When to Rent a Temporary Bulk Fuel Tank: A Fleet Manager’s Guide

Many heavy fuel buyers know their demand and have the storage available already to accommodate it. However, some heavy fuel buyers may not have recurring demand, or they may not have that demand in the same place every day. While permanent fuel tanks offer long-term solutions, there are several scenarios where renting a temporary bulk fuel tank can be a strategic and cost-effective choice.

*Scenario 1: Emergency Fuel Supply

Natural disasters are one reason you may need emergency fuel supply. Hurricanes, earthquakes and other acts of nature can disrupt fuel supply chains, leaving fleets stranded. For fleets that buy at retail or use mobile fueling, a temporary bulk fuel tank can protect fuel supply, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Supply chain disruptions are another factor that can create the need for emergency fuel supplies. Refinery outages, transportation bottlenecks, and geopolitical tensions can all lead to temporary fuel shortages. A rental tank can bridge the gap until the supply chain stabilizes, helping you continue operations.

*Scenario 2: Construction and Remote Operations

Construction sites are an ideal setting for the strategic placement of fuel tanks. Large-scale construction projects often require heavy machinery and equipment that consume significant amounts of fuel. However, since equipment moves from site to site, maintaining and moving fuel tanks can be challenging. A tank rental ensures each location has the fuel it needs to be successful.

A temporary tank can provide a convenient and reliable fuel source for on-site fueling. Another challenge that fleet managers face is mobile fueling in remote locations. Mobile fueling can be difficult when your fleet is located a long way from major population centers. A bulk fuel tank is the perfect solution for remote operations.

*Scenario 3: Fleet Expansion and Seasonal Demand

As your business demands grow, so will your fleets. When a fleet expands rapidly, existing fuel storage capacity may become insufficient. A temporary tank can accommodate the increased fuel demand until permanent solutions are implemented. Seasonal demands are another reason to consider purchasing a rental tank. Industries with seasonal fluctuations, such as agriculture or landscaping, may experience peak fuel demand during specific times of the year. A rental tank can help manage these peaks without investing in additional permanent storage.

Scenario 4: New Fuel Experimentation

Is your fleet considering a switch to a newer product such as renewable diesel, B20, or another new product? A temporary storage tank can make it easier to compare the new fuel with your traditional fuel setup. You could rent a tank for 90 days and have half your fleet use the current tank while half uses the new fuel from the tank rental. At the end of the trial period, you can compare each group’s data (fuel efficiency, R&M costs, etc) to see if there was a notable difference between the two fuels.

Or perhaps you’re considering a leap from retail or mobile fueling to bulk fuel and want to ease into the move. A temporary tank can enable your drivers to adjust and give you time to see the time efficiency of a bulk tank before committing to the capital investment of a long-term tank.

Key Considerations for Renting a Temporary Bulk Fuel Tank

Several factors come into play when considering a bulk fuel tank rental. While the need may be prevalent, proper planning is key to addressing these considerations.

1. Capacity: The tank’s capacity should be sufficient to meet your fleet’s needs, taking into account factors like fuel consumption rates and refill frequency.
2. Location: The tank should be placed in a secure, well-ventilated area that complies with local regulations and minimizes environmental risks.
3. Permits and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding fuel storage and handling.
4. Safety Features: The tank should be equipped with safety features like spill containment, fire suppression systems, and proper labeling.
5. Maintenance and Monitoring: Regular maintenance and monitoring of the tank are crucial to prevent leaks and other issues.
6. Rental Costs: Consider the rental costs, including delivery, setup, and removal fees, when making your decision.

By carefully evaluating these factors and considering the specific needs of your fleet, you can determine whether renting a temporary bulk fuel tank is the right solution to enhance your operations’ efficiency and resilience.

Mansfield offers a complete suite of fuel equipment solutions. Whether you want to buy, rent, repair, or upgrade your fuel tank – Mansfield’s Fuel Systems & Services team can help. For temporary fuel tank rentals or any fuel system and service needs, contact the experts at Mansfield—we’re here to help!