Three Bespoke Fuel Solutions for Southern Shorthaul Railroad
Background & Challenge
Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) is a customer-focused, full-service rail business operating across Australia. Their services include rail freight operations, equipment servicing, wagon and locomotive maintenance, and manufacturing.Â
In 2023, as SSR celebrated 20 years in operation, the team approached Durotank to support a new depot in Cootamundra, NSW. Keeping trains fuelled and moving across vast distances is a major logistical challenge – especially in regional locations where reliability and safety are paramount.Â
SSR required a high-flow, filtered and metered pump with a 20-metre hose capable of reaching locomotives from the tank. However, the hose weight and flow rate raised OH&S concerns, prompting the need for a safer, more efficient fuel handling system.Â
Solutions & Benefits Â
The Durotank team were really keen to work with SSR on this project, especially Jerrod, who worked closely with the team at site to provide them with equipment that was going to tick all the boxes for them. Â
Being a smaller depot, SSR opted for the 67,000L diesel tank with a 415V high-flow pump. We suggested putting the hose reel on an electric wind/rewind for safety reasons at the site, especially with how heavy the hose was going to be. This also ensured their equipment had the required reach and flow rate without compromising operator safety and ease of use. Â
Since SSR is a well-known company, we knew from the get-go that our competitors would be working hard to get this order as well. But thanks to the success of the initial installation, SSR upgraded their sites with two more Durotank products: 100,000L tanks featuring fuel pumps and fuel management systems.Â
Their second order was unique, as there was no power supply. Durotank supplied them with a Genset to run the diesel tank. For their third order, they needed a combination tank – diesel and oil storage – so they could easily service their vehicles on-site, maintaining operations without interruption. Â
Each system was engineered and delivered by Durotank’s in-house team to meet SSR’s exact operational needs, with careful attention to safety, durability and reliability.Â
The Durotank Difference Â
At Durotank, we do more than deliver tanks – we build partnerships that last. From the first enquiry, our team, led by Jerrod, worked closely with SSR to understand their operational challenges and provide a solution that ticked every box.Â
Because all design and manufacturing are handled in-house, Durotank maintained clear communication with SSR throughout production, keeping them informed from concept through to delivery. This level of collaboration and transparency is what defines the Durotank Difference: exceptional service, genuine care and purpose-built Australian quality.Â
With over 20 years’ experience supporting industries across transport, mining, construction and agriculture, Durotank continues to deliver reliable, safe and high-performance fuel solutions that keep Australia moving.Â
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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.
We’ve found it to be well balanced, empty or full, with the baffle ball system effectively controlling surge. We have had no issues with set-up, towing it with either a Landcruiser or Hilux.
Overall, we’re extremely happy with our purchase and the support from the Durotank team. We’ll be back.
Bruce Connolly, Northern Regional Manager, Duxton Farms
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.
Field Supervisor, Electricity Distributor (AUSGRID)
The fuel trailer I purchased from DUROTANK is well designed to withstand the harsh mining environment I work in, with no compromise to efficient and reliable fast fuel delivery
Brad Black – Hardrock Blasting Services
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.
