How to Choose the Right Fuel Provider for Your Business

Imagine this: It’s the dead of winter in the Midwest, and your fleet is struggling with fuel gelling because your supplier didn’t provide the right winter blend. Or worse—your trucks sit idle because your fuel delivery is delayed. 

These scenarios can be avoided if you have a reliable fuel provider watching your back.

We spoke to Adam Jenniges, Branch Manager, West Fargo at Farstad Oil about this:

“Fuel is the lifeblood of any fleet—without it, trucks don’t move, deliveries don’t happen, and businesses can’t operate efficiently. Whether it’s transporting goods or providing essential services, fuel availability directly impacts business success.

Let’s cover the key factors to consider when choosing a fuel provider and why Farstad Oil stands out as the trusted partner for businesses like yours.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fuel Provider

The right supplier ensures fuel availability, quality, and delivery reliability. There are times and places to cut corners, and believe us when we say, this isn’t one of them. 

Here are key factors to evaluate when making your choice.

Fuel Quality & Industry Standards

Fuel quality directly impacts engine performance, fuel efficiency, and equipment longevity. Even your bottom line! Contaminated or subpar fuel can lead to filter clogs, injector issues, and higher maintenance costs.

As Jenniges explains:

“Fuel quality directly impacts engine performance and fuel efficiency. We use proprietary additive blends that enhance lubricity, prevent cold-weather issues, and ensure trucks run smoothly—especially in extreme conditions.”

To avoid these problems, you need to prioritize suppliers who follow strict quality control measures and industry regulations like: 

• Testing & Compliance: Does the supplier test fuel regularly for contaminants, water content, and proper additive blending? Do they adhere to ASTM, EPA, and DOT regulations?
• Additive Use: Are fuel additives used to enhance performance, prevent cold-weather issues, and extend equipment lifespan?
• Fuel Consistency: Does the provider ensure consistent fuel quality across different batches and seasons?
• Fuel Sourcing and Testing: Are they transparent about their sourcing, testing, and how they handle quality issues? Ask for test reports and/or compliance certifications.

Reliability & Supply Chain Strength

A dependable supply chain is essential to prevent fuel shortages and operational disruptions. You need to assess a supplier’s delivery capabilities, fleet size, and coverage area to ensure they can meet demand—even during peak seasons or emergencies.

Important questions to ask:

• What is their fleet size and delivery capacity? A provider with a strong fleet and multiple terminals can offer better coverage and backup options. Farstad Oil, for instance, has a fleet of 120+ fuel trucks covering North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana.
• Do they monitor market conditions and adjust supply accordingly? Suppliers that track fuel demand and pricing trends can help businesses plan fuel purchases more effectively.
• How do they handle emergency situations? Understanding how a provider manages last-minute fuel shortages, supply chain disruptions, or extreme weather events is key. 24/7 to manage real-time delivery needs is a huge plus.

“Our dispatch room is what we call ‘the war room’—it’s where everything is managed to ensure seamless deliveries,” says Jenniges. “We monitor fuel levels, market fluctuations, and supply points so our customers never run out.”

Flexible Bulk Delivery & Storage Solutions

Every business has different fuel needs, whether it’s daily refueling, seasonal fluctuations, or emergency backup. A good fuel provider offers customized delivery schedules and storage solutions that match operational demands. 

Here’s what you need to consider:

• Does the provider offer scheduled, on-demand, or emergency deliveries?
• Are storage tanks available for rent or purchase, and do they include monitoring systems to track fuel levels and detect leaks?
• Can the provider adjust supply as your fuel needs grow or change?
• Do they provide dedicated storage solutions (this is essential for businesses in remote areas or industries with high consumption like construction)

Competitive Pricing & Cost Management

Fuel costs represent a significant portion of business expenses. Therefore, it stands to reason that you’d want transparent pricing and fair contract terms from your prospective fuel provider. No one wants to expose their business to unexpected price spikes, hidden fees, and fluctuating costs, which can strain budgets and impact profitability.

The right fuel provider partners with customers to manage costs strategically, offering solutions that align with industry trends and help businesses make informed purchasing decisions.

Here are some key considerations for fuel pricing:

• Clear, Transparent Pricing: A reputable provider should offer detailed price breakdowns with no hidden fees for delivery, fuel surcharges, or contract penalties.
• Flexible Contract Options: Businesses should look for suppliers that provide daily market pricing, fixed contract pricing, or hedging options to stabilize costs.
• Market Monitoring & Strategic Buying: Suppliers that track fuel price fluctuations can help businesses lock in lower rates and avoid peak pricing periods.

Customer Support & Industry Expertise

You want a fuel provider that’s more than just a vendor—they should act as your strategic partner in fuel management. Having access to knowledgeable support and expert guidance is invaluable in cases where you face supply issues, technical concerns, or fuel quality problems. 

What to look for in customer support:

• 24/7 Availability: Fuel issues don’t just happen during business hours. A reliable provider should have dispatch teams and technical support available around the clock.
• Proactive Fuel Management Advice: Providers with industry expertise can help businesses optimize fuel storage, prevent contamination, and improve operational efficiency.
• Emergency Assistance: In cases of unexpected fuel shortages, bad weather, or delivery delays, a supplier should offer rapid response services to keep businesses running.
• Dedicated Account Managers: A fuel provider should assign knowledgeable representatives who understand your business needs and provide personalized support.
• Technical Support for Fuel Equipment: Whether it’s fuel system troubleshooting, filter replacements, or storage tank maintenance, providers should offer technical guidance to keep fuel systems running efficiently.

Value-Added Services

Some fuel providers (like us) go beyond basic fuel delivery and offer additional services that help businesses optimize consumption, improve sustainability, and reduce costs. 

Some services to look for:

• On-Site Fuel Management: Advanced fuel monitoring and tracking systems help businesses analyze fuel usage, detect leaks, and prevent shortages before they happen.
• Tank Rentals & Maintenance: If your business requires fuel storage solutions, you need a provider that offers equipment loan programs, routine maintenance, and compliance assistance.
• Sustainability & Alternative Fuel Options: With growing environmental regulations, businesses may benefit from eco-friendly fuel alternatives, such as biofuels or lower-emission diesel blends.
• Winterized Fuel Blends & Cold Weather Additives: Look for a provider that offers customized blends for extreme temperatures to prevent gelling and keep operations running in winter.
• Fleet & Equipment Fuel Efficiency Advice: A provider with industry expertise can help optimize fuel consumption and recommend best practices for fleet operations. 

Reputation & Industry Experience

A fuel provider’s reputation speaks volumes about their reliability, service quality, and industry expertise. Take the time to research a prospective supplier’s track record, industry experience, and customer feedback to ensure they’re working with a trusted partner.

Evaluate the following:

• • Years in Business & Industry Knowledge: Established providers with decades of experience are better equipped to handle supply chain disruptions, pricing fluctuations, and industry-specific challenges.
  • Client Reviews & Testimonials: Checking references, online reviews, and case studies from similar industries can provide insight into a supplier’s reliability and service quality.

• Regulatory Compliance & Safety Record: Reviewing their compliance history and incident reports can help assess their commitment to safety and reliability. A reputable fuel provider should have a strong track record of adhering to industry regulations. 

Why Farstad Oil Is the Right Choice for Your Business

Farstad Oil has built a reputation for dependability, expertise, and customer-first service, ensuring businesses across multiple industries have the fuel solutions they need to stay operational and profitable.

“Fuel is a mission-critical resource. You need a provider with the capacity, backup supply options, and the ability to pivot when challenges arise. At Farstad Oil, our customers know they can call us at 4 a.m. with a fuel issue. We’re not just delivering fuel; we’re keeping businesses running.”

— Adam Jenniges 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Eighty Years of Industry Experience: With a long history of fuel distribution, we understand the unique challenges of businesses that rely on bulk fuel and fleet fueling. Our deep industry knowledge ensures that our customers receive tailored fuel solutions that address operational challenges, regulatory compliance, and seasonal demands.
• Reliable Fuel Supply Network: We leverage our strong supplier partnerships and terminal access across multiple states, ensuring a steady fuel supply even during high-demand periods or supply chain disruptions. Our strategic dispatch system allows for real-time adjustments so customers don’t experience shortages or delays.
• Premium Fuel Quality & Additives: Fuel quality directly affects engine longevity, performance, and fuel efficiency. Farstad Oil goes beyond standard pipeline fuel by incorporating proprietary additive blends, enhanced lubricity treatments, and winterized diesel solutions (like Winter Flow) that prevent gelling, improve cold-weather performance, and protect fuel systems from premature wear.
• Flexible Bulk Delivery & On-Site Refueling: Whether your business requires large-scale bulk fuel deliveries, temporary job-site refueling, or emergency supply solutions, Farstad Oil provides customized fueling plans that match specific industry needs. Our fleet of 20+ transport and bobtail trucks, combined with third-party partnerships, ensures that fuel reaches customers efficiently and reliably.
• Proactive Fuel Management Support: With advanced tank monitoring, real-time inventory tracking, and fuel analytics, businesses can reduce downtime and prevent unnecessary fuel waste. Farstad Oil’s team helps customers optimize their storage capacity, track consumption trends, and anticipate refueling needs, ensuring operations run smoothly.
• Unmatched Customer Support: Our customers were, and have always been, the center of our business values. Whether it’s an unexpected supply shortage, weather-related delays, or technical concerns, we’re always just a phone call away.

Make the Right Choice for Reliable Fuel Supply

At the end of the day, your fuel provider should be a trusted partner, not just a vendor. With Farstad Oil, you get consistent fuel supply, premium quality products, and expert support to keep your fleet and equipment running at peak performance. 

Ready to optimize your fuel strategy? Contact Farstad Oil today and experience the difference of a team invested in your growth.