Of course it is very hard to say exactly who is buying but if something is driving supply there must have been a demand for the stolen fuel. The fuel theft eco-system comprises of these people:
- Owner operators come as 1st in line. They are buying stolen fuel from the company drivers or people working on a truck stop. Since every 6th truck driver is owner operator this drivers demand for the fuel.
- People Working on a Gas station or a Truck stop. The same like owner operators but in this case they become the middle man that connects the supply and demand and makes money as a middle man.
Who Is stealing fuel?
- The biggest misuse happens from inside company factors such as drivers. Yes they have the biggest misuse possibilities and in some occasions they are using it. They are the ones that are holding a fuel card and they are 100% in control.
- 2nd biggest threat comes from outside company factors such as thieves when the truck is left unattended. Due to HOS rules sometimes trucks are parked on a parking lot for a day or maybe even more without any surveillance allowing thieves to access the fuel tank and simply siphon the fuel from the tank.
