Four generations. One family. Built on fuel.
Since 1930, the Davies family has been part of California's fuel industry, building businesses in petroleum distribution, retail, travel centers, cardlocks, transportation and construction.
From one service station in Oakland to four generations in the fuel business
In 1930, William John "Will" Davies opened the Oakland Super Service Station and began a family connection to the petroleum industry that continues more than nine decades later.
His son, William Payne "Bill" Davies, carried that entrepreneurial spirit to Bakersfield, where he established W.P. Davies Oil Company in 1964.
What followed was four generations of building businesses across California's fuel supply chain, from service stations and petroleum distribution to commercial fueling, transportation, travel centers and equipment.
And the story is still being written.
90+ Years in the Making
1930: Where it started
William John Davies opens Oakland Service Station later branding it Davies Super Service.
1963: W.P. Davies Oil Co.
William Payne “Bill” Davies moves to Bakersfield, CA to establish Davies Oil.
1969: The family carries on
After Bill’s sudden death, Annabel and son Bill continue the business.
1970s: Generation of growth
The business expands beyond traditional distribution to open retail locations and Bill’s brother Rick joins the family business.
1988: Fleet Card Fuels
Rick launches Fleet Card Fuels, a founding member of CFN (The Commercial Fueling Network).
1990s: Diversification
The business grows through the key acquisitions of Sun Valley, Nikolaus Tank Lines, and Cal Valley Equipment.
2012: A new chapter
The family sells its operating companies while retaining key real estate and retail fuel assets.
Today: Fourth generation
Bill’s son Steve and Rick’s son Joel have taken over managing the family’s properties and investments.
Our Sites
Frazier Park
Kimber
Valencia
Mettler
Buck Owens Blvd Cardlock
Schirra Court Blvd Cardlock
Businesses we built.
W.P. Davies Oil Company was officially incorporated in Bakersfield on August 12, 1964, when the Davies family began supplying bulk fuel, gasoline, and lubricants to San Joaquin Valley farmers, truckers, and industrial customers. Davies Oil is now the holding company managing all family properties.
WP Davies Oil Company
Born out of Davies Oil's cardlock operations, Fleet Card Fuels became a founding member of the Commercial Fueling Network (CFN), Rick Davies was instrumental in growing the network across the western states through his relationships and advocacy. Fleet Card Fuels was sold to Flyers Energy in 2011.
Fleet Card Fuels
Davies Oil was an early pioneer of the travel center concept, building freeway locations in Mettler, Frazier Park, and Bakersfield to serve both families on the road and commercial fleets and truckers. This concept has now grown across the country with operators like Maverik, Terrible's, QuikTrip, and Wawa
Renegade Travel Centers
Purchased to haul the family's own fuel and serve as a carrier for other companies in the area, this specialized liquid bulk fleet grew to 25 trucks at its peak, keeping Davies Oil's travel centers and customers supplied across Central and Southern California. Nikolaus Tank Lines was sold to Cox Petroleum in 2012.
Nikolaus Tank Lines
Cal Valley Equipment
Fleet Card Fuels acquired Cal Valley in 1997, as part of its strategy to grow its private site fueling operations. Additionally Cal Valley provided construction services, fueling equipment, and environmental compliance for the Davies locations and their customers. Cal Valley was sold to Jeffries Petroleum in 2013.
Four Generations. Four Williams.
Apparently, we like that name
William John Davies
In 1930, William John Davies opened the Oakland Super Service Station, putting the Davies name over a fuel and auto business for the first time.
1st Generation - 1883
William Payne Davies
Known as "Bill," he worked for Mobil Oil and Gilmore Oil before buying a struggling Bakersfield company in 1963, founding W.P. Davies Oil Company.
2nd Generation - 1917
3rd Generation - 1944William Clyde Davies
Also known as "Bill," William Clyde Davies stepped in alongside his mother, Annabel, when his father passed away just five years after founding the company. Under Bill’s leadership, Davies Oil grew to be one of the leading fuel distributors in central California.
William Steven Davies
Known as "Steve," he worked for Nikolaus Tank Lines and now serves alongside his cousin Joel Davies, running the company today as a member of the board.
4th Generation - 1973