Truck and Track Spring 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 36 FUEL MANAGEMENT Selecting an above-ground storage tank for diesel, HVO or other fuels can be challenging. With prices, specifications and build standards varying widely across the market, it’s easy for operators to be drawn toward the cheapest option—only to discover later that the tank falls short in areas that matter most. Merridale’s Complete Tank Packages were developed to remove this uncertainty, offering a fully engineered solution focused on quality, compliance and long-term reliability. Merridale entered the tank sector after seeing operators repeatedly offered tanks made from narrow-gauge steel, fitted with low-grade pumps and sold with vague or misleading build specifications. To address this, the company created a strict tank specification designed to meet or exceed all relevant environmental, safety and ATEX standards. This ensures customers know exactly what they are buying and can trust that the tank will perform under real-world operating conditions. A key difference in Merridale’s approach is the emphasis on accurate, usable capacity. Many budget tanks advertise an impressive “overall capacity” that doesn’t reflect the true working volume. Merridale-sourced tanks provide at least the full stated working capacity, and often more, ensuring operators receive the storage they expect. Tanks can also be designed to fit the site footprint, with options for side- or end-mounted cabinets, allowing far greater flexibility than standardised lowcost alternatives. Construction quality is central to the Merridale offering. While cheaper tanks often rely on thinner steel and minimal bracing— leading to distortion, corrosion and early failure—Merridale’s tanks are built to robust standards such as BS799. Fabricators are carefully selected to ensure consistent workmanship, and strict paint and finishing processes are applied to maximise longevity. Accessibility and serviceability are equally important. Operators often find that cheaper tanks position pumps, gauges and valves tightly inside small cabinets, making maintenance or upgrades difficult. Merridale combats this with spacious walk-in style cabinets featuring wider doors, accessible pipework, mounting plates and clear service routes. Tanks incorporate domed or sloping roofs, under-tank channels for water drainage and anti-vandal housings designed to protect all critical components. Fuel theft continues to be a significant challenge for fleet and transport operations, with organised thieves frequently targeting depot tanks by accessing exposed pipework or vent points. Merridale designs its tanks to eliminate these vulnerabilities, ensuring valves and joints are fully enclosed within secure cabinets. When paired with Merridale tank management systems, operators can also benefit from automated leak and theft detection, with instant SMS alerts sent in the event of unexpected stock loss. What truly sets Merridale apart is the seamless integration of its tanks with advanced fuel management technology. High-accuracy ATEX-certified pumps, air separation units and positive-displacement meters ensure accurate delivery, while the FuelWorks platform provides complete visibility of stock, consumption and reconciliation. This not only enhances operational control but also simplifies environmental compliance and helps prevent costly fuel loss. In a market where low-cost tanks may offer appealing initial savings but compromise heavily on build quality, safety and serviceability, Merridale’s Complete Tank Packages offer a more dependable alternative. Built for longevity, engineered for accuracy and designed for the realities of commercial fleet operation, they provide the confidence operators need when investing in critical fuel infrastructure. To find out how a complete Merridale fuel tank and management system could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk. Why Merridale’s Complete Tank Packages Set the Standard for Fuel Storage Quality, Compliance and Control
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