Recovery efforts usually start right after a hurricane or even before one. Most businesses cannot survive without fuel, especially after a natural disaster. It’s important to have a contingency plan in place that provides ample supplies for a normal workday. But, this can be a major problem if you don’t have a working relationship with a local bulk fuel supplier.
Why it is important to have bulk fuel after a hurricane
After a hurricane passes, the local community is usually searching for basics like food, water, and fuel. It’s important for all businesses to develop a good working relationship with a bulk fuel supplier who can offer solutions to their supply issues. These companies can also help create a delivery schedule throughout the entire recovery process from the storm.
In severe weather conditions, your normal fuel supply could be delayed for days, weeks, or even months. It’s important for fuel-reliant businesses to stay open in times of crisis, if possible. This can be accomplished by becoming a loyal customer to a bulk supplier.
How to evaluate your fuel supplier
Prior to hurricane season, it’s best to evaluate your satisfaction with your bulk fuel supplier. You should ask yourself a few questions before moving forward with your working relationship.
- How much fuel is needed to continue operating as a functioning business before, during, and after a hurricane hits the area?
- How much communication is needed with your bulk fuel supplier to be considered a valued customer prior to the hurricane season?
- Under extreme weather conditions, can your supplier provide adequate support to fulfill your order request?
- Are you happy enough with your current supplier to consider staying and choosing a secondary supplier for emergencies?
The answers to these questions could define the type of working relationship you have with your bulk fuel supplier. These questions can help you to evaluate their performance before, during, and after a natural disaster. If they fail to produce, then it might be time to take your business elsewhere.
What happens when you have to choose a different supplier?
Most bulk fuel suppliers try to provide services to their customers at a reasonable price each day. But, their services may come up short during an emergency like a hurricane. Their failure to help businesses like your own could be an indication that you need a new or extra bulk fuel supplier.
Bulk fuel suppliers will increase their prices when the quantity of fuel decreases over time. This isn’t an example of price gouging, but how the market works. Still, if you are unhappy with your supplier’s pricing, you can often find another, even in emergency situations.
If you feel your bulk fuel supplier is using unfair business practices, then you may consider finding a new one. Begin by calling other suppliers and requesting a price quote for one of your typical orders. Then, you can decide before making a switch.
Tips for finding a bulk fuel supplier
The steps you take to find a supplier after a hurricane do not differ much from finding one during regular conditions. You can use these tips (and more) to help you if your business needs more fuel.
- Ensure that the supplier can deliver to your area first to save time.
- Make a list of your needs before you begin looking. Fuel suppliers will be busy after a hurricane, so they will need as much information from you as possible.
- Ask around for suggestions. You may have friends who already know where to find a reliable source of fuel.
- Don’t forget to pay attention to the experiences of others and the fuel supplier’s customer service, expertise, and pricing assurances. Don’t settle on a new supplier you aren’t happy with.
- Prepare for the next hurricane season to make getting fuel easier.
Getting bulk fuel from Kendrick Oil Company
At Kendrick Oil, we have decades of experience working in the oil and gas industry. If you have questions about any of our Products and Services, call us today at (800) 299-3991. You can also Contact Us by Email to learn more About Us and how we can help you before and after hurricane season. We provide services throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Louisiana.
