What is a fuel transfer tank? Explaining the uses and benefits
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Transporting and dispensing fuel safely and economically keeps the country running. It’s crucial for everything from vital industries and small-scale construction companies to logistical projects in remote areas and powering disaster relief. Fuel is used as a primary or backup form of power, and the ultra-portability of fuel transfer tanks allows it to get where it needs to go. But what are fuel transfer tanks? And what makes them so useful for transporting fuel?
In this guide, we’ll explore what transportable fuel tanks are used for, how they help to protect fuel in extreme conditions and how they stack up against alternative storage methods.
What is a transfer tank?
Transfer tanks are small-scale, portable containers that are used to move and store liquids – normally fuel. They sit on truck beds for easy access and manoeuvrability and are designed to be a short-term storage solution. They’re made for quick movement and small-scale distribution.
They provide a flexible, transportable solution for jobs that need to be mobile and have immediate access to fuel, like construction, events and recovery efforts. Transfer tanks like our FuelCube Type-S are perfect for small businesses and projects as they can be transported full of diesel without the need for a hazmat endorsement, and in most cases CDL.
What are fuel transfer tanks used for?
Fuel needs to be stored safely and securely to avoid accidents, spills and theft. It also needs to be easily accessible and quick to transport across and between sites. Fuel transfer tanks provide security and easy movement – making them the perfect choice for many industries, including construction, manufacturing, outdoor events and disaster relief.
They provide a way to transport fuel to difficult-to-reach and remote spaces – anywhere a truck can go – or quickly move fuel around in sites where there’s fuel needed. This makes them a practical choice as a primary fuel solution for smaller operations or a backup for larger sites where fuel needs to move quickly – keeping projects on track.
Transfer tanks vs auxiliary tanks
Fuel transfer tanks and auxiliary fuel tanks are both external fuel tanks, but they can serve different purposes.
Auxiliary fuel tanks can be directly fed into equipment such as generators or pumps. This can extend run times by providing a larger fuel supply. This is useful for static operations, where equipment needs a steady supply of fuel for a fixed period.
If you think an auxiliary fuel tank may be more suitable for your business or project needs, check out the full Western Global range
A transfer tank is used to move and hold fuel, but its major advantage is portability. It can be moved around, utilizing a pump to fill equipment as needed.
What are the Department of Transportation regulations for fuel transfer tanks?
All fuel transfer tanks in the United States must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and adhere to regulations to ensure they’re safe to transport fuel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set the standards for commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
Due to its 119-gallon capacity, the FuelCube Type-S is classified as a non-bulk package according to 49 CFR and can be transported full of diesel without the requirement of hazardous materials placarding. The FuelCube Type-S is compliant with US DOT and Transport Canada regulations in transport as well as UL142*, CAN/ULC-S601 and NFPA 30 while stationary. Find out more about our fuel tank approvals and standards.
*As noted, UL Listing does not cover use while in transport or optional accessories.
FuelCube Type-S: Our market-leading transfer tank
As we’ve seen, transfer tanks are a great way to add fuel agility to your operations. They help protect you against downtime, get fuel where it needs to go quickly and ensure you remain safe onsite. Western Global fuel tanks are designed to perform anywhere while keeping your fuel safe and secure. The FuelCube Type-S is no exception, providing you with all the benefits of a transfer tank supported by Western Global quality.
Compact
Our tanks are made to perform in extreme conditions and remote locations, and the FuelCube Type-S excels in getting to them. Once it’s secured in the bed of a truck, it’s only limited by where a truck can go. This means it can perform in disaster relief efforts and in hard-to-reach sites. This transportability also means that short-term projects, smaller operations and larger sites can benefit, as fuel can be moved quickly with minimal manpower. The tank features four-way pockets, which means it can easily be moved by forklift or pallet jack and can be stacked when empty, saving space in the yard when not in use.
No hazmat needed
To transport large quantities of diesel fuel, a Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL) and hazmat endorsement are usually required. For some businesses, an employee getting these accreditations doesn’t make financial sense or is too time-consuming.
At 119 gallons, the FuelCube Type-S is classified as a non-bulk package for the purpose of 49 CFR 173. This means it can be transported full of diesel fuel without the requirement of hazmat placarding in the US. This makes it perfect for small businesses, contractors and short-term projects that don’t have staff with the required CDL and hazmat endorsements for transporting diesel.
Onsite refueling
The FuelCube Type-S is made to be moved quickly. It sits in the bed of your truck, meaning it can get to the site that needs fuel more quickly than most fuel storage alternatives. It can be used directly from the truck-bed or can be moved and stored using equipment that you’ll already have on-site, like forklifts and pallet jacks.
It provides easy access to diesel fuel for vehicles and equipment that need it and improves productivity onsite, with less downtime due to refueling.
Safety and security
The double-walled construction of the FuelCube Type-S provides 110% containment, protecting against leaks and spills and ensuring environmental damage. The removable inner tank makes routine cleaning, maintenance and inspections easier, helping you keep the tank in top working condition and remain compliant.
The lockable equipment cabinet ensures your pumps and fuel remain secure from fuel theft. Fuel theft is a common problem, and in remote work or disaster relief, this can be a real issue. Resupply can be slow, and work can grind to a halt, making projects slower and more expensive. The lockable cabinet keeps the ports secure, keeping fuel safe and avoiding the need for the added expense of security to protect it. This provides peace of mind for project and site managers, helping them stay on time and on budget.
Western Global: fuel transfer tank solutions for the road
Western Global is the leading fuel transfer tank manufacturer, making reliable and secure tanks that keep businesses up and running. Find out more about our transfer tank, the FuelCube Type-S, or, for information about our fuel transport solutions, speak to our team today.
FuelCube Type-S
