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Join Dominick Tullo as he details the history and drive behind the 85-year-old family-owned fuel distribution company.
This weekās FreightCaviar Podcast features Dominick Tullo, owner of Tullo Truck Stop in Newark, New Jersey. Dominick and family also operate T&R Oil Company, an 85-year-old fuel transportation business started by his great-grandfather. It evolved from transporting ice and coal to heating oil and now other types of fuel.
First, Dominick discussed the two sides of the business:
The Tullo Truck Stop
At truck stops, it's not just about fuel. Truckers have a favorite snack in mind. Tullo's recent poll posed the question: Which sells most - a medium coffee, cigarettes, a buttered roll, or a large coffee? The clear winner? The delectably simple buttered roll.
Additionally, truckers can take advantage of the overnight parking, showers, and more.
Tullo Diesel Fleet
Tullo's Diesel Fleet specializes in hyper-local fuel transport in New Jersey, ensuring swift accessibility for both OTR and local trucks. Additionally, a dedicated fleet transports corrosive Diesel Exhaust Fluid across broader regions, including eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. Highlighting efficiency, Tullo's direct fueling service can save large fleets approximately $124,000 annually in the Northeast due to reduced wait times and traffic challenges.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
What is it?: DEF is a non-hazardous solution primarily composed of deionized water (67.5%) and urea (32.5%).
Purpose: It's used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to convert harmful nitrogen oxides in diesel emissions into harmless water and nitrogen.
Dominick discussed the effects of Hurricane Sandy on the truck fleets in the Newark, New Jersey area. Post the hurricane, the local governor initiated a truck buyback program to rejuvenate the fleet.
Following this, there was an early and huge demand for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in the region. Dominickās company made the move to make DEF accessible at their truck stop in 2014 and even considered manufacturing it themselves, initially for internal use.
Tullo Wins With DEF
Challenges Remain
It's clear that the legacy initiated by Dominick Tullo's great-grandfather has not just endured but has evolved, innovated, and thrived. From the bustling operations of the truck stop to the intricacies of fuel transport and the emergence of DEF, the narrative illustrates the brand's resilience and adaptability
There's much more that isn't covered here with Dominick Tullo, including how he leverages social media (@Dominick_Tullo). Head over to FreightCaviar on Spotify or Youtube for more.
āI knew that a digital brokerage was just another broker with a digital app.ā
"I think some TMS's are failing because they donāt understand what brokers do every day."
"You need to know the rules of the game, and then you need to know how to play it."
āI used to hate a freight broker. All they're trying to do is take my money. That was the attitudeā¦ until you realize that if there's a load of freight, whether itās intermodal, brokerage, or assets, the load is going to go the way itās supposed to go. You can fight it, but youāll go broke.ā
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