Surcharges multiplied. Discounts turned out to be illusions once the fine print hit the books. “We’d look at the reports, and it just didn’t make sense,” said WestLake’s operations manager, Greg Thomason. “We were supposed to be saving money. But our fuel spend kept rising—and we had nothing to show for it.”

The Hidden Cost of Hidden Fees

WestLake started digging. And what they uncovered was frustratingly common: stealth fees, non-network charges, processing costs, and other hard-to-spot line items that drained their savings. Fuelman’s promise of discounts at the pump was being eaten alive by backend charges and limitations in their network. Worse yet, the system offered little flexibility to adapt to the real-world needs of their fleet.

Drivers were confused. Managers were frustrated. And finance? They were fed up.

That’s when WestLake made the switch to Milo’s Fuel Network—a decision that would not only reclaim their savings but also redefine how they managed their fleet’s fuel behavior.

From Frustration to Fuel Strategy: The Milo Approach

Milo wasn’t just another fuel card. It was a fuel strategy partner. From day one, the Milo team worked hands-on with WestLake to understand their unique needs—fleet size, routes, fueling patterns, and existing telematics tools. Rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution, they built a custom fuel mitigation plan tailored to WestLake’s real-world challenges.

Key pillars of the transformation included:

• Transparent Pricing: Milo offered a crystal-clear pricing structure with no hidden fees or confusing markups. WestLake could finally trust their fuel statements.

• Network Optimization: Milo’s extensive, data-driven fueling network ensured drivers could access the best-priced fuel within their routes—without sacrificing convenience or driving extra miles.

• Driver Behavior Insights: Instead of blaming drivers, Milo used WestLake’s existing telematics systems to coach and improve driver habits. From idling to off-route fueling, insights turned into action.

• Real Accountability: Weekly reporting, actionable dashboards, and real-time alerts allowed managers to pinpoint inefficiencies and address them proactively.

Real Results: What WestLake Gained After Switching

Just three months after onboarding with Milo, WestLake saw measurable, tangible improvements:

• Reduced Fuel Spend by 18%: Transparent pricing and optimized routing had an immediate impact on the bottom line.

• Improved Driver Compliance: Coaching tools helped reduce out-of-network fueling and minimize unauthorized purchases.

• Fleet Efficiency Gains: Fueling habits aligned with route planning, reducing unnecessary detours and idle time.

• No More Surprise Charges: Their fuel reports became clear, predictable, and easy to reconcile.

But perhaps more importantly, WestLake gained confidence—in their fuel data, in their driver team, and in their ability to scale without being blindsided by avoidable costs.

The Power of Partnership

Milo didn’t just provide a card; they offered a partnership grounded in transparency, accountability, and shared goals. WestLake now meets quarterly with their Milo account strategist to adjust their plan, review performance, and identify even more ways to save.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a fuel provider that actually listens,” said Thomason. “They don’t just sell us a card—they work with us to get better.”

Final Thoughts: If You’re Where WestLake Was…

If you’re a fleet manager or business owner feeling squeezed by rising fuel costs, hidden fees, and ineffective programs, take a page from WestLake HVAC’s playbook. The right partner doesn’t just cut costs—it gives you the tools to stay efficient, transparent, and future-ready.

Milo’s Fuel Network helped WestLake HVAC stop playing defense and start playing smart. It could do the same for you.