ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The United Motorcoach Association and the National School Transportation Association are teaming up with a leading petroleum marketing company to create a national fuel program for members of the associations.

The program is designed to lower fuel costs for members who sign up. Other benefits include:

· Verifiable fuel pricing and reliable source of supply.
· Fuel management services that help control and reduce all fuel-related expenses. Access to these services is gained without having to invest in the infrastructure required to implement such a program internally.
· Professional, yet economical assistance with environmental compliance, fuel tax reporting, and fuel supply specification/pricing issues.
· Electronic operational reporting, financial reporting, and invoicing payment options.

"Our new Fuel Solutions Program provides services that normally are available only to large regional or national fuel users," said Victor Parra, president and CEO of UMA. "Participation in the program has the potential to produce significant bottom-line savings for UMA and NSTA members," Parra added.

Under the plan, and in most circumstances, fuel is delivered to the operator's location (or locations). That means the operator must have a fuel storage tank, which can be obtained through the program.

UMA and NSTA's partner in the program is Mansfield Oil Co. of Gainsville, Ga.

Mansfield was founded nearly 50 years ago and operates in 49 states. It delivers
more than one billion gallons of fuel annually.

"Mansfield's strength ranges from its expertise in managing the fuel logistics chain, to minimizing fuel costs through supply depth and procurement/trading skills, to providing proprietary value-added services," explained Parra.

Its roster of services includes:
· Web-enabled reporting
· Retail fleet fueling cards
· Consistent, competitive pricing for all locations

One of Mansfield's retail fleet fueling card partners is Wright Express, which long has had a relationship with UMA.

Additional information about the program is available from UMA and NSTA by contacting their offices.