If you manage a fleet, you already know that time is money. When a truck, bus, or piece of equipment sits idle waiting for fuel, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s lost productivity, overtime pay, and frustrated customers. Reliable fuel delivery is an essential part of keeping your business running efficiently and effectively.
What Downtime Really Costs
Unplanned downtime from missed or delayed deliveries adds up quickly. Missed routes or deliveries mean lost revenue. Emergency fuel runs create driver overtime and retail markups. Idle trucks still cost you insurance, leases, and payroll. Late service can lead to penalties, lost contracts, or frustrated customers.
Many companies underestimate how much a single fueling delay can ripple through their schedule. When vehicles can’t move, your whole operation slows down.
Why Fuel Reliability Fails
Most fueling problems come down to a lack of planning or infrastructure on the supplier’s side. Common issues include:
- Limited supply points: Companies with only one terminal can’t adapt when local inventories run low.
- Poor scheduling: Deliveries booked through call centers can miss narrow fueling windows.
- No emergency plan: When storms, holidays, or surges hit, low-priority customers often wait for days for service.
The result? Missed deadlines, long nights, and calls that go unanswered.
How to Ensure Your Partner Provides Reliable Fuel Delivery
Reliable fuel delivery isn’t just about having a tank—it’s about having a system that works under pressure. When looking for fuel delivery partners, consider the following:
Ask about delivery coverage. Can your supplier reach all your locations quickly if something changes? Do they have multiple terminals in your region?
Set clear communication expectations. You should know exactly when deliveries are scheduled, who to contact, and how issues are handled after hours.
Plan for emergencies. Confirm that your supplier offers 24/7 service, backup dispatch, or priority delivery programs during storms or high-demand periods.
Track performance. Keep a simple record of deliveries and response times. Over time, you’ll see which partners are dependable—and which aren’t.
The Bottom Line
When your fleet starts each day fully fueled and ready to go, drivers are more able to stay on schedule, operations stay profitable, and customers stay satisfied. Reliable fueling turns energy from a cost center into a competitive advantage.
At Sprague, reliability is built into everything we do. With 24/7 dispatch, a strong network of Northeast terminals, and local account managers who know your business, we help fleets stay fueled and on schedule, no matter what the day brings. Contact Sprague to learn more.
