It was only nine years ago when WA Fuel Supplies entered the industry.
Born from a desire to improve the presence of relationship-based fuel businesses and the general pricing commodity within Western Australia’s transport sector, the company’s mission to make a difference began like it has for many others – with a humble one-truck operation which diligently supplied and distributed fuel to customers around Perth.
Since this beginning, WA Fuel Supplies has seemingly wasted no time at all in servicing customers as the business has clearly enjoyed significant growth. The fuel distributor has massively extended its operations and it now transports fuel solutions to mines, farms, commercial businesses and even retail outlets, with an expanded fleet of over 50 fuel tanker trailers ranging from B-doubles to pocket and triple road trains.
Additionally, WA Fuel Supplies has been able to greatly extend its capacity with the opening of a new division in Laverton North, Victoria. This is all part of its ultimate goal to become Australia’s largest independent fuel provider according to Workshop Manager, Josh Fleming.
“Although we’re currently concentrating on Western Australia and Victoria, we certainly plan to keep growing,” he says. “We want to go anywhere we can, supplying everything that we can.”
This lofty ambition has long been underpinned by the fuel distributor’s working relationship with transport component manufacturer, BPW Transpec, which has supplied specific trailer parts to the business throughout its expansion. WA Fuel Supplies was largely attracted to BPW due to its high-quality and robust componentry which Josh says has been especially useful in the fleet’s operations throughout difficult terrain.
“I’ve been in the transport industry for a long time, and I’ve seen how consistently BPW products are able to last in Western Australia’s harsh conditions,” he says. “Our BPW products last very long and can handle wherever we take them. And while price is a factor, we’d rather pay a bit more for something that lasts so much longer.”
BPW Transpec axles and suspension systems are the focal point of WA Fuel Supplies’ trailer specifications, each bringing specific benefits to its expansive fleet. BPW Transpec’s axles are particularly favoured for their sealed and pre-tension designs which prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck in them and save time in the fitting process.
Other BPW Transpec products featured on WA Fuel Supplies builds also include Ringfeder couplings and towing eyes – both of which have performed to the transporter’s standards.
“Our trailers perform really well with the BPW equipment,” Josh says. “They’re extremely maintenance friendly and we very rarely get breakdowns. We’re very happy with the quality of these products.”
WA Fuel Supplies’ latest trailer delivery included a Tieman Tankers Performance-Based Standards (PBS) B-triple road train which, decked out with the aforementioned BPW Transpec products, is the second of its kind in the fleet. The PBS road trains have greatly contributed to WA Fuel Supplies’ operations in WA by allowing fuel deliveries to be completed via routes from Impala Terminals’ fuel terminal in Kwinana and the North West Coastal Highway. This provides major productivity and efficiency benefits to WA Fuel Supplies’ network which Josh says have been game changing for the business.
“We are the only company in Perth operating with this capacity,” he says. “The road trains really set our services apart in the market.
“The PBS combinations tow incredibly straight and follow around corners much better compared to a normal road train.
“They burn an average of 1.3 litres of fuel per kilometre. When carting 124,000 litres, they work out to be quite economical.”
Additionally, the road trains are receiving high praise from drivers. This is mainly due to the on-road handling and safety as a result of the BPW Transpec axles and suspensions.
“Our drivers are mainly concerned about breaking down or having an accident on the highway”, Josh says, “but they know that they’re never at risk in the road trains. The BPW parts are safe and reliable, and the vehicles are well-built.”
In addition to providing WA Fuel Supplies with high-quality trailer components through different retail outlets, BPW Transpec also supports it with consistent customer service. Josh says the team is always able to help with specific product queries while being available to his schedule and concerns.
“If we need any support with a product or inquiry, BPW Transpec will provide us with all the information we need,” he says. “The distance between us in Western Australia isn’t too far so they’re always prepared to come to our site.”
BPW Transpec extends this support with on-site training sessions to ensure WA Fuel Supplies’ drivers and engineers are thoroughly trained in implementing and using their axles, suspensions and other components.
BPW Transpec’s trailer componentry has travelled with WA Fuel Supplies as it has risen through the ranks of Australia’s fuel industry, meeting the needs of various customers with quality service and reliable equipment. The OEM’s components have been key aspects of all WA Fuel Supplies vehicles, and according to Josh, they will continue to be as the business seeks to expand further.
“We’re very happy to keep working in conjunction with BPW Transpec,” he says. “We can’t wait to see what comes next.”
