For fleet managers overseeing heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), finding the right HGV refuelling solution is critical to keeping operations efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. HGV-friendly fuel sites, particularly bunker sites, are purpose-built to meet the unique needs of large vehicles, offering high-speed pumps, wide lanes, and strategic locations to avoid lengthy, costly detours.
But what exactly is an HGV-friendly fuel site, and why are bunker sites the go-to choice for HGV fleets?
This in-depth guide, brought to you by Right Fuel Card, explores the features, benefits, and strategic advantages of HGV-friendly fuel sites, with a focus on bunker sites and how they integrate with fuel cards to optimise your fleet’s performance.
Trusted by over 25,000 UK businesses, Right Fuel Card offers tailored solutions to save compared to the standard pump price, with fixed, weekly pricing across our network, including HGV-friendly sites.
This guide was last updated in September 2025.
What is an HGV-friendly fuel site?
A HGV-friendly fuel site is a refuelling station designed specifically to accommodate the size, operational needs/challenges, and efficiency requirements of large, commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which are vehicles with a gross combination mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms.
Unlike standard forecourts, these sites feature wide entrances, high canopies, and high-speed pumps to ensure quick, safe, and convenient refuelling for trucks, lorries, coaches and buses.
Often located along motorways, A-roads, or near major ports, bunker sites minimise downtime and support long-haul journeys. Many HGV-friendly sites, including bunker sites, also offer additional amenities like AdBlue pumps, truck washes, parking areas, and showers, making them one-stop solutions for fleet drivers, particularly those covering long-haul mileage.
What are bunker sites?
Bunker sites are a subset of HGV-friendly fuel sites, specifically engineered for high-volume diesel users and large vehicles.
The term “bunker fuel” originates from maritime shipping, where fuel was stored in a ship’s bunker to power its engines.
In the context of HGV fleets, bunker sites refer to strategically located refuelling stations that offer bulk fuel dispensing, high-speed pumps, and facilities tailored for HGVs.
These sites are designed to support fleets with high fuel consumption, such as logistics companies or haulage firms.
Key features of bunker sites:
High-speed pumps: Delivering up to 120 litres of fuel per minute and allowing for rapid refuelling of multiple HGVs simultaneously, thereby reducing overall queuing and wait times for drivers.
Wide lanes and high canopies: To accommodate the size and height of HGVs (particularly double-stacked lorries, which may struggle to find a fuel station that fits), ensuring easy access and manoeuvrability.
Specialist fuels/products: Offer diesel, AdBlue, and sustainable options, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), to reduce emissions.
24/7 access: Many bunker sites operate around the clock, ideal for long-haul drivers working irregular hours.
Fuel card integration: Accept a range of fuel cards, including Right Fuel Card, UK Fuels, and Keyfuels fuel cards for seamless payments and discounts.
Why are HGV-friendly fuel sites ideal for HGVs?
HGV-friendly fuel sites, particularly bunker sites, are designed to address the specific needs of operating large vehicles.
Here’s why bunker sites are the preferred choice for UK HGV fleets:
Accessibility and design
Wide entrances and high canopies: HGV-friendly sites are built with spacious lanes and extra-high canopies to accommodate vehicles up to 4.5 metres tall, preventing damage and ensuring smooth entry and exit.
Dedicated HGV lanes: These sites feature additional, dedicated HGV lanes, allowing more vehicles to refuel simultaneously and reducing queues.
Strategic locations: Positioned on motorways, A-roads, or near logistics hubs, these sites align with major, arterial routes, minimising detours and downtime searching for fuel.
High-speed refuelling
Rapid pumps: High-speed pumps dispense 120 litres per minute, significantly cutting refuelling time, which is critical for time-sensitive deliveries. For example, a 500-litre HGV tank can be filled in just over four minutes.
Multi-vehicle capacity: Bunker sites allow multiple HGVs to refuel simultaneously using high-speed pumps, boosting efficiency for large fleets.
Specialist fuels and sustainability
Diesel and AdBlue: Essential for HGVs, AdBlue reduces NOx emissions to meet sustainability standards. Available on pump (versus consumer-sized bottles) at most bunker sites, this saves you money and drivers' time.
Sustainable fuels: HVO and GTL Fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% without requiring engine modifications, thereby supporting ongoing environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Fuel card integration
Wide acceptance: HGV-friendly sites typically accept multiple fuel cards from various networks, benefiting your fleet with savings compared to the pump price and easy, consolidated invoicing.
Cost savings: Fixed weekly pricing at bunker sites, linked to the wholesale market, ensures predictable costs and savings compared to the standard pump price.
Bunker fuel vs. fuel cards: While bunker fuel involves bulk purchasing and on-site storage (ideal for fleets with depots), fuel card providers, such as the Right Fuel Card, offer flexibility for drivers on the road, with no setup costs or storage requirements.
Benefits of Using HGV-Friendly Fuel Sites with Right Fuel Card
Right Fuel Card’s HGV-friendly fuel sites and fuel cards deliver unmatched value for UK fleets. Here’s how:
Cost savings: Save up versus the standard pump price with fixed, weekly pricing across a wide network of HGV-friendly stations.
Time efficiency: High-speed pumps and 24/7 access minimise downtime, while consolidated invoicing cuts monthly admin time dealing with receipts and expenses.
Security and control: Our Chip-and-PIN cards, transaction monitoring, and custom limits prevent fraud. Deactivate lost cards instantly via our online portal.
Fleet management insights: Access detailed reports on your fuel usage via our 24/7 online portal, enabling you to optimise routes and costs.
Driver convenience: No cash or credit cards needed, plus drivers can earn personal loyalty rewards at participating sites.
Sustainability: Support for HVO and AdBlue aligns with your business's decarbonisation goals.
Bunker Fuel Site FAQs
What is the difference between a standard fuel site and an HGV bunker site?
A standard site may not have the access or fuelling speed needed for large vehicles. Bunker sites are built specifically for HGVs, with high-speed pumps, wide lanes, and tailored fuels.
Do bunker sites only serve HGV fleets?
While designed for HGVs, smaller commercial vehicles may also use them, particularly when AdBlue or HVO fuels are needed.
How do fuel cards work at bunker sites?
Drivers present a fuel card at the pump or till, just like a debit card. The transaction is recorded centrally, invoiced directly to the business, and consolidated into a single, HMRC-approved invoice.
Can bunker sites help fleets reduce emissions?
Yes, through AdBlue and renewable fuel options like HVO, which can cut lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
Are bunker sites open 24/7?
Many operate around the clock, supporting hauliers with demanding schedules. Availability varies by location, so check our site locator for details.
How to Get Started with Right Fuel Card
Switching to Right Fuel Card is simple and fast:
Compare Cards: Use our Fuel Card Comparison Tool to match your fleet’s needs, size, fuel type, or routes.
Apply Online: Submit your application in under 5 minutes. No credit history? Explore RightPay’s prepaid, pay-as-you-go fuel card option.
Get Approved: Approvals take ~48 hours, with options for full/reduced credit limits, security deposits, or RightPay, our prepaid fuel card.
Start Saving: Receive cards within 7-10 working days, top up (for RightPay), and with our range of fuel cards, refuel at 98% of UK fuel stations, with most customers saving versus the standard pump price.
