By 2032, the mobile fuel delivery industry will be worth a staggering $9 billion, which shows how many businesses rely on it to thrive.
Investing in off-road diesel is a large investment with many benefits. But, like making any big decision, you must weigh the pros and cons to be safe. Maybe that’s what brought you here; you’re on the fence about off-road diesel delivery and need a clear-cut answer.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you.
What Is Off-Road Diesel?
Before we dive in, it’s important to know how this is different from other types of fuel. As the name suggests, off-road diesel is designed for off-road vehicles like tractors and construction vehicles. To help consumers differentiate, it’s dyed red so you don’t accidentally pump it into a regular engine.
Pros of Fuel Delivery
Off-road diesel delivery could be the answer to your problems. From oiling your business’s machines to driving productivity, there are many reasons why it’s a great option. For example:
Works With or Without On-Site Tanks
A major benefit of fuel delivery is that it always works, regardless of whether you have tanks on-site. Normally, businesses must take their machines or vehicles on the road to refuel, which puts unnecessary wear on their ties and mechanical components. Also, your equipment may not be road legal, so it’s not practical to move them off-site.
But when you take advantage of “wet hosing”, the service will deliver your supply of off-road fuel to quickly fill the tanks so you can return to work. It also lets you monitor how often you’re refueling and add that to your budget.
If you choose the wet hose option, a professional will oversee the fuel procedure, giving you peace of mind. It’s great if you’re worried about your employees slacking or accidentally spilling fuel on the site.
Increased Efficiency
Investing in off-road diesel fuel delivery increases your business’s efficiency.
It takes minimal time to replenish your fleet’s tasks and prevent any delays. The key to maximize efficiency is choosing a specific time for the refueling and weaving it into your schedule. For instance, you can book a fuel delivery at the beginning of the day or at a stop along the route, depending on your vehicle’s needs.
Cost-Effective
Wholesale fuel options are far more affordable, which is why fuel delivery services are so popular. With the current state of the world, fuel has skyrocketed and isn’t the most practical solution when you have a fleet of off-road vehicles to refuel.
Buying in bulk also lets you oversee the costs over time, so you can manage your money better. Although it sounds like it’s reserved for corporations, small businesses can benefit from fuel delivery services too.
Higher Fuel Quality
Not all dyed diesel delivery is created equal, so it’s important to buy from a reputable supplier in your area.
Compared to retail fuel, bulk fuel supplies are of higher quality because you can buy what you need and check its storage life. If you store fuel for too long, it ruins the quality and could potentially damage your off-road vehicles. As a result, you’ll pay more for maintenance and fuel, which isn’t practical when running a business.
Makes Account Management Easier
Once you’ve found an off-road fuel delivery service and signed a contract, you can enjoy peace of mind. This is because you don’t need to spend hours tracking down a supplier or working with a company that constantly changes its rates. Without fluctuating prices, it’s easier for your accountant to manage the books and minimize the risk of human error.
Reliable
The beauty of hiring a fuel delivery service is that they’re reliable. If you need to refuel your off-road vehicle or machine, simply connect it and fill ‘er up. It also means that you get great quality fuel around the clock, which is far more convenient than buying from a retailer.
Guaranteed Speciality Fuel
Because off-road vehicles require special fuel, it can be difficult to source them from regular fuel stations. This can be a problem if you’re in a hurry or aren’t in an agricultural area. But you can combat this by finding a fuel delivery supplier who can visit you anywhere across the country.
Accessible
Unlike fuel stations, delivery services never take a day off. Thanks to the 24-hour service, businesses are assured that there won’t be any closures at a particular time or during an emergency. You can easily reduce this risk by refilling an on-site take or arranging a delivery when you’re on the road.
Fuel Delivery Can Be Automated
Nowadays, you can order fuel via your smartphone.
Most services use a website or an app so that they know how much fuel you need regularly. For instance, if there’s a spike in your consumption, the company will be notified and they’ll know when to restock your fuel.
More Sustainable
Although you wouldn’t think it, investing in a fuel delivery service is more sustainable. This is because you only order what you need so that no fuel goes to waste. Plus, it reduces the number of deliveries needed, which slashes carbon emissions.
Less Downtime
Downtime is the business’s worst enemy and owners are endlessly figuring out how to stop it.
But with a fuel delivery service, you can quickly refuel equipment and vehicles without harming productivity. It also means your team can focus on their jobs instead of worrying about refueling.
Cons of Fuel Delivery
To help you decide whether fuel delivery is right for you, we must discuss the downsides. Although there are fewer, there are ones that you should know. Like:
Additional Liability
Storing a large quantity of fuel means more liability and risk. As you can imagine, businesses must invest in extra insurance coverage and train staff to prevent any accidents. You’ll also need permits and certifications, depending on your state.
Idle Time During Refueling
Sure, using a delivery service is more efficient, but there is still idle time to account for. This is if your off-road vehicle or machinery runs out during work hours. As a result, your team must monitor and refuel them, which can hamper productivity.
Costs More to Keep Fuel On-Site
Not every business can afford to invest in a tank to keep on-site. Aside from the large upfront cost, it often has a lower return on investment. If you are worried about it, find a fuel delivery service that can include one in the price.
Potential for Fraud
Unfortunately, there are fuel delivery services that aren’t reliable. In a worst-case scenario, you could get supplies from a company that has poor-quality fuel, which could ruin your machinery or vehicles. Dodgy companies also recommend a “trust system” where you’re overcharged for a small amount of fuel.
Luckily, you can prevent this by installing security cameras and using an on-site fuel system so you can track every drop.
How to Find a Reputable Fuel Delivery Service
You’re sold on choosing an off-road fuel delivery service. Congrats!
The tricky part is finding one that aligns with your budget and needs. Before you do anything, consider your finances and check how much you can invest in a fuel delivery service. This will determine who you can afford and the quality of the product.
First, ask similar businesses in your area whether they can recommend a company. This is a great option because they will give you honest feedback about the fuel quality and service.
You should also conduct an online search, not forgetting to include “off-road diesel”. Ideally, only check out companies that have a minimum of four stars and plenty of reviews. Spend time reading through the comments and, if there are any negative recurring ones, continue your search.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, arrange a brief interview with each candidate. Discuss your needs and the company should help you figure out the logistics so you always get fuel access. Although it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, you could potentially be getting poor-quality fuel so paying more is advised.
Pros vs Cons of Off-Road Diesel
Now that you know the pros and cons of hiring an off-road diesel service, it’s time to make a decision.
There are many perks to hiring a fuel service, such as accessing fuel around the clock and minimizing downtime. But make sure you choose one that provides great-quality fuel and aligns with your budget. Good luck!
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