A system, in a vehicle consist including at least a fuel car operably connectable to a powered vehicle via a fuel distribution path, includes a communication module and a determination module. The communication module is configured to communicate via a first channel and a second channel. The second channel is associated with the fuel distribution path and is configured to communicate a status signal. The determination module is configured to associate the fuel distribution path with the powered vehicle based at least in part on at least one of the status signal or an acknowledgment message indicating receipt of the status signal.