Fuel prices are subject to a complex interplay of global, national and local factors that all contribute to the fluctuations in fuel prices. The NATSO Foundation pulled together a macro-level look at the factors influencing fuel costs.
08-26-2024Understanding the various types of fuels available is crucial for providing customers with the right choices and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. The most common types of fuel include regular octane gasoline, premium gasoline, reformulated gasoline, Low Reid Vapor Pressure gasoline, E85, diesel, premium diesel, winter diesel, biodiesel and renewable diesel.
08-13-2024Commercial fuel buying is a complex process involving several pricing mechanisms, multiple fuel types, and various outside market factors that can affect supply and demand. At the same time, truck stop and travel center operators must closely monitor their budgets, fuel prices and inventory.
“One of the most important things to understand is how fuel is priced. There are several pricing mechanisms, including the spot market. In a traditional procurement perspective, that means I don’t necessarily have an agreed-to price,” Randy Grizzle, director of sales and marketing for TACenergy said. “I needed it today. I bought it today.” However, in commercial fueling, there are one of two indices that have spot in their name, which can create confusion, Grizzle said.
07-29-2024Buying fuel is a complicated process, and determining the best approach helps operators increase profitability while minimizing risks.
The NATSO Foundation has created this toolkit to give operators a broad understanding of available fuel types, including renewable fuel, and spot purchasing vs. index-based purchasing while also offering insights into choosing branded vs. unbranded fuel and building supplier relationships.
The toolkit was created in collaboration with TAC Energy.
06-03-2024The NATSO Foundation’s Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Toolkit covers several critical areas, including fueling payment options and factors influencing drivers’ fueling decisions. See key truckstop and travel plaza metrics-at-a-glance for the toolkit in this new infographic.
02-17-2023On Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 12:00 p.m. eastern, NATSO is presenting a webinar on fuel buying basics.
08-28-2019
Fuel buying has continued to get more sophisticated, and the current combination of demand, supply, terminal operating status and rack price rules have created a complicated equation for truckstop and […]
03-01-2018 Even half a cent per gallon can add up to thousands of dollars for fleets, which is why more and more carriers are relying on fuel optimization software to direct them to locations where they can get the most bang for their buck. Software providers told Stop Watch that fuel price, location and amenities all factor into a carrier’s decision-making process. To increase their odds of becoming a location of choice, truckstops and travel plazas can ensure information on their amenities, geographical location and fuel prices is correct.
11-01-2010
