Have you ever wondered how fuel is delivered to big trucks, generators, and other large equipment, or to on-site fleets of trucks and trailers? The process is called metered fuel delivery, and it makes sure that the right amount of fuel is pumped into the right assets. In this article, we will learn about metered fuel delivery, the technology used for this process, and the benefits it offers.
What is Metered Fuel Delivery?
Metered fuel delivery is the process of pumping fuel from a delivery truck (tankwagon) to a customer’s asset like a truck, refrigerated trailer, tank, or equipment such as a generator. The tankwagon has a fuel meter similar to what you see at a gas station, except it is an industrial version specially made for pumping from trucks. Deliveries to gas stations or convenience store (C-Stores) use trailers with gravity drops, and those deliveries are NOT metered.
Metered fuel delivery is use for above ground asset, not below ground gravity drops. For gravity drops, drivers deliver a whole compartment(s) on the trailer to the below ground tank. For metered delivery, the driver does not know the exact amount of fuel they will deliver, which is why there is a meter. This is similar to filling up your car at a gas station where you don’t know the exact amount.
How Does Metered Fuel Delivery Work?
To better understand metered fuel delivery, let’s look at the technology behind it. Many fuel delivery trucks use electronic meters made by companies like Liquid Controls, Mid-Comm, and TCS. These electronic meters, or eMeters, measure the fuel flow and make sure the correct amount is delivered.
BizSpeed, offers a fueling app called goRoam, that makes it easy for fuel delivery drivers to use eMeters. The goRoam app is connected to the eMeter and helps the driver manage the fuel delivery process.
goRoam App and eMeter Integration
The goRoam app connects to the eMeter using a cab-mounted fuel controller. The fuel controller continuously monitors and manages the eMeter. Drivers connect to the fuel controller using a commercial vehicle hotspot. This hotspot gives them a strong Wi-Fi connection, so they can always stay connected all the way to the end of a 150 foot hose.
When a driver arrives at a customer’s location to deliver fuel, they first scan a barcode on the truck or equipment they are fueling. The goRoam app checks this barcode to make sure it is the right asset and the right type of fuel. If the barcode is correct, the app sends a command to open a valve behind the eMeter, allowing fuel to flow.
If the barcode does not match, the valve stays closed, and the driver sees a message on the app explaining why they cannot fuel that asset. Some possible reasons might be the wrong type of fuel, or the asset does not belong to the customer they are delivering to. This system helps prevent mistakes and ensures that fuel is delivered to the right place.
The goRoam fuel controller continuously monitors the eMeter and records the meter sale number, totalizers, and GPS for each transaction. If a driver loses connectivity, they can easily walk back into line of site of the antenna and continue their delivery. If they don’t keep connectivity, the goRoam app still records the meter info. And if the driver uses the meter outside of the goRoam app, the fuel controller records that so you know if the driver is stealing or has rogue transactions.
Different eMeter Manufacturers
There are several eMeter manufacturers that make these helpful devices. Let’s take a look at three of them:
- Liquid Controls: This company offers various eMeters, including the LCR-II, LCR-600, and LCR-IQ. These meters use advanced technology to measure fuel accurately and help drivers deliver the right amount of fuel to their customers.
- Mid-Comm: Mid-Comm is another company that produces eMeters. Their devices help make the fuel delivery process more efficient, ensuring that customers receive the correct amount of fuel.
- TCS Meters: TCS meters are known for their durability and reliability. These eMeters are built to last and can accurately measure fuel for years, making them a popular choice for fuel delivery companies.
Benefits of Metered Fuel Delivery
Metered fuel delivery offers many benefits, including:
- Accuracy : The eMeters used in metered fuel delivery systems ensure that the exact amount of fuel is pumped into the customer’s assets. This means customers only pay for the fuel they receive, and fuel delivery companies can keep accurate records of the fuel they deliver.
- Efficiency: Metered fuel delivery systems like BizSpeed’s goRoam app make the fuel delivery process faster and more efficient. Drivers can easily check that they are delivering the right fuel to the right asset, reducing the chances of mistakes.
- Safety: By using barcode scanning and automated valve control, metered fuel delivery systems reduce the risk of fuel spills or accidents. The system only allows fuel to flow when the correct asset and fuel type are confirmed, ensuring a safer fuel delivery process.
- Ease of use: With the goRoam app, drivers can easily manage the fuel delivery process using their smartphone or tablet. This makes it simpler for drivers to do their job and helps them focus on delivering fuel safely and efficiently.
- Customer satisfaction: Metered fuel delivery ensures that customers receive the right fuel for their assets, and only pay for what they receive. This helps build trust between the customer and the fuel delivery company, leading to better customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, metered fuel delivery is an important process for delivering fuel to large trucks, generators, and other equipment. The use of electronic meters and apps like BizSpeed’s goRoam makes the process more accurate, efficient, and safe. With different eMeter manufacturers like Liquid Controls, Mid-Comm, and TCS meters, fuel delivery companies can choose the right meter for their needs. By understanding how metered fuel delivery works, we can appreciate the technology and benefits that help keep our world running smoothly.
BizSpeed is also available to assist or to perform full truck installations of our LCR electronic meter system.
