Solving Last-Minute Fleet Fueling Challenges Before Operational Deadlines

The final few steps are upon us! Your construction team is working overtime to try and bring a project home. Your logistics fleet is racing to finish holiday deliveries. Or, your team may be preparing for a major weather event. Whatever the scenario, in these critical situations, the last thing any party involved needs is the one event that could bring the entire operation to a halt, an empty fuel tank! A last-minute fueling dilemma could very likely put your deadline in jeopardy, inflate costs, and create stress.

In most circumstances, they can be planned for and avoided, but unexpected problems will arise in any large-scale operation. Planning is key, but having a plan to address problems as they inevitably arise may make the difference. This paper will address common causes of fueling crises, along with intelligent options to keep your company running smoothly, even during the final push.

The Anatomy of a Fueling Crisis

The initial phase of avoiding a last-minute fuel shortage is to comprehensively understand how fuel shortages come about. Fuel shortages involve the identification of flaws in processes, procedures, or systems. Fuel shortages are rarely linked to one specific failure, rather, a convergence of details emerges in ways that have an impact on the best managers.

• Fuel Usually Just Gets Used Up Faster: Maybe a project was in an area with difficult terrain that made the equipment burn fuel faster, or unexpectedly cold weather forced the generators to run longer over a planned time frame. Regardless of the factor, those factors can deplete your onsite supply faster than you plan.
• Supply Chain Disruption: Your common plan to refuel at the local gas station would change if that station runs low on the fuel you need or if less reliable fuel suppliers have logistical issues and can’t replenish, leaving the team without fuel supply until someone figures that out. 

The Lifeline: Immediate Solutions for Urgent Fueling Needs

When your tanks are nearing empty and a deadline is approaching, you need an immediate and effective solution; that’s why working with an established, experienced fuel supplier is vital.

• The most important service in these situations is emergency fuel delivery. The best fuel suppliers are available 24/7, with procedures developed to handle emergency requests. These suppliers can deploy a truck to your location, wherever that may be, to provide fuel, whether that location is a job site, a storm-ravaged area, or your busy commercial yard.
• In addition to tank refills, complete fueling services may also involve refueling directly to equipment, or “wet hosing,” where the delivery truck will refill each piece of equipment or vehicle individually, saving your team time and ensuring all your assets are prepared to work.

Building a Bulletproof Fueling Strategy

Addressing a situation is one aspect of the process; the real objective is to ensure the same situation never occurs again. A solid long-term fueling strategy rests on reliability, technology, and partnership.

• Enter into Partnership with a True Fuel Expert: Not all bulk fuel distributors are equal. You need a partner with a proven track record of providing fuel, even during times of crisis, vast resources, and an understanding of the service demands of your specific industry. Ricochet Fuel Distributors, Inc. is not just a supplier of fuels; we work with you as a partner in the success of your operations by providing a personalized approach and reliability.
• Adopt Modern Fuel Management Technology: The days of guessing your fuel levels are over. Modern fleet fuel management systems provide total visibility and control of your fuel supply. Fleet management systems can be outfitted with remote tank monitors, which will monitor your fuel levels remotely in real-time, alerting you and your provider when a refill is required. This data, often tracked with fuel fleet cards, is an invaluable source of information for budgets and management purposes.

Conclusion

Deadlines are absolute, and an emergency fuel depletion should not be the reason you fail. While things will go wrong at the last minute, they are 100% solvable if you have someone on your side who is going to come through for you. Real-life fuel suppliers with 24/7 emergency service, an engine of advanced management technology, and solid trustworthiness are your organization’s ultimate back-up plan.

Don’t wait for the crisis to answer if your fueling strategy is strong enough. At Ricochet Fuel, we are not just a fuel supplier; we are your owner-operated partner, finding solutions to assist your operational success. Reach out to us today so we can demonstrate how our bulk fuel delivery, fuel management, and supply solutions will keep your business operational under all conditions.

Contact Ricochet Fuel today to build a reliable, proactive fuel management strategy for your business.