What You Need To Know About Fuel Logistics

With nearly 41 million vehicles on the road in the UK, bulk fuel logistics is one of the most important components of our society as it ensures that we can keep our cars, vans, and lorries moving.

A reliable fuel logistics service provider ensures that forecourts and depots can supply vehicles with the fuel needed to deliver goods and services to their intended destinations, and can do so in an economical manner.

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about fuel logistics and how Suttons Tankers road tanker logistics helps keep the UK on the move, we’ve put together this guide to help.

What is fuel logistics?

When we refer to fuel logistics, we mean the movement and storage of fuel from one place to another, whether that’s petrol, diesel, kerosene, or gas oil.

A good fuel logistics strategy has to be implemented to keep businesses profitable by being efficient and on time with their deliverables. A poor logistics strategy would lead to hold ups and delays, creating a chain of events that would scupper profitability for any business involved along the supply chain.

Where is fuel moved from and to?

Fuel is stored at a refinery, a place where crude oil is turned into different types of fuel products. From there, logistics providers like ourselves transfer it to its delivery destinations throughout the country.

Most fuel is transported to petrol station forecourts, where customers can purchase fuel for domestic and commercial use.

Some fuels are transferred to transport depots, where they are used to fuel vehicles like buses, police cars and even aircraft. Factories may even use fuel to power machines and generators.

How is fuel moved from one place to another?

The most efficient way to move fuel from one area of the UK to another is with a fuel tanker.

These tankers can store up to 40,000 litres of fuel, with up to six separate compartments for carrying several different fuel types. These compartments mean the different types of fuel aren’t cross-contaminated, and it makes it easy to pump the fuel into designated holding tanks.

It also means that we can move fuel efficiently, without having to fully discharge and clean the tanks every time we pick up a new grade of fuel.

Find out more about our fleet of fuel tankers here.

What qualities are important when it comes to choosing a fuel logistics provider?

Now that we know what fuel logistics is, it’s essential to understand what makes for a high-quality fuel logistics service, like the service that we provide at Suttons Tankers.

Compliance with health and safety regulations

As fuel is highly flammable, fuel logistics providers must handle and transport it safely in line with regulations such as those provided by ADR (European regulations concerning the international transport of dangerous goods by road), as accidents can prove extremely dangerous – even fatal.

In December 2022, a fuel tanker in South Africa exploded, tragically killing 15 people. The tanker had tried to go under a low bridge and got stuck, with the resulting friction causing the tanker to catch alight.

A fuel logistics provider will identify the safest route for each tanker, avoiding any potential hazards. They will also train HGV drivers to ensure that they drive safely at all times.

At Suttons Tankers, our drivers are also equipped with the latest Microlise technology to aid them in their work.

A national network

If you operate a UK-wide company, it’s essential to work with a logistics provider that offers national coverage and ensures that all your locations are covered.

At Suttons Tankers, we have a large fleet of fuel tankers, meaning we can effectively coordinate deliveries across the country at a time to suit the demand of our customers, whether this involves night trunking or other solutions worked out by in-depth supply chain management.

A timely service

If you operate a petrol station or transport depot, running out of fuel can lead to frustrated customers and missed targets.

It’s crucial for logistics providers to coordinate deliveries to ensure a plentiful supply of fuel. Part of this involves having a fleet that is large enough to accommodate high demand, which we have acquired through smart investment into our trucks and tanks as well as our ability to conduct spot and contract hire services.

High-quality fuel

Fuel can easily become contaminated by water, bacteria, rust, and other types of fuel. Contaminated fuel can damage an engine’s vehicle.

In 2007, it was discovered that silicon-contaminated fuel had been sold in several petrol stations across the South East of England, causing vehicles to break down.

A fuel logistics provider must ensure all petrol arrives at its destination in a usable condition and will not cause any issues. At Suttons Tankers, we are thorough in regard to our fleet management and take every possible precaution to ensure that the contents of our trucks remain clean and contaminant-free during transport.

Suttons Tankers: your fuel logistics specialist

We specialise in transporting fuels as well as chemicals, gases, and more, across the country, ensuring an efficient and compliant service in line with national and international standards.

Whether you operate a chain of petrol forecourts or need fuel delivery to your business, we have the experience and expertise required. Our fleet of 40 tankers is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and our skilled team will make sure your cargo reaches its destination safely and in good time.

Contact our team today to see how we can help with your fuel logistics requirements.