If you manage a fleet, you already know that choosing the right fuel supplier can make or break your operations. The wrong partner can lead to late deliveries, unclear pricing, poor communication, and headaches that can cost your business time and money.
Before you sign a contract, ask these key questions.
1. How wide is your delivery network?
A supplier’s coverage matters. If they only deliver from one terminal, you could face delays when supply runs low. Look for a provider with a broad network of terminals and dispatch points near your sites. More access points mean faster service and fewer interruptions.
2. How does your pricing work?
Ask how they set their prices. Do they offer bulk discounts, fixed contracts, or forward programs to protect you from price spikes? Can they explain every charge on your invoice? Transparency in pricing shows a supplier that values long-term relationships—not quick sales.
3. How do you ensure fuel quality?
Fuel contamination can cause clogged filters, injector damage, and expensive repairs. Ask how the supplier stores, filters, and tests their product. Do they blend additives for detergency, lubricity, and moisture control? Quality checks should be a regular part of their operations.
4. Do you offer 24/7 or emergency service?
Fueling needs don’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Storms, equipment issues, and last-minute jobs may require an unscheduled delivery. A dependable supplier should be prepared for storms and have an emergency response plan to help accommodate a last-minute fuel need.
5. What kind of technology supports your deliveries?
Modern fuel management tools—like online portals and electronic tank monitoring—help you see deliveries, usage, and invoices in real time. Ask if your supplier offers these tools or integrates with your current systems. The more visibility you have, the easier it is to plan.
6. Who will be my main contact?
A direct, local account manager is worth their weight in gold. You shouldn’t have to call a national hotline for answers. Working with someone who knows your business and geography makes communication faster and allows for any problems to be easily solved.
Choosing with Confidence
Asking the right questions helps you spot red flags early, so you can eliminate suppliers who don’t align with your business goals. Reliable fuel delivery is about trust, communication, and performance you can count on.
At Sprague, we’ve built long-term partnerships across the Northeast by focusing on those very things: transparent pricing, dependable delivery, and real people who know your business. Want to see how we can support your fueling strategy? Reach out to us today.
