Wet hosing versus onsite fuel tanks: Understanding alternative methods for fueling a fleet

Finding a solution for a fleet’s fueling needs can be a complex process with many factors for aggregate producers to consider. While fleet managers may often request wet hosing operations from fuel distributors, it is important to understand alternative methods and benefits of bulk fuel storage.

Challenges of wet hosing

Sometimes called wheel-to-wheel fueling, wet hosing can be labour intensive and expensive. Drivers require Hazmat-endorsement and a CDL. The service is often used at night when equipment on the site is not working or the trucks will not be in the way of day-to-day operations, so refueling can take all night. Because of the demands of the job, there is often a high turnover rate of these drivers.

The potential for missed deliveries poses another challenge with wet hosing. Wet hosing relies on people, consistency, and a keen focus on logistics and scheduling – all things prone to mistakes. Underestimating fill times and overscheduling a driver is easy to do, as is accidentally missing a stop on a busy night. Drivers call in sick and equipment breaks down, making the potential for a missed delivery even more possible. So even though wet hosing appears at first glance to be a great way to fuel your fleet, a hard look at the risks and headaches associated quickly indicates some serious evaluation is necessary.

With new technology and equipment, producers have the opportunity to limit the applications that truly require wet hosing service while efficiently and effectively using onsite tanks that allow them to take responsibility for their own fueling demands.

Determining the wet hosing need

Wet hosing provides a valuable service for fleets in the aggregate industry. While the method provides convenient portability for fueling, it is not always the best choice for every situation. For stationary equipment like generators, wet hosing may seem like the only option, but a service truck equipped with a trailer-mounted tank easily fulfills the mission for those willing to invest in drivers, tank technology, and certifications. Success depends on finding a tank that can be easily and safely transported full. Square tanks with the proper licensing can be transported full and are conveniently trailer mounted. This allows for crews to do their own wheel-to-wheel fueling, which offers the best of both worlds. Fuel is always available, and usage can be monitored. For producers, making this decision requires keen attention to their needs, the right tank offering, and an ability to work through the added profit potential of buying fuel in bulk and controlling their own supply.

Wet hosing often offers the preferred option for customers in areas with rigid regulations regarding above-ground fuel tanks. In these instances, the number of tanks available to meet the strict codes is very limited and wet hosing is often the most practical solution. By integrating an onsite tank and wet hosing strategy, reserving wet hosing for those applications that strictly demand it, fleet managers can best utilize their resources and efficiently service their fueling needs.

Many producers look to wet hosing as a solution for theft prevention, accurate fuel tracking, and budget forecasting. Because the distributor maintains control of the fuel at all times, the chances of theft are virtually eliminated, and fleet managers receive a detailed report of how much fuel went into each piece of equipment with each fuel drop. This allows for easily forecasting future fuel usage.

While technology exists to control theft and track fuel usage with onsite storage tanks, few manufacturers offer an integrated and comprehensive solution. Knowing the technology exists and finding the right manufacturer to partner with substantially increases confidence in alternative onsite methods. Integrated onsite systems offer technology that locks the tank to any user without a card key to unlock the dispense controls, preventing unauthorized use or theft. In addition, since each card key is unique, the system determines which driver is taking fuel, along with refueling frequency and amount of fuel used. This remote monitoring capability aids in tracking how and where fuel is used and forecasting consumption and costs for the life of the job. These systems allow operators to track inventory levels and tank location at any time, helping them take control of fuel supply and avoid downtime associated with a depleted fuel inventory.

Benefits of using onsite bulk fuel

While onsite storage can offer most – if not all – of the benefits of wet hosing, perhaps the greatest draw is the opportunity to independently fuel a fleet. Producers always have fuel and full control over their supply, along with the ability to adjust as the demands of their site fluctuate. An operation can experience the security and freedom of controlling their supply along with the opportunity to purchase at a bulk rate, as well as reducing traffic on site, to increase health and safety of staff.

Making the decision

The greatest thing a producer can do is ask questions to find the best option for their situation. An operation should determine if they have the internal infrastructure to perform their own fueling onsite. Since there are regulations and licensing required to hold fuel onsite, bulk storage is sometimes not an option for everyone. Some producers may not be willing to take on the liability or insurance fees associated with bulk storage. For them, wet hosing will be the best option. The key to finding the best solution is finding a solution to all pain points. In some instances, that solution may be wet hosing, but in others, the solution is onsite fuel storage. CMJ

Michael O’Brien is regional sales manager, south central U.S. fuel channel at Western Global.

---