No Panic, Just Planning: Fueling Business Continuity During Storm Season

When a hurricane is forecast, fuel supply can shift from routine to critical in a matter of hours. For businesses supporting emergency response, utilities, transportation, or essential services, the ability to keep operations running depends on more than just having fuel; it depends on having a business continuity plan. Storm season brings unpredictable challenges, from flooded roads to widespread power outages, and companies that prepare early are the ones that stay operational when it matters most.

At Mansfield, storm season isn’t just a date range on a calendar. It’s a constant part of how we operate. As Marshall Anderson, Director of Customer Operations, put it: “For most people, hurricane season is from June to November. For us, it’s all year long.” With over 20 years at Mansfield, Anderson leads the team that plans, dispatches, and delivers fuel across the country – even when the roads are washed out and the power’s gone dark.

Preparedness Starts Long Before the Storm

In 2024, Mansfield spent over 100 days in active crisis mode due to severe weather. This involved daily strategy meetings, constant communication across teams, and real-time adjustments to ensure uninterrupted deliveries. The biggest takeaway? The businesses that weathered the storm best were the ones that planned ahead – before panic buying set in, before roads flooded, before terminals ran dry.

Anderson explains, “We start watching the weather early. When we think there’s going to be a true impact, we begin planning 96 hours in advance. That’s when we prepare the war room, coordinate with our partners, and start communicating with customers.”

That communication is key. While panic buying is common, your fuel supplier should help you understand how much fuel is actually needed based on usage data, storage capacity, and projected demand.  Early planning also allows for coordination with suppliers and third-party carriers who may be affected by the same weather systems. One tip to keep in your back pocket is using historical consumption rates and minimum operational thresholds to calculate how much fuel is needed to sustain services during a 2-5 day period.

 Keeping Customers Fueled

When a hurricane becomes imminent, Mansfield activates a centralized response hub staffed by experts from different operational departments. From dispatch and customer service to sales and supply, everyone works toward a single goal: keeping customers operational.

“Every person in that room has a voice,” says Anderson. “We build a plan together and execute it together. But while we’re focused on the storm, we also have teams outside the war room keeping the rest of the country going.”

During widespread disruptions, traditional delivery routes may be blocked or unsafe. In these cases, partial loads and backroad access can help maintain service to critical infrastructure like hospitals, utilities, and emergency responders. Partner with suppliers who have contingency planning experience and can reroute resources dynamically during supply chain interruptions.

A Trusted Partner, Rain or Shine

Emergency fuel planning shouldn’t start when the storm hits, it should be a year-round mindset. Ensure that personnel are trained, backup generators are tested regularly, and fuel procurement strategies are clearly documented. Mansfield’s storm response isn’t limited to hurricanes. Whether it’s a wildfire, ice storm, or deep freeze, the same tools and structure are used to manage all crisis situations. As storms become more frequent and unpredictable, preparation becomes even more critical.

“We’re not just reacting, we’re building a culture of readiness,” Anderson says. “Our customers rely on us to be the experts. They count on us to tell them what to expect, how to prepare, and how to bounce back.”

From advising on fuel tank security to helping test for post-storm water contamination, Mansfield brings decades of experience and deep operational knowledge to every customer relationship. The goal is always the same: ensure safety, minimize disruption, and keep critical services powered – no matter the weather.

Ready When It Matters Most

If you operate in a storm-prone region, now’s the time to review your emergency fuel strategy. Don’t wait for the next named storm. Reach out to Mansfield today to discuss how we can support your operations during hurricane season, and every season.

Want to learn more? In FUELSCast Episode 10, you’ll hear how Mansfield’s expert team activates a centralized strategy that collaborates across departments, and helps customers avoid panic buying by making data-informed decisions. Listen to the episode now.