Among the main cost control solutions that fleet management can adopt is the own filling station. After all, this is a very interesting solution for everyday life, as it also adds speed to the operation.
But, will the speed increase and cost reduction is this investment worth it? Although at first sight having your own fuel supply system may seem very advantageous, it also has its cons.
Read more: Difference between cost and expense? Know how to classify them
For this reason, we have prepared this article to help you decide whether or not this is the best choice for your company in the supply control. Check it out:
What is a self-fueling system?
Advantages of having your own filling station in fleet management
Disadvantages of an own filling station in fleet management
What do I need to have my own filling station?
How to further optimize fuel management?
What is a self-fueling system?
As the name suggests, a self-supply system or gas station, concerns an installation for the internal fuel supply of the fleet of vehicles, with storage tank, filter, supply pump with gauge, hoses and nozzles.
That said, aerial tanks are the most common for self-supply stations in fleet management, being installed just above the ground.
This type of tank is considered the safest when compared to underground tanks, as it allows inspections to be carried out to monitor leaks and corrosion. In addition, it is clear to give more practicality in the storage and cleaning of the tank.
Read more: Fuel control and economy in light fleet management
For this, it must be placed inside a containment basin that supports its own storage volume, plus an addition of 10%.
Finally, its installation must also follow a series of norms and legislation, so that it can ensure operational and environmental safety. Therefore, when choosing the location for installing your tank, consider the impact this could have on ground water and other water resources.
It is necessary to have responsible and qualified professionals to design the installation, ensure compliance with laws and the correct functioning of all equipment.
Advantages of having your own filling station in fleet management
Below, follow the main benefits that the adoption of an own filling station can provide for the management of light fleets:
Fuel quality control
With its own fuel filling station, its fleet management will have a Greater control over the input used in your vehicles. In this way, it is possible choose the most suitable storage method and supplier for the quality required by your company.
This is because the risk of adulteration of the fuel is greatly reduced, as well as contamination. With the installation of water separating filters, it is possible to reduce the presence of solid particles in the fuel, contributing to less wear on parts such as filters, engine and injector nozzles, also resulting in increased autonomy (km/l).
Control of operating costs with supply
With your entire supply operation being carried out internally in the company, supply control over cost also becomes much greater. After all, you know exactly how many liters of fuel you are consuming, how much you are buying, the purchase price, average autonomy of each vehicle and the operating cost of equipment and employees.
Thus, this greater control allows reduction of waste and operating costs.
Read more: Efficient fleet fuel management
Practicality and speed
With 24/7 availability, its own fueling system removes the need to travel to the company's partner gas stations, reducing the unit cost of fuel acquisition and bringing convenience and speed to fueling operations.
Reduced costs
Finally, since fleet management acquires fuel on a large scale and directly from the distributor, the unit cost of fuel acquisition is reduced, leading to cost savings for the operation.
Read more: Own fleet or outsourced fleet: which is the best option?
Disadvantages of an own filling station in fleet management
Next, follow the main disadvantages the adoption of its own filling station in the management of light fleets.
high investment
As you already know, to implement your own fuel station in your light fleet management, you need to have a high investment in infrastructure, safety and equipment for the operation.
Thus, the main acquisitions are:
- Fuel pump
- Storage tank
- oil filters
- Air compressor
- monitoring sensors
- Infrastructure (civil works, pipes, valves).
Maintenance
Every self-owned fueling station needs constant monitoring and maintenance to ensure smooth operation, as well as specialized employees for these activities. There is also an operating cost related to the use of equipment, as well as the cost of hiring new employees.
Read more: How to prepare a fleet maintenance plan and ensure more safety in operations
Less flexibility
Finally, for companies that have a large area of activity, but only one headquarters with its own filling station, there is less flexibility when using the station, causing the need for a mixed and unprofitable operation.
What do I need to have my own filling station?
In cases of implantation of a supply system, it is necessary to obtain environmental licenses and adapt the structure to environmental legislation and specific technical standards for this type of operation.
Read more: Biofuel: advantages of using it in your fleet
Thus, it is necessary to have a business license e viability of the filling station, both issued by the city hall, in addition to the release from the fire department, CONAMA E ANP.
In addition, over the period of use of the station, it will be necessary to revalidate some of these certifications, going through inspections that certify the permission to use the supply system.
It is important to point out that neglecting environmental aspects can have severe consequences for the company, such as fines and bans from operating.
How to further optimize fuel management?
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to adopting a own fuel station in the management of light fleets. But, you have to understand that having an internal post or relying on partners are just a few options to optimize your supply control.
Read more: Adopt ESG actions with a fleet management system
Therefore, review your current purchasing model and weigh each of the pros and cons to make the best decision for your company. Also, evaluate the conditions offered by partner gas stations and make sure you choose the best fuel card for your fleet needs.
Lastly, you can also further optimize your supply control and fuel management with tools made exclusively for this such as module add-on Golfleet supply control.
With it, in addition to having cash expenditure indicators, data filtered for the period you want and reports of fuel exceptions, your company also obtains a true economy in fuel consumption along with the other features of videotelemetry, telemetry or tracking.
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