Patriot BioFuel Applications

Trucking/Transportation

As with all markets that use large diesel equipment, biodiesel is increasingly playing a significant role in the trucking industry.

Recently, the American Trucking Association endorsed the use of biodiesel blends up to a 5 percent level.

“It fits with our mission of ensuring an adequate diesel fuel supply – something important to the trucking industry,” said Rich Moskowitz, ATA regulatory affairs counsel. “Promoting B5 is a step in the right direction.”

Additionally, most major engine companies have stated formally that the use of blends of up to B20 will not void their parts or workmanship warranties. This includes blends below 20 percent biodiesel, such as the 2 percent biodiesel blends that are becoming common, which fall within the American Trucking Association’s endorsement.

Biodiesel use has been known to help operators save fuel. Despite the slightly lower energy content of biodiesel vs. conventional diesel, operators such as the Little Rock School District and the Pulaski County Special School District, as well as others across the country, have actually experienced gains in miles per gallon.

Agriculture

Many in the agriculture business are concerned about changing regulations regarding the composition of diesel fuel and the removal of sulfur from the fuel.

Low-sulfur diesel is not just for the highway anymore. In the coming years, low-sulfur diesel regulations will also hit the farm. The removal of sulfur results in the removal of lubricity. In extreme cases, this can wreak havoc on diesel engines.

Fortunately, biodiesel is an excellent lubricity agent, helping farmers run “well-oiled machines.”

In many cases, despite biodiesel’s lower energy value, operators using biodiesel have experienced fuel-efficiency gains.

Municipalities/Schools

A number of municipalities have led by example and have begun using biodiesel in their fleet operations. From garbage trucks to city buses to school buses, biodiesel makes sense as an environmentally friendly and energy-secure fuel.

Many fleet operators across the country have actually experienced fuel-efficiency gains by using B20.

For instance, the Little Rock School District has documented an increase from 7.0 miles per gallon to 8.1 miles per gallon by using B20, while the Pulaski County Special School District saw a jump of .64 miles per gallon.

In heavy vehicles, which typically get low mileage, these efficiency gains are substantial and can save the city and, ultimately, the taxpayer.