MANAGING FLEET FUEL OPERATIONS

This article considers the options available to fleet managers for fueling their fleets. Above ground tanks and underground tanks are facing numerous changes due to tighter Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Purchasing fuel from an outside vendor at card clubs or network locations is another option, assuming the supplier's pumps are close by. When a municipality or county has its own fueling facilities, care should be taken as to their location. If more than one site is used, they should be in areas that maximize their benefits. Drivers should be allowed to fuel at any location, with access controlled through cards or keys. Many manufacturers market fuel management card systems using magnetic or optical cards. Such systems allow storage of transaction information and sites can be left unattended and still allow 24 hour fuel access. Fueling trucks are another management option. Night fueling when most of the fleet is parked is a good example of this arrangement. During the day, this truck can be used to fuel field equipment. Some card reader manufacturers market a truck mounted unit for data accountability. When choosing to upgrade an existing fueling system, with the new Federal regulations (and the question of liability), advice should be obtained from several different directly involved companies to determine the current state-of-the-art and what will work best in a particular situation. Long term planning is crucial. Even projects spread over many years can produce short term benefits by thoughtful location and implementation.