Diesel fuel is primarily used to power vehicles, generate electricity, and run heavy equipment. For instance, boats, trucks, and trains depend on diesel fuel to transport products.
Industries, such as agriculture, mining, construction, drilling, and remote energy, often require sufficient supplies of diesel fuel. In particular, the construction industry needs diesel fuel for laborious work, like drilling wells, digging foundations and trenches, lifting steel beams, and paving roads.
If you need supply, you’ll have to work with a reliable diesel fuel supplier that can offer high-quality fuel whenever required. It’s not enough to choose the company nearest your job site. You need to explore your options and pick the best. Below are things to look for when choosing a supplier:
- Premium quality fuel
High-quality diesel fuel ensures your vehicle and equipment engines function well for a long time. The quality of diesel fuel is primarily measured using the cetane number, which measures the ignition delay. Diesel fuel with a higher cetane number ignites more readily, while one with a lower cetane number takes some time before igniting.
Cetane number can be any figure between 0 and 100, with the latter representing the highest purity of diesel fuel possible. An excellent range to consider for modern diesel engines is 45 to 55. You can ask a supplier to provide you with verified documents showing the cetane rating of their fuel before deciding to hire them.
- Service areas
Some diesel fuel suppliers deliver fuel to your job site. In this case, a supplier nearest to your area of operation suffices. They won’t have to cover long distances to deliver the fuel you order, meaning the unit costs may be relatively lower. A supplier located dozens of kilometers away from your site may factor in the transport costs in the fuel price.
The same applies if you go to the supplier’s site to fuel your vehicles. You wouldn’t want your fleet to travel long distances to fuel. It’ll unnecessarily increase your operating costs, reducing your profits.
- Competitive prices
As of January 2023, the average diesel fuel price was USD$1.31 per liter. However, this varies from country to country and region to region. Generally, developed countries have higher fees than developing countries. For instance, the price per liter in Saint Lucia is USD$2.344, while it’s USD$0.896 in Kazakhstan.
You may want to confirm the average prices in your area of operation and ensure the supplier doesn’t veer too much from the average. Moreover, you may want to discuss discounts, especially if you’re a bulk purchaser.
- Capacity
If you’re a heavy consumer of diesel fuel, you’d want a supplier with sufficient capacity. Contracting a seller with a lower capacity may see you running short of fuel now and then, stalling your work. So, ask the seller how much fuel they can supply without fail within a given period.
In addition, ask if they’re willing to accept emergency orders. Job sites are usually dynamic, and you may sometimes want fuel supplied urgently to clear pending tasks. A reliable fuel supplier will step in such circumstances and ensure job continuity.
- Impressive reputation
Statistics reveal that 49% of consumers trust reviews like they do with recommendations from friends and family. In that case, you should review feedback from previous clients of a specific supplier to evaluate their experience. The more positive reviews, the better. However, you should also check negative reviews to avoid potential setbacks you might face when working with the supplier.
On the same note, it’s an added advantage for the supplier to have awards and recognition from renowned industry associations. It shows they’re doing their job properly.
- Sustainability
Diesel fuel is a contributor to greenhouse gasses. Emissions can be significantly reduced if the supplier upholds manufacturing best practices. Working with an environmentally conscious supplier ensures you play your part in environmental conservation.
- Exceptional customer service
Your diesel supplier should relate well with you. They should always be ready to address any concerns you have. Plus, they should be prompt and kind in their responses. A cordial working relationship yields success.
When searching for a supplier, set up a consultation with them to gauge their mannerisms. How they talk to you and present their offers should be enough to tell whether they’re the right fit for your business.
Conclusion
A reliable diesel fuel supplier keeps your vehicles and equipment like generators running. Choosing a supplier with sufficient capacity to meet your demands is essential because fuel shortage will only get in the way of what needs to be done. All you have to do is consider the factors above to find the best supplier.
