Fuel Tank 101: Fact vs. Fiction Mythbusting

Fuel Tank 101: Fact vs. Fiction

They say  “you get what you pay for” in life, and the same applies to fuel tank selection. Not all tanks are created equal, and persistent myths around the differences between round and cube tanks make finding the right fuel tank for your business, site and circumstance difficult.  

To help make your decision easier, we’ve taken three fuel tank ‘myths’ and put them to the test:  

1. Round tanks are less expensive 
2. All fuel tanks, regardless of size, are hard to move around a jobsite 
3. Round tanks require less maintenance  

Consider this the fuel tank edition of “Mythbusters.” Find out why believing these three claims could be making your business less efficient and hurting your bottom line. 

Myth #1: Round tanks are less expensive

While the initial sticker price on a round tank may be less than for a modular fuel tank like those sold by Western Global, that only tells part of the story. 

First, the sticker price is just for the tank — no accessories included in most cases. Once you add features like forklift pockets, internal baffles and lockable pumps, the gap in price is considerably smaller. Western Global fuel tanks come fully packaged with these features standard, ready to drop on-site. All you need to do is add fuel. 

Savvy fleet managers also consider total cost of ownership (or TCO). With a round tank, users incur extra costs for secondary containment. A containment pan or protective berm is legally required to be installed around the tank to collect any drips, spills or even rainwater, all of which must be regularly cleaned out. Pump out fees start at $150 each time and can add up quickly. Round tanks also take more time to move around and between jobsites, incurring extra labor costs. 

Another hidden cost? Exposed mount ports and pumps that increase the risk of fuel theft, which can cost contractors thousands of dollars. With cube tanks, the ports and pumps can be internally secured and locked thanks to the built-in equipment cabinet. 

As the kids say, the math isn’t mathing to support this myth. 

Myth #2: All fuel tanks are hard to move around the jobsite

While moving a tank from place to place takes time regardless of type or shape, the minutes really stack up when you’re moving a round tank. That’s because round tanks often require a greater number of people to move  and may need special equipment (like a crane) for transporting. 

On the other hand, tanks like the FuelCube have four-way forklift pockets for easy mobility and can be transported around the jobsite with fuel in the tank — with just one person driving the forklift. The TransCube Global can even be transported full on the highway with the correct driver endorsements.

Myth #3: Round tanks require less maintenance

This one simply couldn’t be further from the truth.  

From their shape to the challenge of accessing the inside of the tank, round tanks are not designed for easy maintenance. In addition, with mount ports and pumps exposed to the elements (heavy rain, snow or dust) instead of in a lockable cabinet, maintenance issues can begin to stack up.  

As noted, round tanks also require secondary containment to prevent spills, which must be kept clear of debris to avoid a costly fine from the EPA. 

Double-walled containment simplifies the cleaning and inspection process, and Western Global tanks offer removable inner liners for quicker and easier maintenance. They also don’t require containment pans, eliminating that maintenance task completely. 

Fuel tank myths: Busted

Need more proof? You can learn why Ricochet Fuel Distributors now buys Western Global as their go-to tanks in this video below.

With our full range of transportable fuel tanks, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your jobsite – whether you’re looking for a lightweight option that thrives in compact urban areas or a robust storage solution designed for the most challenging conditions. Get in touch with our expert team today and learn more about how our fuel tanks can help streamline your operations and eliminate unnecessary expenses.