When running a business where fuel is purchased in bulk, storing the fuel is an overlooked step in the process. After all, it does no good to order fuel in bulk if you have nowhere to put it! However, before you rush out and buy a cheap storage tank, take time to consider the points below. There are several important factors when choosing fuel storage tanks.
Location, Location, Location
The first consideration when choosing fuel storage tanks is, out of necessity, location. The location of your business is going to naturally determine how large of a tank you are able to procure. Location is also critical because, just like with anything else, there may be specific county and local regulations. It does you know good to buy and place a fuel storage tank which turns out to be completely illegal. Save yourself the hassle. Completing a little bit of research beforehand, both on the logistics side and the legal side, can save you from several severe headaches later.
Consider Environmental Regulations
Following up with the points above, environmental considerations need to also be addressed. Ground contamination is a major concern when it comes to fuel storage tanks when they are on location. Until fairly recently, round tanks were the go-to option. However, when you have round tanks, you also need to have(and clean) containment pans. These pans are a secondary security measure against ground contamination, but increase the price tag of storing your own fuel. Many modern storage options are squared in shape, but also come with thicker walls for containment. Not only do these options protect the ground from any sort of runoff or contamination, but the savings of such models can be substantial. These savings really add up over time, and can allow you to allocate more money to other, critical aspects of running your business.
Consider Mobility
Even if you have considerable space on your property, getting the biggest tank possible may not be the best option. If mobility is a concern, getting a smaller tank may still be the proper route. The bigger the tank, the more fixed it is to a specific location. Now, for a large, well-established business, this may not be a problem. If you are a smaller or moderate sized business, however, and have plans of expanding and moving as you grow, you may not want to tie yourself to your current location by installing an enormous, costly fuel tank. There are options for moving them down the road, but there will be an additional cost! Having a business plan which accounts for projected growth can save you from paying out more money in the long run.
Other Considerations
The factors above are not exhaustive, but by now hopefully you are starting to consider factors and options for installing your fuel storage tanks. Weatherproofing, power, remote access, and more can be added options, and all of them can be valuable options for your business. If you have questions, reach out to Moffitt Services. Our experienced experts can guide you through all aspects of the bulk fuel market, from tank options to delivery!
1 Comment
It does make sense to invest in fuel tanks that comply with your environmental-related needs. My uncle is thinking of owning boats so he can take advantage of his home’s riverside location. I think looking around for a fuel tank contractor can help him achieve this in the future.