Understanding Different Oil Tanker Sizes

With heating oil homes often in rural areas, and sometimes with tight access roads, some homes may need a delivery from a much smaller truck. From narrow country lanes to limited driveway space, having the right tanker delivering your oil can make a big difference.

In some cases, if a delivery has to be aborted due to impossible access, you could be charged an “aborted delivery fee”. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different heating oil tanker sizes and explain when each one might be used for your delivery – or why you should choose it.

The "Baby" Tanker

Our smallest delivery option available. This tanker is designed for the tightest spaces and has a capacity of around 9,000 to 10,000 litres, though capacity can vary slightly depending on the model.

• Manoeuvrability - The baby tanker’s small size makes it ideal for narrow lanes, tight rural roads, and small driveways.
• Reduced Weight - These tankers are often lighter, which can help prevent damage to soft or delicate driveways and paths.
• Accessibility - Suitable for hard-to-reach areas that would be impossible for larger tankers to access.

Choose this option if…

Baby tankers are commonly used for deliveries to homes in remote locations with limited road access or to those with limited parking space. 

The 4-Wheeler Tanker

A step up from the baby tanker, the 4-wheeler typically has a capacity of around 13,000 to 16,000 litres. It’s slightly larger than the baby tanker but still compact enough to navigate narrow roads.

• Balance of Size and Capacity - The 4-wheeler offers a balance between manoeuvrability and fuel capacity, making it versatile for most delivery locations.
• Suitable for Medium-Sized Areas - These tankers can access areas with moderate space constraints and are often still able to make deliveries on smaller roads and lanes.

The 4-wheeler is commonly used in suburban and semi-rural areas where the baby tanker might be unnecessary, but where a larger tanker may still struggle with accessibility.

The Standard Tanker (6-Wheeler)

The standard tanker, or 6-wheeler, is the largest of the three, with a typical capacity of around 18,000 to 20,000 litres.

• High Capacity - This tanker’s large capacity means it can deliver to multiple customers on the same trip, which can help reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Requires Space - Suitable for properties with ample space for manoeuvring and turning. 
• Group Savings - Beacause of the high capacity these tankers offer, suppliers can service entire areas with one tanker, meaning they can offer group savings.

The standard tanker is ideal for deliveries in areas where space is not an issue, such as larger estates, commercial premises, or rural properties with wide access.

Special Mention: The Articulated Tanker

We can't talk about tankers without mentioning the biggest of them all. These behemouths can hold up to 36,000 litres of heating oil, that's enough to last a typical household over 20 years!

Due to their size and difficulty to manoeuvre, articulated tankers are almost never used for domestic deliveries. Instead they're mostly used to transport product from the oil terminals to the supplier depots, along with other fuel types.

Understanding the different types of heating oil tankers can help you ensure that the right vehicle is sent for your delivery, reducing complications and helping to prevent delays. Whether you live in a remote rural area or have a property with ample space, there’s a tanker size that’s right for you.

When placing your order, be sure to choose a suitable tanker or let us know about any access limitations to help us choose the appropriate tanker for a smooth delivery experience. If you're unsure, you can always call our team for advice on 01480 775454.