The Per-Gallon Trap
The first question every contractor asks about on-site fuel delivery: "How much more per gallon?" It's the wrong question. The per-gallon cost is higher — typically $0.15-$0.35 above rack price. But that number in isolation tells you nothing about total cost of fueling your equipment.
The right question is: "What does fueling actually cost me today — including everything I'm not tracking?"
The Hidden Costs of Self-Fueling
Most contractors fuel their own equipment by sending a laborer to the gas station with a pickup and transfer tank, or by maintaining a bulk tank on site. Here's what that actually costs:
Labor — A laborer making $22/hr spends 2-3 hours per fueling run (drive, fill, return, fuel each machine). At 3 runs per week, that's $132-$198/week in labor — over $700/month doing nothing but moving diesel.
Theft — Industry data shows 5-15% of fuel stored on job sites is stolen. On a $8,000/month diesel budget, that's $400-$1,200 gone. No receipt. No trace.
Downtime — When the laborer is late, sick, or the transfer tank runs dry, machines sit idle. One hour of downtime on a crew of 4 costs $300-$500 in lost productivity.
Vehicle costs — The pickup truck and transfer tank used for fuel runs has fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs of its own. Estimate $400-$600/month allocated to fueling duty.
Spills and compliance — A diesel spill from a transfer tank triggers EPA reporting requirements and potential fines. Cleanup costs start at $5,000.
The Real Math
Here's a side-by-side comparison for a typical site running 5 machines consuming 1,500 gallons/week:
| Cost Category | Self-Fueling | Force Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel (per gallon premium) | Baseline | +$0.25/gal = $375/mo |
| Labor for fueling | $800/mo | $0 |
| Fuel theft (8% estimate) | $640/mo | $0 |
| Downtime (2 incidents/mo) | $600/mo | $0 |
| Vehicle costs | $500/mo | $0 |
| **Total Monthly Cost Above Fuel** | **$2,540/mo** | **$375/mo** |
Net savings with Force delivery: approximately $2,165/month. Even conservative estimates put savings above $1,700/month for a 5-machine site.
What's Included in Every Delivery
Force doesn't just drop diesel and leave. Every delivery includes:
- •Per-machine fueling — We fill each unit individually, not a bulk tank
- •Gallon tracking — Exact gallons recorded per machine, per visit
- •Hour meter readings — We log machine hours to calculate consumption rates
- •Condition reports — Visual inspection of each machine during fueling. Leaks, damage, low fluids — we flag it same-day
- •Delivery receipts — Digital documentation for your records and accounting
This data replaces guesswork with facts. You'll know which machines are burning fuel efficiently and which ones need attention.
ROI Timeline
Most contractors see positive ROI within the first month. The labor savings alone typically cover the per-gallon premium. Theft elimination and downtime reduction are pure upside.
Minimum Requirements
Force Diesel Supply works best for: - Sites with 3+ active diesel machines - Minimum 150-200 gallons per delivery visit - Project duration of 1 month or longer - Located anywhere in Texas
How to Start
Contact Force for a fuel delivery assessment. We'll review your current consumption, calculate your projected savings, and set up a delivery schedule that keeps your machines fueled without your crew lifting a finger.
