Is On-Site Fueling Worth It?
Fleets come in a wide range of sizes, but they all need access to fuel services to stay in operation. Fortunately, there’s a nationwide infrastructure of fueling locations to meet the needs of fleet operations. However, there’s also the option to install an on-site fuel station. This solution isn’t for everyone, and there are several factors to consider before investing in on-site fueling. Whether you fuel on-site, on-the-go, or a combination of the two, a fleet fuel card is a critical component of your fuel management system.
Know Your Fleet to Know Your Needs
What is your fleet’s annual fuel usage? How does that translate into annual fuel spend? On-site fueling is an upfront investment that typically offers lower fuel prices than traditional gas stations.
Do your fleet vehicles stay on the road, or do a large amount of them return to one central location at the end of the day? If your fleet is housed at one central location with a decent rate of return, on-site fueling stations allow drivers to fuel up before the day begins or top off at the end of the workday.
Control Fuel Budgets
Purchasing fuel for on-site locations usually happens as a contractual, wholesale process. This doesn’t guarantee that the prices you pay will be lower than street prices, but it makes budgeting easier. Negotiating better pricing can minimize the risk of paying too much for on-site fuel services.
Emergency Preparedness
An on-site fueling station can keep operations running during market fuel shortages, natural disasters, and emergency situations. If your fleet is located in an area with extreme weather patterns or harsh outdoor environments, on-site fueling provides ample fuel inventory to keep you covered in emergencies.
Consider Costs, Liability, and Maintenance
On-site fueling is a long-term investment, and you need to be prepared for the cost of the equipment, tank installation, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Your fuel costs will go down, but it could be years before you see a return on investment.
Fleet managers have to stay current with environmental laws, and staff appropriately to minimize the risk of leaks and spills. Environmental laws can change, leaving you open to liability if you don’t adapt accordingly.
Comprehensive Fuel Management
The decision to invest in on-site fueling depends greatly on your company’s size, fueling needs, and the total cost of ownership. When you need to refuel while on the road, the Fuelz Fleet Card is accepted nationwide at over 50,000 fueling sites. We help you manage your fleet’s fuel expenses while saving you money in the process. Access to online data reports, as well as fueling discounts and rebates, helps you save around 10-15% on your overall fueling expenses. Contact us at 855-GO-FUELZ and start saving today.
