Are you taking steps to prevent fraud, theft, and loss? Many operators are focused on fleet maintenance and overhead cost reduction and aren’t aware of the risks from thieves and scammers targeting commercial fueling network (CFN) cards. Are you protecting your CFN cards as you would a credit or debit card, or other assets tied to your accounts? If not, you’re leaving yourself and your organization at risk.

It’s a fact that scammers have developed technology to make it easier than ever to steal information and valuable assets through use of magnetic and RFID-enabled cards. They can install readers at the pump to target both magnetic strips and the newer chip technology, and use the gleaned information to clone cards and steal data that allows them to steal from you down the line.

Today, we’re going to share a bit of information that will help you protect your assets and investment, by giving you the tools you need to avoid the potential pain points of theft, misuse, and loss at the pump. We’re sharing three main ‘best practices,’ with recommendations for fleet fueling service leadership, maintenance, and support staff. You’ll want to bookmark this link to share with your team and refer to later.

Tips From A Fleet Fueling Service Provider To Prevent CFN Loss And Theft

Tip #1: Stay informed and aware.

Are you informed about the types of fraudulent practices bad actors use to steal CFN info? Unfortunately, thieves have gotten savvy about using technology to steal card information. You need to watch for the following:

- Wanding: The practice of getting close enough to a magnetic card to “read” it and steal valuable data that allows access to accounts and other information.
- Skimming: When thieves install a small, unnoticeable card reader on a fuel pump payment terminal to take the card information when you swipe it to make a payment for fuel.
- Shimming: Similar to skimming, this is a device installed at a fuel payment pump to read the newer EMV card chips and steal information to clone the card, and steal from the account.

All of these are theft practices that your team will need to be aware of and watch out for at the pump.

Tip #2: Keep track of critical information.

Getting started, you’ll want to make it a point to know the potential use amounts of fuel for your vehicles, the patterns and habits of drivers, and the typical charge amounts on your card. Otherwise, it will become hard to spot fraudulent activity.

Additionally, just as you’d want to keep track of credit or debit card purchases, and watch for out of the ordinary activity, you’ll also want to keep an eye on the amounts moving through on a CFN card. It just makes good sense, and it will save you trouble if you catch any fraudulent activity early.

Tip #3: Put preventative measures in place.

One easy thing you can do getting started is to protect cards by purchasing RFID blocking wallets or sleeves, to prevent wanding. Also be sure to inform your drivers and maintenance crew of the risks and have them take care to watch for anything suspicious at the pump on a payment terminal.

You may also want to set policies in place to better track fuel purchases, if necessary, and inform your staff of the need to prevent fraud and theft. For example, you might find it useful to restrict card usage based on need, or through a reporting system, that the drivers take part in.

Ideas include restricting card usage by time of day, geography, or amount per month. If you see purchases outside of the normal shift hours, or range for your fleet, you’ll know to check if your CFN card has been compromised or cloned.

Ready to get started? We can help and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about CFN technology and use. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

About Us

If you need additional information, please know that the team at Greg's Petro is here to help. As your commercial fuel and lubricant supplier in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura, California areas, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.

Did you know that California is home to the only region where almonds are grown commercially in North America?

It’s true, and it’s just one reason why the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service is so proud of the role we play in the community. We’re a leading commercial fuel delivery service provider and a major source for the oils and lubricants used to maintain local agricultural equipment.

As we head toward the spring months, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the local almond industry and producers.

Fun facts: In the past 30 years, California has seen amazing growth from agricultural producers in the area between Bakersfield and Red Bluff, including approximately 450,000 acres of area between the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. During those three decades, the yield of almond crops has quadrupled.

At the end of February and beginning of March, almond producers look forward to the bloom of the trees, as they get ready to pollinate and move into another season. (We’ll cover more about the almond bloom in one of our next blogs).

In a nutshell (if you don’t mind the pun), what that means for local farmers is that we’re heading into prime time to be savvy about protecting equipment – from the standpoint of machinery care and maintenance – used in a wide variety of applications to maintain productivity during the coming spring months, and beyond.

What types of equipment does that include? Machine shakers for tree nuts. Pickers, harvesters, hopper trailers and feeders, tractors and trucks, belts, mulching machines, air compressors and vacuum pumps, and so much more.

That’s where we come in. We’re here to provide products, service and expertise to support the growth of the local agricultural industry, including local almond producers.

How? Read on for information vital to maintain agricultural fleets. There are practical applications to consider in your choice of oil and lubricants. Here are just a few of the tips we can give, and important items to consider when making choices for an almond producing fleet.

Use Of Oils And Lubricants For Agricultural Equipment and Processing

First, consider the following: will the piece of equipment come into contact with corrosives, such as the use of fertilizers and chemical spraying? Agricultural producers often choose oils and lubricants with additives to counter rust and oxidation.

Next, consider whether the machine or piece of equipment will be subject to temperature changes leading to condensation. Will the truck be making lots of cold start-ups, and short trips? Does the gear in your machine run all day and generate high temperatures? Look for a lubricant with a higher viscosity.

Is the equipment likely to be subject to much dust and dirt contamination? It’s likely in agricultural settings. In these cases, it’s a better choice to pick a mineral based oil based on cost, as you’ll be changing oil more frequently.

Finally, don’t forget to consider use of food grade oils and lubricants. The food industry has a need for gear oils, chain oils, compressor oils, hydraulic fluids and vacuum pump oils for equipment, just as any other manufacturer would. There are also specialty uses, such as can seamer oils. Although there aren’t currently penalties or requirements to use food grade lubricants, the market is moving in that direction due to increasing demand from both manufacturers and consumers.

And if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service. As your commercial fuel and lubricant supplier, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.

Are you aware of all that Greg’s Petroleum Service offers to customers? Here at the beginning of 2019, we’re providing a quick “one stop shop” list of our services. Take a look and see if there’s something on the list that you need to have taken care of this year.

Whatever your resolutions, and whether you’re a long-time customer or just shopping around, we’re sure you’ll find resources here that will help make this your best year yet! Because, maybe it’s your goal to save money. Or, perhaps you’re looking to improve the performance of your machinery, equipment or fleet. Possibly, you need resources to help you answer questions, or find better products at a great price.

Below we’ve provided a quick list to bookmark and save. It’s by no means comprehensive, though. We encourage you to check out the links to our website pages to learn more about each of the services listed. We hope you find this information helpful!

Fuel, Oil and Lubricant Services

1. Fuel and Lubricant Services. Check out all that we have to offer and more.
2. Commercial Fuel Delivery. We’ll bring the fuel to you.
3. Fleet Fueling. Sign up for our fuel card program and start saving.
4. Oil Analysis. Did you know our team of experts will help you make the best decisions to protect your investment in your fleet, machinery, and equipment?
5. Remote Tank Monitoring. We offer state of the art technology to help you stay on top of tank levels to prevent run outs and the need for last minute deliveries.
6. Waste Oil Pickup. Are you up to date on the latest regulations? We’ll help you meet the requirements and take care of business.

Chevron Retail Branding

Do you own or operate a gas station, or want to get started? We offer both Gasoline Supply Service and Franchise Opportunities.

Lubricant Solutions

- Proud supplier of both Chevron and Valvoline products!
- VPS Chemicals, including transmission fluid and flush, brake fluids, and more.
- Food Grade Lubricants for agricultural and manufacturing purposes.

Other Equipment, and Automotive Supplies

- Paint
- Lubrication Equipment
- Cleaners
- Tire Seal
- Freon
- Silicone
- Absorbent Pads
- Tape
- Gloves and Rags
- Degreasers and Solvents
- And more!

Resource Materials

We have the forms, certificates, application materials that your business may need. We even have a handy savings calculator to help you learn more about how Greg’s Petroleum Service products and services can help you save at the bottom line.

Testimonials

We want to earn your trust! Check out what people are saying.

A Team of Experts to Help

Our team is hardworking, experienced, dedicated, and want to share their top-notch expertise in the field with you. Learn more.

Our team is happy to serve you! If you haven’t found what you’re looking for here, or have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. As one of the leading commercial fuel and lubricant suppliers in California, we are certain we can meet your needs. We look forward to working with you!

About Us

If you need additional information, please know that the team at Greg's Petroleum Service is here to help. As your commercial fuel and lubricant supplier in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura, California areas, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.

Do you maintain a fleet of machinery or vehicles? If so, you’re probably aware that the right oils and lubricants can protect your valuable equipment from the preventable damage caused by high heat conditions that are part and parcel with heavy use. But did you know that cold temperatures also cause serious damage?

It’s true. Dropping temperatures can have a number of negative impacts on vehicles, equipment and other machinery used in a variety of industrial applications, such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and more. As a commercial fuel and lubricant supplier in California, the expert team at Greg’s Petroleum Service always recommends choosing the right oils and lubricants to protect your valuable investment from damage.

First, let’s get the facts. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you’re making a decision.

How cold temperatures impact oils and lubricants

In general, cold temperatures thicken oils and lubricants. This “cold hard fact” is more important than you’d think.

When we think about maintenance issues, high heat usually tops the list because it can thin lubricants. The thinning can lead to increased friction, increased heat, increased wear, and parts to fail as they (essentially) burn up. This can lead to expensive costs and safety issues.

But on the other side of the spectrum, when the weather is extremely cold or even just cool and the vehicle or machinery has been sitting for a while – as it might overnight, for example – the fluids can harden or just thicken to the point that oils and lubricants don’t circulate the system properly.

When oils and lubricants fail to move through the system, you have the same problems caused by heat: increased friction between un-lubricated parts, and what is often called “metal on metal death.”

And the problems aren’t limited to engines and engine parts. Gear boxes, for example, as well as the internal gear tooth interfaces can be damaged as the oils fail to properly circulate, or even dislodge congealed oils and lubricants that travel and “gum up” the system.

Higher torque is just one issue created. In some cases, you can also see catastrophic failure and the release of energy.

Additionally, oils and lubricants can degrade in cold temperatures over time. The cold can cause the oils to separate into layers, a process called stratification.

Additives in the oils and lubricants are not necessarily the solution, either, as the wrong choice for the environment will also gum up or fail to circulate entirely.

So, what can you do? Look for the following in your choice of oils and lubricants when dealing with colder temperatures, and keep to following best practices when possible:

1. Choose the right viscosity (thickness) in oils and lubricants for your equipment, as recommended by the manufacturer or an expert in maintenance.
2. Check for the correct “pour point” – a term for how temperatures impact the thickness of the oils and lubricant in question.
3. Use heaters, and keep in mind that proper changing methods can have a positive (or negative) impact.
4. If you’re unsure what to choose, do your homework and/or check with an expert. The technology to improve oils and lubricants has come a long way in recent years. Find out if there are new solutions or options, based on your unique circumstances and needs.

Finally, please don’t hesitate to reach out if the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service can provide information, support, or better products for you this season. We look forward to working with you!

We've said it before, and we’ll say it again. A contaminated, dirty system isn’t just bad form, it can cause early wear and tear, preventable maintenance issues, and system failure. It’s the single most preventable source of additional cost and trouble for anyone who has invested in equipment, machinery, or a service fleet.

In a recent blog, we covered the serious problems caused by contamination of oils and lubricants. Today we’re talking about cleanliness again, but this time we’ll specifically cover transmission issues. Do you know the basics of transmission maintenance, and when to do a system flush versus when to add fluid?

Before we get started, we want to remind you that we always recommend that you call in an expert if you’re not sure what the best practices are to maintain a piece of costly equipment, or to determine best practices for a fleet. As a leading commercial fuel and lubricants supplier in California, the team at Greg’s Petroleum Service can provide advice and support based on your individual needs.

Why Your Machine Needs Clean Transmission Fluid, and When to Flush

As you know, your transmission is responsible for the performance of the gears, clutches, and bearings of your truck, machine, or heavy equipment.

A contaminated transmission system, then, can lead to the inability to shift gears properly, grinding, and even system failure. Contamination is caused (in general) by wind, condensation, routine use, and water.

You can’t really control weather conditions. But routine use can be just as significant a factor. The high heat generated – even under “normal,” or not necessarily extreme conditions – will, over time, break down transmission fluid and leave the system vulnerable to contaminants that build up into sludge and clogging debris in the system.

When that happens, the contaminants aren’t cleared as the (old) fluid circulates through the system or carried along properly to be trapped in the filter. Instead, the contaminants lodge in the narrow fluid passages inside the valve body, where they get trapped and lead to system issues – such as poor gear shifting.

One thing you can do is regularly add a transmission flush additive to help clear debris and sludge. Check your equipment manual for recommendations on the timeline and be sure to be proactive.

But, old dirty transmission fluid, even with regular maintenance, is still carrying debris and isn’t as good for your equipment as new, clean transmission fluid. However, a full transmission flush can be expensive and may even dislodge debris (if the system is super dirty) to cause clogging.

So, what to do? Hopefully, you’re reading this at a time when you can put a maintenance plan in place BEFORE you have a problem.

We recommend you have a good maintenance plan in place to monitor the quality of your transmission fluid and to add cleaning chemicals when necessary. We also recommend using VPS Chemicals, such as those carried by Greg’s Petroleum Service, with higher cleanliness standards.

Remember, we’re here to help! Feel free to call us with questions or to review your individual equipment and circumstances. The right team can not only help with repairs but can provide a service plan to help you prevent issues down the line.

That’s exactly what we do here at Greg's Petroleum Service. Not only are we a trusted fuel fleet service supplier in California, but we also provide expert advice, a variety of automotive chemicals for maintenance, food grade oils and lubricants, and so much more.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more, or if there’s something we can do for you.