When planning for underground fuel storage, there’s a lot to consider beyond a well-engineered tank. Lead times, labor, scheduling delivery and install all play a critical role in project cost and performance.
Many tank decisions focus on upfront costs, without fully accounting for the time, costs and risk associated with installation. The tank you choose directly impacts excavation scope, backfill requirements, labor hours and long-term performance once it’s in the ground.
It’s where steel stands apart. TrueNorth Steel Plasteel® Elutron® tanks combine the best of both worlds. They are engineered for long-term performance and efficient, predictable installation.
Preferred by installers and proven in the ground, below are five ways steel outperforms the competition.
1. Smaller Excavation & Simplified Backfill
Steel tanks require no special backfill process, unlike fiberglass tanks that often demand alternating fill and compaction steps. Essentially eliminating extra excavation time, additional material handling and layer-by-layer placement requirements. Your project benefits from reduced labor hours, equipment time and material costs.
2. Structural Strength for Faster Installation
Steel tanks are inherently rigid, and built to handle underground installation conditions. Installers prefer them and benefit from straightforward placement and leveling, reduced handling complexity and few installation steps. The result is a smooth install and greater control over project timelines.
3. A Foundation for Lower Lifetime Costs
Installation sets the stage for decades of performance. With proper maintenance, steel consistently outperforms fiberglass in durability, offering easier, more cost-effective repairs, greater resistance to long-term ground stress and proven performance over extended service life.
4. Reduced Risk & Greater Certainty
Installation errors are costly. Steel’s durability reduces uncertainty in the field and helps protect project budgets by minimizing the risk of damage during placement, issues caused by soil pressure and potential rework or installation delays.
5. Versatile & Responsible
Steel tanks are a versatile and responsible choice. 100% recyclable and made in in America, TrueNorth Steel tanks are compatible with a wide range of fuels, chemicals and industrial materials. Plus, they are completely customizable for multiple compartments. Fiberglass often requires special resins depending on the contents, adding cost and complexity.
Preferred by Installers. Proven in the Ground.
Designed for reliability at every scale, we produce 560–50,000 gallon tanks with 14-week lead times, backed by multi-site fabrication and in-house logistics to keep projects on schedule.
Let’s partner on your next project and learn more about TrueNorth Steel tanks.
