Love’s Travel Stops is completing the addition of an RFID-enabled payment system at its travel stop locations, saying it's the first travel stop company to give customers the ability to process payment at the diesel bay through radio frequency technology.

The radio frequency system operates through a secure, low-cost RFID tag placed on a truck’s windshield. The tag is detected by an antenna installed in diesel lanes at Love’s locations. The electronic signal turns the fuel pump on and off and completes a payment transaction with little driver interaction.

RFID technology is easy for drivers to use, is a major fuel theft deterrent, and provides more accurate payment tracking information, Love's says.

"A gallon of diesel fuel costs roughly $4. If RFID technology can eliminate just 1% of fuel theft or other unauthorized fuel purchases, the trucking company has saved four cents per gallon,” explains Jon Archard, director of fuel marketing for Love’s.

Stagecoach Cartage & Distribution, El Paso, Texas, has more than 100 trucks on the road using the RFID payment system at Love’s.

“It’s a huge benefit to us by saving time at the pump and ultimately, money,” said Scott McLaughlin, president of Stagecoach Cartage & Distribution. “The entire transaction is quicker and because the process is automated, we are assured that every gallon of fuel we purchase for our trucks is going into our tanks.”

Loves's has more than 300 locations and 160 Love’s Truck Tire Care centers in 39 states, and will open 25 more travel stops this year.

Read more about RFID and other high-tech fueling options in HDT's March technology feature, "High-Tech Savings at the Fuel Island."