Mobile Fuel Tank Trailer Capacity: An Important But Oft Neglected X Factor

by | Nov 1, 2024 | Uncategorized

In the fields of construction, agriculture, and heavy-duty operations, efficient fuel management is crucial for productivity and cost control.

Mobile fueling has become a cornerstone for many industries, ensuring equipment remains operational on job sites without unnecessary downtime. The amount of fuel you need can depend on various factors, including the number of diesel-powered machines in use and the fuel consumption rate. Daily fuel requirements must be carefully assessed to keep projects moving forward.

If you need extra fuel on your job sites and are looking for a mobile fuel storage tank, we thought we’d share some insights that we have from years of providing mobile fuel tanks.

Mobile Fueling: An Integral Part of Any Operation

Mobile fueling services are a cornerstone in streamlining the operations of farms, ranches, and construction companies.

They provide a key solution to managing fuel expenses by offering cost-effective bulk delivery of various fuel types, such as diesel and DEF fluid, directly to the job site.

On average, a fuel truck can hold around 9,000 gallons of fuel, with larger models capable of carrying as much as 11,500 gallons.

This high bulk fuel capacity is critical in enhancing the efficiency and convenience of refueling operations, allowing for less frequent trips to fuel stations and ensuring that machinery can operate without unnecessary downtime.

However, not everybody needs such high-capacity trailers with their associated costs and regulations. Smaller options also exist for operations that need less fuel or those looking to avoid the complexities of Hazmat certification.

Managing fuel supply effectively is vital in controlling operational costs. Especially in a sector where fuel usage is high, fuel expenses can significantly impact the bottom line.

Mobile fueling is more than a service—it’s a strategic approach to ensuring that businesses in the trucking industry, agriculture, and construction have the fuel they need when they need it, influencing both the productivity and profitability of any operation.

How Much Fuel Do I Need On My Jobsite?

Ensuring that your job site has enough fuel is crucial for maintaining consistent operations without the risk of running out at critical times.

Heavy-duty diesel engines, which are commonplace on construction sites, farms, and ranches, consume around one gallon of diesel fuel per hour when idling. This consumption rate signifies that prolonged operations require a considerable amount of fuel, making it essential to have a substantial fuel supply on hand. You may need to do specific calculations depending on your specific machinery’s fuel capacity and usage. Or you can contact us for specific guidance.

With this in mind, it is imperative to understand the necessity of sufficient fuel storage on the job site, as even a short delay caused by a lack of fuel can lead to significant downtime.

An ample fuel reserve is not just a convenience; it’s an operational necessity ensuring equipment runs efficiently throughout the work period, enabling projects to stay on schedule and within budget.

How Much Diesel-Powered Equipment Is On Site?

A thorough inventory of all diesel-powered equipment on your job site should be a top priority.

Managing and optimizing the use of this equipment is key to ensuring productivity as well as minimizing fuel expenses. Each gallon of diesel fuel burned directly correlates to operational costs, so it’s imperative to select the appropriate equipment for the task at hand, maximizing fuel efficiency and job site effectiveness.

Keeping a detailed inventory allows for smarter task delegation, ensuring pieces of equipment are not left idling unnecessarily or employed in a manner that is not fuel-efficient.

Remember, optimizing equipment usage doesn’t just save on fuel costs; it extends the life of machines, adds value to your operations, and promotes sustainability.

How Quickly Do I Go Through Fuel?

Tracking fuel consumption for each piece of machinery can provide eye-opening insights into your operation’s fuel efficiency.

Different machines have different degrees of fuel use, and without monitoring, you may not realize which equipment is the most or least efficient. By understanding the fuel usage patterns, you can make informed decisions about fuel purchasing, potentially saving significant amounts of money over time.

Tracking average fuel economy also allows you to identify and address inefficiently operating machines, helping you to manage fuel expenses proactively.

Establishing a detailed record of your average daily fuel consumption is not just good practice—it’s an intelligent business strategy that streamlines your operations and aids in forecasting fuel needs accurately.

Daily Fuel Use: Keeping Everything Running

Armed with information about your equipment inventory and fuel consumption rates, it’s time to consider the practicalities of keeping your operation fueled.

Purchasing a mobile fuel trailer that aligns with your daily usage and operational needs could be a worthwhile investment. A well-matched trailer allows for convenient, on-site refueling, reducing the need for trips to off-site fuel stations.

Some trailers are designed to transport amounts of fuel below the threshold for Hazmat certification, providing an ideal balance between capacity and regulatory ease. These trailers offer significant versatility and can be a strategic piece in the puzzle of maintaining a steady and efficient fuel supply for your equipment, ensuring that your daily operations run smoothly without unnecessary interruption.

Safety First!

Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to hauling and handling fuel. It’s a matter that leaves no room for compromises or shortcutting procedures.

After determining how much fuel you need, consider safety when selecting which trailer to buy. 

Pick A Solidly Constructed Trailer

The weight of fuel of any kind is considerable.

Diesel fuel weighs about 7 pounds per gallon therefore, a full 150-gallon tank of fuel (and note that this is a very modest fuel tank capacity) weighs over 1,000 pounds.

While choosing a fuel tank trailer, it’s crucial to consider the weight of the product you’re hauling around and select a trailer that is designed to handle the punishing task of hauling something so heavy and doing so on occasionally rough terrain.

Diesel fuel is also subject to fuel expansion during swings from hot temperatures to cold ones, which calls for extra space in the fuel tanks to accommodate this natural occurrence.

Hence, the robustness of the trailer is paramount—not only to carry heavy cargo but also to bear the weight of the fuel and ensure safe storage. Such a solidly constructed trailer aids in maintaining fuel mileage, reducing fuel consumption, and ultimately controlling fuel expenses for long-haul truckers.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance!

Hauling around a mobile diesel fuel tank will cause lots of wear and tear.

A well-maintained trailer not only ensures the safety of the driver and the goods being transported but also plays a significant role in fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity.

Regular maintenance includes not only the mechanical aspects of the tractor-trailer but also all the features that contribute to the safe transportation of heavy cargo. For instance, lights, reflectors, and other safety signals should function properly. Neglect in this area can lead to unnecessary fuel expenses due to inefficiencies and can even result in costly downtimes.

Remember, a trailer is only as reliable as the care it receives. Keep on top of maintenance schedules and never defer repairs.

Hazmat

Hazmat certification is crucial for trucking industry professionals who transport hazardous materials, including fuel tanks of some sizes. This certification safeguards the industry, ensuring the safe handling and transport of potentially dangerous liquid cargo like fuel.

Given the potential risks of hauling such substances, obtaining this certification is both costly and time-consuming.

For trailers tasked with fuel delivery, the regulations can affect the size of the fuel tanks they’re equipped with. Some trailers evade the need for Hazmat certification by employing multiple tanks, each not exceeding 110 gallons.

This strategic tank sizing is critical because it lets operators transport fuel without delving into the complex certification process, simplifying the legal requirements and potentially reducing operational expenses.

What Kind Of Trailer Options Do I Have?

Companies like Boss Trailers offer robust solutions for mobile fuel needs that can be easily towed with a pickup truck.

At Boss Trailers, we offer a line of multi-tank diesel fuel tanks with the solid design and construction you need to haul fuel to any remote job site. We’ve been designing and building fuel trailers for over 15 years and understand the needs of farmers, ranchers, construction companies, and anybody else who needs fuel on the go.

Our MT line of trailers caters to a range of fuel capacities and does not require hazmat certification, ensuring that whether you’re powering a small farm operation or a larger construction site, you have the fluid mobility to keep your vehicles and equipment running without frequent trips to fuel stations.

With the convenience of these fuel trailers, managing fuel supply and, consequently, fuel expenses becomes simpler, allowing for better fuel usage planning and operation efficiency.

We offer our MT trailers with multiple customization options so your trailer works for you the way you need it to.

If you are ready to talk to someone about a tank trailer, we have dealers across the country who can help you pick the right tank  trailer for your needs.

Get in touch with us or one of our dealers  today. We can help make your operation run more smoothly and safely when one of the best fuel trailers on the market.

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