» Truck-to-truck fueling can help fleets
enjoy the time-saving benefits of on-site
fueling, without the liability of storing fuel
on site, Gus Pesaturo of Diesel Direct says.
Photo courtesy of Diesel Direct
May 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 31
your yard at night when your trucks are parked and
your drivers have gone home,” Pesaturo says. “You
don’t have to worry about your drivers’ downtime
or any of the liability associated with storing fuel.”
Naturally, there is a cost to services like this.
It’s up to each fl eet to evaluate what the expected
ROI could be to determine the best option for an
operation. Th e bottom line is that fueling a fl eet
on-site makes a lot of sense. Making it work from
both an effi ciency and cost-savings standpoint
requires a good plan and great execution.
Insights on aboveground
storage
Above-ground fuel storage is much more common
for fl eets than in-ground storage systems. Th ere
are some drawbacks to the above-ground method,
though. For instance, an above-ground storage
tank (AST) is exposed to storm damage, vandals
and moving vehicles. However, there are also
many benefi ts.
Installation of an AST is easier than a belowground
system. ASTs are easier to access for
inspections and cleaning. Th ey’re easier to relocate.
It’s also easier to clean up spills and contain
leaks when fuel is stored above ground.
Permitting and other regulatory hurdles are
more lenient when fuel is stored above ground. It’s
important to understand the local regulations fl eets
must comply with, because they can vary from state
to state and even municipality to municipality.
Nearly all states require an SPCC (spill prevention
control and countermeasure) plan when storing
a signifi cant amount of fuel, as would be the
case with a fl eet. Typically, the plan must be kept
on site and also fi led with the local municipality
or regulatory agency. Part of the SPCC includes
regular tank inspections and maintenance.
Choosing a reliable tank
Th ere are a couple of construction standards to
look for when choosing an AST. Th e UL 142 standard
provides details for steel type, wall thickness,
compartments, fi ttings and other specifi cations.
UL 2085 standard is a standard for insulated
above-ground tanks. Tank insulation helps to
slow down the vaporization of the fl ammable
liquid, which slows down the time in which the
tank could become pressurized and explode. Th e
Steel Tank Institute says both UL 142 and UL 2085
standards are adequate for on-site fuel storage.
As user needs have evolved, UL 142 has evolved
itself. Whiddon says it has become the gold standard
for double-wall tanks, a product design that
is trending in popularity.
“Some states require double-wall tanks, while
other states strongly recommend them,” Atlas Oil’s
Whiddon says. “You have your fuel tank, but also
a secondary tank around that. Should there be a
leak or spill, that excess fuel will be contained.”
UL 142 has also evolved to off er guidance on
ASTs that are rectangular.
“Rectangular tanks are easier to move around,”
Whiddon explains. “Th ey can also be stacked.”
Pump technology has not changed a great deal
over the years, Whiddon points out. One thing to
consider, though, is safety.
“Diesel pumps and gas pumps could be used
interchangeably,” Whiddon says. “Since gasoline
is more explosive due to its lower fl ash point, you
may want to consider an explosion-proof electrical
pump if storing gas.”
Managing fuel consumption
Another important decision to consider is the
capacity of the tank.
“We remind our customers that they will receive
their biggest price break when they buy a truckload
of fuel, which is roughly 7,500 to 8,000 gallons,”
says John Bolderson, sales manager for Envirosafe
Fuel Systems. “Th at means a fl eet would want an
8,000- to 10,000-gal tank. Th is will give them the
most bang for their buck.” Envirosafe is a manufacturer
of above-ground fuel storage tanks and
turnkey fuel storage systems.
At the same time, fl eet managers need to verify
the fl eet’s rate of fuel consumption so they are not
storing too much for too long.
“Today’s fuels will last a while, though, and you
can always look at additives,” Bolderson points out.
In the event a fl eet burns through fuel quickly —
more than 10,000 gallons a month — they should
consider a larger tank.
» On-site tanks eliminate the need for
last-minute, expensive fueling station
trips and put fuel maintenance and
management in control of the fleet.
Photo courtesy of Atlas Oil
On-site fueling can
help a fleet gain control
of its two biggest
expenses: fuel and labor.
» Envirosafe’s Flameshield double-wall tanks are
manufactured to the UL 142 standard. Sizes are
available up to 50,000 gallons, though a 10,000-
gal tank is among the most popular for fleets.
Photo courtesy of Envirosafe Fuel Systems
/VehicleServicePros.com
