If you have any experience in the transportation industry, then you have undoubtedly encountered the phrase “Comchek.” Over time, drivers, carriers, and other logistics personnel have started referring to a wide array of paper payment instruments as Comcheks.
However, a Comchek is a specific form of payment that is distinct from other solutions such as EFS checks. There are some similarities to EFS checks as both are types of fleet checks.
In order to clear up the confusion, we have created this crash course for Comcheks. Below, we discuss how to process Comcheks, why they are so popular in the trucking industry, and more.
And to learn how you can seamlessly accept Comchek payments with RoadSync, contact us.
WHAT IS A COMCHEK?
Before we get into how you can process Comcheks, it’s important that we review what is a comchek and what this unique payment instrument is in the first place.
A Comchek is a payment tool that is issued by COMDATA. They closely resemble standard checks but have several labels that identify them as a Comdata Comchek.
In addition, comcheks have supplemental tracking numbers that are not present on standard checks. Comcheks also have a toll-free number printed on their front, which is used for processing purposes.
A comchek is used by businesses to make payments. Comchecks can be used to pay employees, suppliers, contractors, and other business expenses. Comdata comcheks are convenient because they can be processed electronically. In addition, comcheks can be authorized for a specific amount, so there is no risk of overspending. Comchecks can also be easily tracked and traced if they are lost or stolen.
Overall, comchecks provide a convenient and secure way for businesses to make payments.
Specifically in the trucking industry, a comchek is used by trucking companies, carriers or brokers, to provide a secure and controllable payment method for various expenses and fees a truck driver may encounter over-the-road. The comchek is issued by comdata, who specializes in providing financial services to the trucking industry. Comdata comcheks can be used to pay for fuel, repairs, and other expenses associated with operating a truck.
Comdata comcheks are a convenient and secure way for trucking companies to pay their drivers and give them the flexibility to manage expenses while on the road.
EXPRESS CODES VS. PAPER CHECKS
As the logistics and transportation industry becomes increasingly reliant on digital assets, paper checks are gradually being phased out. Top payment solution providers like COMDATA have deployed alternative options so that drivers do not have to carry printed Comcheks.
Comcheks have long contained 14 to 18-digit numbers known as “Express Codes.” In the past, Express Codes could only be used in conjunction with a printed check. However, that is no longer the case.
COMDATA now allows carriers to issue drivers Express Codes without providing them with paper checks. The payee must still verify the comchek express code, but express codes can be relayed to the driver digitally or via phone. This approach means that the driver no longer has to keep track of physical payment instruments.
HOW TO USE COMCHEKS
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s discuss how to use Comcheks
Truck drivers may get their comcheks from their trucking company to help with over-the-road expenses and fees. In order to use a Comchek, the driver will need to provide it to the merchant he or she is paying. The merchant may have to take the com chek to a bank that accepts this form of payment to deposit. If a driver’s trucking company doesn’t provide physical com cheks, they may be able to pick and as well as use this type of fleet check at a major truck stop, such as Love’s or Pilot.
When the fleet check is being processed by a bank, warehouse or company, the driver or merchant must contact COMDATA to obtain the authorization number for the unique Express Code printed on that check. If the driver or representative does not have the authorization code, then the check will bounce.
If you need to obtain funds using a Comchek at a truck stop, keep in mind that these businesses have cash back limits. Many national truck stop chains have a funding limit of $999.99. However, some businesses have much lower limits.
Drivers can also use Comcheks to pay for work-related services or goods while a driver is out on the road. A few examples may include fuel, repairs, roadside assistance, or towing services. Comcheks are considered an extremely convenient payment method, which is why they are widely used throughout the transportation industry.
Comcheck Verification
If you’re not familiar with the comcheck verification process, it’s actually quite simple. When you use comdata comcheks to pay for something, the comcheck verification process ensures that the funds are available before the comcheck is processed. This helps to prevent fraud and protects both the buyer and the seller. To verify a comcheck, you’ll need to provide some basic information about the comcheck, including the comcheck number and the amount of the comcheck. The comcheck information you need to provide may include the following:
- The comdata number
- The comchek number
- The comdata security code
- The comdata expiration date
In order to verify, you canOnce this information is entered, the comcheck will be verified and processed.
EFS vs Comchek
There’s a lot of confusion out there about comchecks and EFS checks. As a reminder, comcheks are a type of check that is processed through the Comdata network. Comdata is a company that specializes in electronic payment processing, and they have their own network that businesses can use to process payments. Comchecs are similar to regular checks, except they’re processed through Comdata instead of a bank.
Comdata comcheks can be used to pay for goods and services, and they’re a popular choice for businesses that need to make payments to vendors or suppliers. The main benefit of using comchecks is that they’re very fast and convenient – you can typically get your com check payment processed within 24 hours. Additionally, comchecks can be used anywhere that accepts Comdata.
Now, what about EFS checks? EFS stands for Electronic Funds Settlement, and it’s basically just another way to process payments electronically. EFS checks are similar to comchecks in that they’re processed quickly and conveniently, but they differ in that they’re processed through the EFS network instead of Comdata. Additionally, EFS checks can only be used at businesses that accept EFS.
EFS and Comcheks function very similarly, but it comes down to convenience and choice and merchants paying and who accepts what network – comdata or efs.
How to order EFS Checks?
If you are using Comdata and already have your com cheks, you may still need to order and use efs checks occasionally depending on the business you are paying and the payment method they accept.
There are many things to consider when using EFS checks. It’s important for drivers and their trucking companies to not only understand the entire process, but also have all necessary information at their fingertips so they can easily navigate through it with little hassle or confusion on both ends of phone calls involving these transactions!
First, you will need to order, or pick up efs checks and create an account. Once you create an account, you can order EFS checks anytime. It is also possible for drivers to pick up blank EFS checks at certain truckstops and other locations.
When using a blank EFS check, the driver will be required to call the company who is responsible for payment of over-the-road expenses and fees incurred. Typically, this will be the truck drivers carrier or broker. The driver will need to share the exact details of the transactions such as the amount needed.
If the broker or carrier approves the funds, the driver will receive or need to secure the transaction number, issuer number and authorization number, all of which are required for EFS check processing and verification.
ADVANTAGES OF COMCHEK PAYMENTS
There are many advantages to using Comcheks as compared to other payment methods. The most notable benefit is that these fleet checks give drivers easy access to required funds without the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.
Carriers and logistics companies like using secure payment methods like Comcheks because it gives them total control over drivers’ spending habits. A driver must contact the company and have any Comchek-based transactions pre-authorized.
Another perk to using Comcheks is that COMDATA documents every transaction. Account-holders can easily access their COMDATA profile and review their transaction history. Carriers use this for financial auditing and tax preparation purposes. Carriers consider this to be invaluable. Fleetcor, a major provider of fuel cards, purchased COMDATA in 2016. COMDATA has fully integrated Comcheks into the freight financial ecosystem.
PROBLEMS WITH COMCHEK PAYMENTS
While there are plenty of benefits to Comcheks, there is also one major drawback. In order to verify a Comchek or Express Code, drivers must contact COMDATA. Even if the driver completes all steps correctly, this process can easily take in excess of 10 minutes.
Carriers rely on comcheks to make after-hours payments to warehouse clerks, 24/7 repair shops, and other businesses that serve the transportation industry. The staff at these companies are often pressed for time. Payment delays caused by verification errors can put further strain on their teams.
To make matters worse, payment processing issues can prevent drivers from getting back on the road. Driver delays hurt the carrier bottom line while also negatively impacting their pay.
ALTERNATIVES TO COMCHEK PAYMENTS
We’ve shared a lot about how do comcheks work and another alterative to comcheks—efs checks. But what other comchek payment alternatives are out there?
If you’re a truck driver, you’re probably familiar with comcheks and efs checks. These are two of the most common methods of payment for truckers. But what are some other alternatives?
While Comcheks and EFS checks are two popular options for truck drivers, there are other choices out there as well. Comdata is a major provider of comcheks, and they also offer a comdata comchek card which can be used at most truck stops. Comcheks can be purchased in bulk, and they’re a convenient way to pay for fuel, repairs, and other expenses on the road. Another option is to use a credit card with fuel discounts. There are also fleet cards available from many different companies. These cards usually offer discounts on fuel, and some even offer cash back or rewards points.
From mobile com cheks, express codes, money codes, fleet cards, fleet checks and fuels cards there are a variety of payment methods available for brokers, carriers and truck drivers and the merchants they do business with. It is important to note that sometimes only one of these payment methods are available, but that is changing with the rise digital payment solutions that are expanding and streamlining the number of payment methods available via transactions, as well as automating the experience for all parties involved.
ROADSYNC: A BETTER WAY TO PAY
Are you looking for a dynamic and user-friendly alternative to paper payment methods? If so, then RoadSync has the perfect solution.
Our innovative platform is designed for stress-free logistics payments. RoadSync Checkout eliminates tedious and time-consuming roadblocks that may delay payment processing. In addition, our platform gives you tools to create custom invoices, accept contactless payments, and much more.
Want to see our technology for yourself? If so, then we invite you to schedule a free demo!
FAQs
- What is Comdata used for? Comdata comcheks are used for a variety of purposes including payroll, expenses, and vendor payments. Comdata also offers a comcheck card, which can be used like a debit or credit card to make purchases at participating businesses. Comdata payment options are used quite frequently in the trucking industry as a way for broker and carriers to provide funds to their truck drivers to pay warehouses and other merchants for accessorial fees such as lumper fees and other related over-the-road expenses such as fuel and repairs.
- What is a Comdata comchek? A Comdata comchek is typically a type of paper check that is used to make payments within the trucking and logistics industry. Comdata comcheks can be used to pay for goods and services, or to send money to another person. Comdata comcheks are similar to regular paper checks, but they have a special express code that can be used to track the check. Comdata comcheks can be purchased from Comdata, or from some banks or locations such as truckstops and check-cashing businesses.
- What is Comdata payment solutions? Comdata is a leading provider of payment solutions for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Comdata offers a wide range of payment options, including comcheks, comdata comcheks, and comcheck payments. Comdata also provides a variety of other services, such as comdata comchek processing and comdata comchek verification. Comdata is a reliable and trusted payment processor that can help your business save time and money. Comdata’s comchek service is a secure, automated system that allows businesses to process payments with or without the need for a regular check. Comdata’s comcheck service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Businesses can use comdata comcheks to pay employees, vendors, and customers.=
- How does Comdata check work? Comdata comcheks are a type of payment that truck drivers can use to pay for fees or services at warehouse facilities. The comchek system is designed to be quick and easy to use, and it helps to ensure that drivers are provided funds seamlessly. When a driver pays via comchek, the comdata company, verifies the comchek with the warehouse facility. This verification process helps to ensure that the driver is provided the correct amount or has sufficient funds in the account as well as it also helps to prevent fraud. Comdata comcheks are a convenient and safe way for truck drivers to pay for goods and services, and they are an important part of the comdata payment system.
- How do you use Comdata comchek? A Comdata comchek is linked to a carrier’s or broker’s comdata account, and funds are drawn from that account when the comchek is used. The comchek can be used to pay for fuel, tires, maintenance, and other trucking-related expenses. It can also be used to withdraw cash from certain locations. The comchek contains a unique code that can be used to verify the comcheck. To verify a comcheck, the truck driver or merchant will need to call comdata or enter the code into the comdata website. Once the code is provided, comdata will provide information about the comcheck, including the amount of money that is available for withdrawal or approved for use. Comdata comcheks are a type of payment that truck drivers can use to get paid for their services.
- How do I activate my Comchek? You can activate your comchek in a few different ways. One option is to use the comdata comchek website. To do this, you will need your comdata account number and comchek number. You will also need to create a user ID and password. Once you have login information, you can activate your comchek online. Another option is to call comdata customer service at 1-800-266-3282. You will need to provide your omdata account number, comchek number, and the activation code from the comcheck. After activation, the comcheck can be used like a regular check. It can be cashed at a bank or location used to make purchases where accepted. Comdata also offers a mobile app that allows individuals to activate their comcheks and check their account balance. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. By using one of these methods, you can easily activate your comchecks.
- Is Comchek required? No. Comcheks are not required per se. However, many trucking companies do require or provide Comcheks to their drivers to use for over-the-road payments. This is because Comdata offers a number of advantages, including discounts on fuel and streamlined payment processing. As a result, it’s likely that you’ll need to use Comchek if you’re working for a trucking company that uses the Comdata system. Ultimately, it will depend on who you are working for or with and what kind of payments they use and/or accept. Comdata is an industry-standard payment processor and method withing the trucking and logistics industry, so even if not required, you will likely run into this payment method at some point.
