Fueling Up for Billings’ Brutal Winters: Your Guide to Optimal Fuel Solutions
When temperatures in Billings, Montana, plummet below zero and the icy winds cut through the rugged landscape, fleet managers and businesses face a series of unique challenges. Below-freezing conditions can wreak havoc on trucks, trailers, and machinery—airlines freeze, brake lines seize up, and the engines work overtime. The relentless cold doesn’t just demand preparation; it demands expertise and the right solutions to keep everything running smoothly. That’s where Farstad Oil comes in.
Valeri Milburn, Regional Branch Manager for Farstad Oil in Billings, knows exactly how winter weather affects operations across Montana and Wyoming. From frozen brake lines to diesel fuel gelling in extreme cold, the stakes are high.
“Anything associated with the trailer is at risk if it’s really cold and moving down the road,” Milburn explains. “And then there’s fuel efficiency—it gets worse in cold weather.”
Why Winter Preparation is Essential for Fleets
The key to overcoming winter’s challenges is preparation.
“Typically, when temperatures dip to the 30s, we start plugging trucks in and switch to winterized fuel,” says Milburn.
By November 1st, local refineries that Farstad sources fuel from transition to winterized diesel, which includes special additives designed to prevent fuel gelling and maintain performance even in temperatures as low as -15°F to -20°F. This preparation saves time and money, eliminating the need to blend in #1 diesel, which is more costly.
In addition, fleet managers must ensure their drivers are equipped for the season—checking tire pressure, stocking chains, and conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to catch potential issues before they become serious. As Milburn emphasizes, “It’s about setting yourself up for success.”
While preparation involves more than just fuel, understanding the science behind winterized diesel is crucial for maintaining fleet performance.
Winter Fuel 101: What You Need to Know
Winter weather dramatically impacts diesel fuel. As temperatures drop, the paraffin in diesel begins to form crystals, clogging fuel filters and leading to gelling. Winterized diesel addresses this issue by incorporating additives that break down wax crystals and lower the fuel’s freezing point.
For customers who want added protection, blending with #1 diesel is an option, though more expensive. #1 diesel contains far less paraffin, so when it’s mixed with #2 diesel (or standard diesel), it has a much lower cloud point, the temperature where wax crystals begin to form. When temperatures get really cold, the blend between #2 diesel and #1 can be as high as 50/50. As the temperatures warm, ratios tend to be more 70/30 or 80/20.
“We keep a pretty close eye on weather forecasts, so if we see the mercury dipping, we ask our customers if they would like us to send them blended fuel,” says Milburn. “Nobody wants their equipment on the side of the road because it’s frozen up.”
While winterized diesel and blending options provide robust protection against fuel-related issues, they’re only part of the equation. To really keep operations running smoothly, proactive maintenance and best practices are just as critical.
Here’s what fleet managers need to know to stay ahead of potential winter pitfalls…
Winter Fuel & Fleet Maintenance Tips for Smooth Operations
So, how can you make sure your fleet is protected?
We spoke with our fuel experts, who put together this guide to help you keep your fleet running efficiently even in the harshest conditions.
1.Inspect and Clean Fuel Tanks Regularly
Water contamination is a common issue in fuel tanks during winter. Condensation can lead to water buildup, which may freeze and block fuel lines. Regular inspections and tank cleanings prevent this problem and ensure fuel purity. Using water-dispersing additives is highly recommended for added protection. “Even with winterized diesel, vigilance is key. There’s no guarantee something won’t go wrong,” Milburn advises.
2. Prioritize Fuel Filter Checks
Fuel filters are particularly vulnerable in winter due to the risk of clogging from wax crystals and contaminants. Periodic fuel filter checks are essential to maintaining smooth fuel flow and avoiding gelling-related issues. Keeping spare filters on hand is also a smart move for quick replacements.
3. Ensure Proper Tank Insulation
For fleets that rely on above-ground tanks, proper insulation is critical. Double-walled insulation and well-maintained piping help maintain fuel stability and prevent freezing, ensuring that your fuel supply remains ready for use in extreme cold.
4. Monitor and Adjust Tire Pressure
We briefly touched upon this earlier. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, impacting fuel efficiency and safety. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure ensures better traction and performance on icy roads.
5. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Equip every vehicle with chains, de-icing products, and emergency kits. Your drivers should also be trained to handle winter conditions, such as recognizing signs of equipment stress or malfunctions caused by extreme cold.
6. Don’t Compromise on The Quality of Your Winterized Fuel
As temperatures plummet, use winterized diesel or blended fuel to avoid gelling and maintain optimal performance. Farstad works closely with customers to adjust fuel blends based on forecasted temperatures, ensuring the right mix for every condition.
7. Plan for Weather Changes
Stay ahead of winter storms by monitoring weather forecasts and adjusting schedules and maintenance plans accordingly. A small delay in operations can prevent significant equipment failures caused by unpreparedness.
8. Stay Vigilant and Proactive
Winter is unpredictable, and even the best preparation cannot eliminate all risks. Regularly check equipment for signs of stress, and address potential issues early. As Milburn explains, “It’s about setting yourself up for success.”
By implementing these strategies, your fleet can overcome the challenges of winter and operate safely and efficiently throughout the season.
Why Partnering with a Reliable Fuel Supplier Matters
One of the most effective ways to prevent costly downtime during winter is by partnering with a dependable bulk fuel supplier. With years of experience and a fleet of 20 trucks operating across Montana and neighboring states, we make sure fuel deliveries reach even the most remote locations, no matter the weather.
1. Proactive Support to Stay Ahead of Winter’s Challenges
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your fuel supply doesn’t have to be. Farstad takes a proactive approach to winter preparation.
“Before a cold snap hits, we reach out to customers to ensure their tanks are topped off,” says Milburn. “That way, they’re not left scrambling when roads close or temperatures plummet.”
This foresight helps businesses avoid the stress and delays of last-minute fuel arrangements when conditions are at their worst.
2. Customized Fuel Solutions for Your Needs
Every business faces unique challenges during winter, and Farstad meets those challenges with tailored solutions. Whether it’s providing winterized diesel or blending #1 and #2 diesel to handle extreme cold, we adapt to your specific requirements.
For example, a mining operation in the mountains relied on Farstad to transition its fuel blend from an 80/20 mix to a 50/50 mix as the season grew colder. This adaptability ensured their operations ran smoothly and without disruption, even in harsh conditions.
3. Going Beyond Fuel Delivery
We commit to service. From conducting detailed fuel analyses to offering tailored additive solutions, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are prepared for the challenges of winter.
As Milburn explains, “We’re not just delivering fuel; we’re delivering peace of mind. Our drivers are top-notch, and our customer service team works closely with businesses to ensure they’re ready for whatever winter throws their way.”
4. Reliable Service You Can Count On
In remote or rugged areas, dependable fuel delivery is essential. With Farstad’s expansive fleet and strategically located resources, we’re equipped to deliver fuel on time, regardless of the weather or terrain. Whether you operate a fleet, manage heavy equipment, or rely on on-site tanks, we provide the reliability you need to keep operations running seamlessly.
Set Your Fleet Up for Winter Success
Billings’ brutal winters may be inevitable, but disruptions don’t have to be. With the right fuel solutions, preventative maintenance, and a trusted partner by your side, your fleet can power through the season without missing a beat.
At Farstad, our mission is to be more than just a fuel supplier. We’re a partner invested in your success, especially during winter’s toughest months. From monitoring weather forecasts to ensuring your fuel supply is optimized for cold conditions, we deliver not just products but the peace of mind that your business is prepared to tackle anything winter throws its way.
When it comes to keeping your operations running smoothly, don’t leave anything to chance. Partner with Farstad for proactive, tailored, and reliable fuel solutions that make all the difference.
Ready to optimize your winter fuel strategy? Contact Farstad today to learn how we can help keep your business running, no matter how cold it gets.
