Greg’s Petroleum Service started as a California Fuel and Lubricant supplier nearly fifty years ago. So we know how difficult it can be to grow a business. There are ebbs and flows, years of lean profit margins, and risky ventures followed by exponential growth.

Right now, many of our clients are facing a difficult time as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses, already facing thin profit margins, are now grappling with further economic uncertainty. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get the best return on investment for your business, especially for your bulk fuels and wholesale lubricants.

One way to get the best investment return on your wholesale lubricants is to implement a lubricant storage system. Lubricant contamination is all too common. Replacing contaminated lubricants costs time and money, and if the lubricants aren’t replaced, you could be facing equipment breakdowns and costly maintenance. That’s why the right system is so important to prevent contamination. We have a few tips to help.

First, let’s focus on oil storage. Storing oil the right way can save your business a great deal of money. We do our best to make sure that your delivery arrives with as little contamination possible, but storage is up to you. Here’s what you need to know about storing oil.

  • Oil storage containers should be made out of stainless steel or polyethylene. Regular steel will rust and corrode, which can cause contamination. All containers must meet UL SU2258 standards for aboveground storage. They should be properly labeled and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Right to Know Federal Law. Traditional oil drum storage (i.e., kegs, jugs, or drums) is possible, but be aware that these containers are more susceptible to contamination, inaccurate inventory control, and residual waste.
  • Portable oil storage containers are ideal for transporting oil to remote areas or for equipment use. Make sure they can be used with pumps and hose reels to prevent spillage and contain onboard filtration. Always follow safety standards and precautions when transporting oil to prevent spills.
  • Invest in an oil dispensing system. There are a variety of oil dispensing systems you can use. Bulk oil and bulk fuel dispensing systems can be installed to prevent waste and increase safety.

A secure system should include:

  • Color coding tanks and hoses to prevent cross-contamination
  • Pressurized dispensing taps
  • Spill containment equipment
  • Pumps and filters for each tank
  • Hosing that is rated MSHA CFR30 with auto-shutoff and tank isolation valves
  • Proper storage tanks made from polyethylene or stainless steel
  • Desiccant breathers
  • Beta filters
  • Multiple configurations that you are able to change to meet your bulk fuel or bulk oil needs

Storing your bulk fuel and oil with the right tools is just the first step. You also need to implement a system for keeping your supply fresh and free of contaminants. This starts with dedicated bulk fuel and bulk lubrication storage space. You can’t just store your materials in a shed.

Here are five practices you should put in place to start proper lubrication storage.

  1. Create a dedicated lubrication/bulk fuel storage space. Bulk fuel and lubricants are hazardous materials, so you need to have the right safety procedures and equipment. It’s easier to inspect and refresh your inventory, clean up spills, and prevent cross-contamination if everything is in one place.
  2. Install proper dispensing equipment. The number one cause of contamination occurs when dispensing lubricants and fuels. Make sure you have a proper dispensary system in place for refills. When you are out using the lubricant on equipment, make sure to follow the recommended amounts. Investing in a single point lubricator can save you time and money when lubricating your equipment. This is a great guide to help you find the right equipment for your needs.
  3. Rotate your bulk fuel/lubrication storage. Regularly rotating your inventory can help you make sure you are using fresh supplies. The longer a fuel or lubricant sits in storage, the more likely it is to become contaminated or oxidized.
  4. Follow proper labeling procedures. Damaged or missing labels can be a huge headache. Make sure to affix your labels with an anti-warping solution or label the shelf itself. Make sure to keep detailed records of your inventory for reference.
  5. Regularly test your product. Contamination and oxidation can happen with even the best storage practices. Make sure to regularly test your supplies before you use them in your equipment to prevent damage. If you need help, we offer an oil analysis program to test your samples for you.

Properly storing your oil and lubricants is a great way to protect your equipment, but it’s not the only way. If you want to ensure that you are getting the best quality lubricants and fuel, you need to order the right supplies. This is where we can help. Our team is highly experienced in evaluating your lubrication needs and recommending the right products for your operation. We offer a wide variety of bulk fuels and wholesale lubricants for many types of equipment. Some of our top sellers come from trusted brands such as Chevron, Valvoline™, and Havoline®.

Here are a few you might want to try in your shop.

  • DELO® 400 Heavy Duty Engine Oil: This line of heavy-duty oils from Chevron is built for machinery that works hard. It offers 35% better oxidation control, 68% better wear protection, 64% better piston deposit control, and 60% better component durability. This line of oil is designed for a variety of conditions to keep your engines running.
  • Valvoline™ Daily Protection Motor Oils: This line of oil features high-quality additives to prevent wear and tear. Modern engines run hotter and faster, making it easier for deposits to form in the engine. These oils offer added protection, as well as increased fuel efficiency. Start using these oils in your business fleet, and you’ll see a difference.
  • Havoline® High Mileage motor oils: This Chevron brand of oils is designed to keep your aging business fleet on the road. Don’t worry about replacing older vehicles. Start using these oils to extend your engines’ lives even while your mileage ticks higher. It protects against deposits and contains additives that have cleaning and sealing conditioning agents to cut back on oil leaks.

These are just a few of the top products customers are already ordering. We have a large inventory that can meet your lubrication and fuel needs. It isn’t cheap to keep your vehicles and equipment in proper working order but investing in quality oil and lubricant storage practices can make all the difference. Don’t flush your money down the drain. Get your money’s worth with these practices.