Owning a fleet in the wholesale petroleum industry is a strategic asset, especially in the South African market where the demand for petroleum products is continually rising. GASPET, a leading wholesale petroleum company, supplies bulk fuel across urban and rural areas through an extensive network of depots. GASPET’s trucks are certified by DEKRA and complies with SQAS to make delivery of over 1500 litres of bulk petrol or diesel.
Increased Efficiency
One of the foremost advantages of owning a fleet in the wholesale petroleum industry is increased efficiency. In South Africa, road transport is the most prevalent method for distributing bulk petroleum products. Tanker trucks, equipped to carry between 15,000 and 40,000 litres of fuel, are indispensable for transporting diesel and other petroleum products from depots to retail outlets, industrial customers, and ultimately the end-user.
Owning a dedicated fleet enables companies to maintain strict schedules and optimise routes, significantly reducing delivery times. This level of efficiency ensures that customers receive their fuel promptly, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering long-term business relationships. Read more about GASPET’s Fleet here
Higher Fuel Quality
The quality of fuel transported is of increased importance, especially in light of the current industry environment regarding the mixing and adulteration of fuel. Read more about this subject here Owning a fleet allows companies to have better control over the transportation process, directly impacting the quality of the fuel delivered. Properly maintained tanker trucks ensure that the fuel remains uncontaminated and meets the stringent quality standards expected by customers.
By maintaining the fleet and enforcing fuel testing can result in better product offering. Testing is a process that detect if the product has been subject to mixing (fuel adulteration) or if has been adulterated. While adapting to new technologies and practices such as sealed delivery systems and real-time monitoring techniques that prevent contamination and uphold fuel integrity throughout the transportation process.
Reliability and Accessibility
A significant benefit of owning a fleet is the reliability and accessibility aspect that it offers. In South Africa, the geographical landscape can pose logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to infrastructure may be limited. Having a dedicated fleet ensures that companies can reach even the most remote locations without depending on third-party transport providers.
This autonomy enhances reliability, as these loads can swiftly address any logistical issues and maintain a consistent supply chain, thereby reducing the risk of fuel shortages (as the industry refers to “Running Dry” ) and ensuring continuous operation for their customers.
Decreased Downtime
Decreased downtime is another crucial advantage. When companies own their fleet, they have direct oversight of its management and maintenance. Regular maintenance schedules can be established to prevent breakdowns and ensure that each vehicle is in optimal condition. This proactive approach minimises the likelihood of delays caused by mechanical failures, ensuring uninterrupted fuel delivery services.
Additionally, having a fleet of backup vehicles ready to be deployed instantly further reduces downtime and continues to guarantee that customers’ needs are met promptly.
Improved Productivity
Owning a fleet also translates to improved productivity. The ability to control transportation schedules, monitor fuel levels in real-time, and make swift adjustments as needed allows for effective operations. This increased productivity directly correlates with higher profitability, as companies can maximise the utilisation of their fleet and resources.
Investing on driver training programmes, implementing fleet management systems and ensuring the safe loading of trucks can further boost productivity by enhancing driver performance and ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of fuel. The safe loading of trucks is in place to ensure petroleum products reach its consumers safely. Various regulations and checks are involved for a truck to be considered safe for loading and offloading dangerous goods, in this case petroleum product Read more about how to safe load a truck here
Conclusion
The benefits of owning a fleet in the wholesale petroleum industry are manifold, particularly in the South African context where reliable and efficient fuel delivery is principal. GASPET’s approach exemplifies how strategic investment in fleet ownership can lead to increased efficiency, higher fuel quality, enhanced reliability and accessibility, decreased downtime, and ultimately improved productivity.
GASPET, Founded in 2015 by Gerrit Prinsloo, aims to be a leading and dependable supplier in the petroleum industry. GASPET ensures reliable and consistent supply chains for quality products at the right price. The entrepreneurial spirit at GASPET is paired with strong business controls, ensuring efficient management. GASPET has quickly become a trusted partner, aiding various companies in their growth. Our mission focuses on providing holistic solutions, not just products, driving us towards continual growth and excellence. Together, we are FUELLED FOR GROWTH.