Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 78% of petroleum bulk stations and terminals businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 4.8%.

78%
5-Year Survival Rate
+2.4%
Net Growth Rate
3,335
Total Firms
156
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals a Good Business to Start?

With a 78% five-year survival rate, petroleum bulk stations and terminals has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 4.8% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)7.3%
Exit Rate (closures)4.8%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+2.4 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

15.8%
Job Creation Rate
13.4%
Job Destruction Rate
+2.4%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 100,492 workers across 3,335 firms.

Want to know how much petroleum bulk stations and terminals businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of petroleum bulk stations and terminals businesses fail?
Approximately 22% of petroleum bulk stations and terminals businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 4.8%, with 156 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the petroleum bulk stations and terminals industry growing or shrinking?
The petroleum bulk stations and terminals industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +2.4% per year. New businesses are entering at 7.3% while 4.8% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.