When your business relies on fuel to keep pumps flowing and profits growing, your fuel hauler isn’t just a vendor—they’re your frontline partner. Choosing the wrong one can lead to late deliveries, compliance risks, and lost customers. The right hauler, on the other hand, can improve uptime, reduce risk, and strengthen your reputation.
Whether you’re opening a new station or evaluating current vendors, here are the key questions every fuel retailer should ask before signing a hauling agreement.
1. Are They Fully Licensed, Insured, and DOT-Compliant?
Your priority is compliance.
The hauler must have:
- A valid DOT number and clean safety record
- Hazmat certification for petroleum transport
- Properly maintained Class A/B trucks
- Sufficient liability and environmental insurance (ideally $5–6M)
Red Flag: If a hauler can’t produce insurance certificates or safety inspection reports, walk away.
2. What’s Their On-Time Delivery Track Record?
Late deliveries cost you sales—and customer trust.
Ask:
- What’s your on-time delivery rate?
- How do you handle emergency or after-hours runs?
- Do you offer real-time dispatch tracking?
Pro Tip: A hauler with GPS and ELD-enabled trucks can provide more accurate ETAs and reduce scheduling errors.
3. Do They Understand State-Specific Fuel Tax and BOL Compliance?
For fuel hauls in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, accurate Bills of Lading (BOLs) and knowledge of state-specific tax structures (like NJ’s Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax) are essential.
Ask:
- Can you handle multi-state deliveries with proper documentation?
- How do you track and report exempt fuel sales?
4. Can They Provide References or Case Studies?
Reliable haulers should be able to provide:
- Current client references
- Case studies or testimonials from stations like yours
- Specific examples of problem-solving under pressure (e.g., supply disruptions, weather delays)
If possible, pilot-test their service with a small load to evaluate communication, timeliness, and professionalism.
5. Do Their Capabilities Match Your Volume and Brand Requirements?
Fuel hauling isn’t one-size-fits-all. Match their fleet to your needs:
- Do they have pump tucks and trucks capable of metered load delivery?
- Can they handle branded fuel protocols (e.g., Shell, Exxon, Gulf)?
- What’s their minimum and maximum load capacity?
Final Thought: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider
The right fuel hauler should feel like an extension of your business—responsive, dependable, and committed to your success.
At Ross Enterprises, we specialize in reliable, compliant hauling throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and Eastern PA—with over 40 years of experience in branded and unbranded fuel logistics.
Ready to evaluate your fuel hauling partner? Let’s talk:
Jared Carey Business Development: 856-981-3327