Commercial Fuel Stations vs. Retail Gas Stations

While the typical retail gas station might come to mind when you think of fueling up, there are two different types of fueling stations. Commuters and local delivery drivers usually rely on retail gas stations to fuel up, grab refreshments, and stretch their legs. However, where do semi-trucks and other larger vehicles get their fuel? The answer is at commercial fuel stations, where they can increase their efficiency and quickly get back on the road.

What Is a Commercial Fuel Station?

When you think of a gas station, you often think of cars and trucks, perhaps even the occasional commercial van. Often, there is a store or booth with products for sale and even lavatories for weary travelers. However, many other larger commercial vehicles such as box trucks, semi-trucks, and large construction vehicles populate the roadway and fuel up at commercial fuel stations.

Since retail stations often have congestion due to traffic from cars and people going inside the building for drinks, snacks, and bathroom breaks, commercial fueling stations offer a quick, efficient fuel stop. Businesses that use commercial vehicles for their operations benefit from commercial fuel stations because they increase their productivity. Drivers can get their fuel and go where they need to without getting caught up in the traffic of retail gas stations.

Companies in trucking, distribution, construction, and manufacturing use commercial fueling stations to get great rates on the fuel they need to do their business. When drivers have the convenience of using commercial fueling stations, they can spend more time on the road and at the job site.

What Are the Types of Commercial Fuel Stations?

Commercial fuel stations, unlike retail stations, predominately carry diesel fuel. While you may only see one diesel fueling station at traditional gas stations, commercial stations have a range of fuel options for various business needs:

 

• Diesel fuel: Vehicles with diesel engines need diesel fuel. Diesel producers use crude oil and biomass to make this type of fuel, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates its creation to reduce pollution. Most diesel fuel sold for driving use is ultra-low sulfur diesel, meaning it has a sulfur content of fewer than 15 parts per million.
• Gasoline: Gasoline is made from crude oil and petroleum liquids. Most vehicles use gasoline, but commercial vehicles often have diesel engines. Commercial fueling stations often still carry gasoline to serve those customers with vehicles that cannot take diesel.
• Diesel exhaust fluid: Diesel exhaust fluid helps prevent diesel from releasing too many pollutants into the atmosphere.
• Red-dyed diesel: Drivers cannot use red-dyed diesel on public roadways. Because red-dyed diesel is not taxed, you have to have special permission to use it in your vehicles. Agriculture, mining, and road construction machines and vehicles can legally use red-dyed diesel.

While not all commercial fuel stations will carry every single type of fuel, most have the basics like street-legal diesel and gasoline.

 

What Is the Commercial Fueling Network?

A CFN is a network of gas stations for commercial use only. Commercial fuel stations, sometimes called cardlock stations because they only accept fleet cards, are for businesses with a high fuel demand. Going to a regular gas station means paying higher premiums and often experiencing long wait times due to the heavy traffic in and out of these locations. With a commercial fueling network, businesses can take advantage of special fuel prices.

Because commercial filling stations are not open to the general public, drivers of commercial vehicles can enjoy a service built for their needs. With various fuel offerings, such as more diesel stations and even diesel exhaust fluid and dyed diesel, tractors and trucks can get through the fueling process more efficiently. Since they do not have to wait in line for the only diesel pump or navigate a busy parking lot as they do in retail stations, drivers can focus more on what they need to do and where they need to go.

Characteristics of a Retail Gas Station

Retail gas stations are almost the opposite of commercial fueling locations. While both provide fuel to their customers, the operation, layout, and function of these types of stations differ dramatically. Retail stations have the name “retail” because they sell gas to the general public. Sedans, coupes, vans, and even some trucks and buses use retail gas stations to purchase gasoline or diesel.

While diesel engines are not extremely common in road vehicles, certain trucks and larger vehicles require diesel, which is why retail gas stations often provide one or two diesel pumps in addition to the traditional gasoline. Besides fuel offerings, retail gas stations will usually provide other services like tire air pumps, window washing, and various food, drink, and tobacco products — and in some states, lottery tickets.

How Are Commercial Fuel Stations Different From Retail Gas Stations?

Commercial fuel stations differ from retail gas stations in five key areas:

1. Size

While most retail gas stations have close-together pumps and sharp turnarounds, that layout does not work for larger semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. CFNs have plenty of room for all kinds of trucks, vans, and machinery. Getting in and out of the gas station with ease is essential to maintaining efficiency and meeting those important deadlines.

2. Staff

Retail gas stations have staff — most often cashiers who can accept payments for gasoline purchases. They also operate the store by selling food and drinks. Some gas stations even have restaurant-quality food offerings, creating sandwiches and other food items made to order. In contrast, commercial fuel stations do not have staff on the premises.

3. Fuel

Fuel choices differ at these two kinds of stations. Retail stations prioritize gasoline and have some diesel pumps, while commercial fueling stations provide more diesel fuel options than gasoline. Businesses can also access specialized fuel such as dyed diesel for their operations.

4. Pumps

Certain large commercial vehicles operate with dual fuel tanks. Two tanks mean twice the filling time, but commercial stations often provide dual pumps so drivers can fill both tanks at once. Retail stations usually only have one pump, as most gasoline cars only have one gas tank.

5. Payment

Prices at retail gas stations are the same for every customer and can change depending on market value, competition, and supply. In contrast, since CFNs operate with cardlocks, they create fuel prices through negotiating with different businesses and fleets. Drivers use these fleet cards to purchase their fuel. Commercial fueling stations offer more savings on fuel since they have fewer amenities.

Contact SC Fuels to Learn More About Our Bulk Fuel Options

When you need more fuel than the filling station provides, turn to SC Fuels. We offer various fuels for commercial use, including gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel. Purchase branded or unbranded fuel in bulk for incredible cost savings and fast, reliable delivery.

To learn more about our bulk fuel options, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.