Abstract: A method for training a worker to delivery heating oil to homes and commercial establishments, comprises having the worker drive a first truck rated at no more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, the truck carrying as cargo a portable assembly comprising a less than 119 gallon capacity heating oil tank, an up to 29 gallons per minute pump, and a meter sub-system. The Preferably, the portable apparatus with an oil-filled tank weighs less than 1,500 pounds. By using the first truck, the worker becomes better situated to seek the license and other qualifications needed to drive a conventional heating oil tank second truck that typically carries 2,000 or more gallons of heating oil, to deliver heating oil to customers.

Abstract: A method for delivering heating oil to homes and commercial establishments comprises a two-mode combination of (a) using a conventional large-tank delivery truck and (b) using a portable, self-contained apparatus which is carried on a lighter weight truck as cargo. The portable apparatus comprises a tank having just under 119 gallons capacity, a pump for flowing oil through a meter subsystem which measures the quantity of oil, to a hose; all mounted on a skid for portability. The apparatus is capable of dispensing oil quantities of 1, 5, or 25 gallons while meeting regulators' weights and measures approval requirements. When the small tank is filled with heating oil, preferred apparatus weighs less than 1500 pounds and is removably carried on the bed of an un-placarded truck (one that does not have to meet hazardous material requirements), and that may be driven by a driver having an ordinary driver's license, compared to the requirements and associated costs attending the conventional truck.

Abstract: Heating oil is delivered to homes and commercial establishments in a regulation-confirming way by using a portable, self-contained, self-powered apparatus which is carried on a lighter weight truck as cargo. The portable apparatus comprises a skid upon which is mounted at one end a tank, a pump, an air-vapor eliminator, a meter subsystem, and a hose reel mounted on a stanchion. A battery power supply powers the pump. Vent lines run to the tank from the vapor eliminator and the pump in what is called a closed system. Apparatus components are arranged to provide a weight distribution lengthwise that is biased toward a one end of the apparatus when the tank is filled with oil. When carried as cargo in a three-quarter ton pickup truck, apparatus with oil weighs less than 1,500 pounds; when carried as cargo in a half ton pickup truck, the apparatus with oil weighs less than 1,000 pounds.

Abstract: A method for delivering heating oil to homes and commercial establishments comprises a two-mode combination of (a) using a conventional large-tank delivery truck and (b) using a portable, self-contained apparatus which is carried on a lighter weight truck as cargo. The portable apparatus comprises a tank having just under 119 gallons capacity, a pump for flowing oil through a meter subsystem which measures the quantity of oil, to a hose; all mounted on a skid for portability. The apparatus is capable of dispensing oil quantities of 1, 5, or 25 gallons while meeting regulators' weights and measures approval requirements. When the small tank is filled with heating oil, preferred apparatus weighs less than 1500 pounds and is removably carried on the bed of an un-placarded truck (one that does not have to meet hazardous material requirements), and that may be driven by a driver having an ordinary driver's license, compared to the requirements and associated costs attending the conventional truck.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing home heating oil comprises a skid carrying a tank having just under 119 gallons capacity, a pump, a weights and measures-approved flow meter subsystem, and preferably a battery power supply. The apparatus weighs less than 1500 pounds when the tank is full of heating oil and is transported on the bed of an un-placarded light duty truck, driven by a driver having an ordinary driver's license. In a method of supplying home heating oil to a customer, a dealer uses the foregoing apparatus in combination with using a conventional large local-delivery heating oil tank truck having 1,000 gallons or more tank capacity, and bearing hazardous material placards.