Purpose-built 67,000L Diesel Tank for Southern Refrigerated Transport
Background & Challenge
Southern Refrigerated Transport is a specialist cold chain logistics provider servicing temperature-sensitive freight across Australia. With 15 years in operation and a growing fleet of 50 trucks and refrigerated trailers, the business required a fuel storage and refuelling solution that could keep pace with expansion while improving operational efficiency.
After seeing a custom Durotank installation at Wickham Freightliners, owner Robert contacted Durotank seeking a similar setup, but with additional functionality to suit refrigerated transport operations.
The brief was clear:
- Easy refilling of truck and the fridge trailers.
- Eliminate the need to reposition trucks during refuelling
- Accurately separate fuel usage between truck and trailer for tax and reporting purposes
- Ensure the solution was simple for drivers to use, secure and scalable for future growth
Solution & Benefits
Drawing on experience from previous large-fleet installations, the Durotank team designed a purpose-built fuel storage and management solution tailored specifically to Southern Refrigerated Transport’s workflow.
A 67,000L diesel tank was selected, paired with the Smartfill fuel management system, allowing the business to monitor fuel usage remotely with live data access.
To address the need for clear fuel separation between trucks and refrigerated trailers, Durotank recommended integrating an RFID tag reader system. Each truck and trailer was fitted with a ceramic RFID smart tag, ensuring:
- Automatic identification of the vehicle being refuelled
- Fuel transactions recorded accurately and instantly
- No manual input required by drivers
For added security, the system was configured so the pump will not activate unless a valid tag is detected, and fuel flow stops immediately if the nozzle is removed. This significantly reduces the risk of fuel theft or misallocation.
We also customised the refuelling points:
- Front-mounted refuelling for truck refill
- Mid-tank refuelling points for refrigerated trailers
This design allowed both units to be refuelled without moving the truck, improving efficiency and reducing congestion on site.
The Result
Durotank delivered a fully integrated, site-ready fuel solution that met all operational and compliance requirements while reducing installation complexity.
Since we work on our own tanks and not imported ones, we had the ability to modify and re-enforce the tanks as required prior to painting, giving the customer the best quality end product at a lower cost.
Southern Refrigerated Transport now has a scalable fuel management system that supports their growing fleet and simplifies day-to-day operations.
The Durotank Difference
With all design and manufacturing done in-house, Durotank delivers fit-for-purpose solutions tailored to each client’s operational needs. Backed by our proven industry experience, practical innovation and a strong track record across Australian industries, we provide reliable fuel storage solutions operators trust, project after project..
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My experience with Durotank was exceptional from start to completion.
Emily was patient with us from the start - we took a while to make our decision, but she was always ready to help. She proactively addressed all enquiries and offered comprehensive support. No pressure, just good service.
Furthermore, Durotank was highly accommodating when we requested custom signage. It turned out great and looked fantastic.
I highly recommend Durotank to any organisation seeking a seamless, efficient, and thoroughly professional supplier for diesel tank requirements.
Joe Valesini - AUS Inds Customer Relationship Manager Motion
We had a great experience working with Durotank on our order for a 2,400L water cart trailer, set up for firefighting and tree watering. Their team was responsive throughout the process and delivered exactly what we needed on schedule, despite a very tight timeframe. The build quality is excellent - it’s clear a lot of care and expertise went into the manufacturing. We also value being able to support an Australian-made company and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Durotank for both their product quality and service.
Joel Courtney – APMS Operations
We considered many other brands of diesel tank but quickly settled on Durotank - they ticked all the boxes. An Australian-made, self bunded quality tank with the ability to load and transport on-site whilst full is a winner.
The team communicated professionally with us regarding modifications and build timing. We will certainly use Durotank again and would confidently recommend them to others.
Andrew Reeves, Ethtec
We had a great experience working with Durotank in purchasing our service trailer, from the enquiry stage to the delivery date the Durotank team were pleasant and very professional. Emily from the sales team answered any and all questions we had about specs and options, working with us to meet expectations and budget limitations. The production team kept us well informed of build schedule and approximate delivery dates. Overall we highly recommend the Durotank team if your looking for a service trailer, value for money is second to none and the quality is top notch.
Aaron Asquith - Leading Hand - Rental Komatsu Australia, Truganina Branch VIC
We purchased Durotank’s 2400 Litre poly water trailer with fire-fighter pump and hose reel, plus optional dribble bar and batter sprays attached.
Our property, Duxton Farm, borders the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Because of this, early season burning is extremely important to prevent uncontrollable bushfires later in the dry season. The trailer has been an invaluable asset to fire control – always full and ready to go when the call comes.
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Overall, we’re extremely happy with our purchase and the support from the Durotank team. We’ll be back.
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I purchased a Poly Tank Fuel Trailer from DUROTANK in April 2018. DUROTANK builds one of the best fuel trailers I have ever used. The build quality, engineering and attention to detail is unreal. The fuel trailer is rock solid, it tracks extremely well full of fuel at 100km/hr and its road worthy. All of the fittings are hoses are high quality hydraulic hose and crimped fittings so there are no leaks. The Durotank team is very easy to deal with and more than happy to help with any enquiries. The staff are friendly and it is a pleasure to do business with them. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat, that’s for sure
Ben Harris – AB Contract Farming
The Duro Cubes are going extremely well! My guys are very happy with them. Having them already saved us on oil transport on at least 2 occasions so far and has also allowed us to restructure our oil work days and use out of hours oil deliveries to make more efficient use of the time on site.
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I would like to recommend Durotank to anyone that is considering their products. From first enquiry to after the product was delivered the customer experience was flawless.
Nick Dunlop – Kelton Rentals
As a business owner I would highly recommend DUROTANK to any person who is serious about saving money, purchasing and storing their own fuel in bulk, particularly in today’s challenging economic times. DUROTANK supplied us an excellent quality Australian made fuel tank built to the specs that suited out business. Our staff love how easy it is to use and how much time it saves refuelling each week. We purchased the Smartfill System with it and its definitely a worthwhile investment both for use and fuel management. The aftersales service from DUROTANK has been outstanding.
Tony Grace – Lachlan Valley
The supply process from quotation to order placement, being kept informed of manufacturing process and delivery date and final delivery was seamless. I really appreciated the proactive approach to driving a positive Customer Experience. I couldn’t fault the product or service at all.
Peter – Meadows Family Restaurants
All our fuel trailers and on site tanks are supplied by Durotank which are built with strength and quality and always delivered on time, helpful and friendly staff, won’t get better.
