US Trucking Embraces Renewable Diesel for Cleaner Operations

Renewable diesel is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. trucking industry due to its environmental benefits and cost savings. This biofuel, produced through the hydrotreating process which converts feedstocks like used cooking oil into a hydrocarbon that meets petroleum diesel specifications, reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions significantly—by an average of 65% compared to traditional diesel. Fleet operators, such as Diesel Direct and Titan Freight Systems, report substantial savings on maintenance costs and improved truck performance. For instance, trucks using renewable diesel do not experience clogging in diesel particulate filters (DPF) and require fewer forced regenerations, which can lead to significant operational efficiencies and lower overall maintenance costs. Additionally, the availability of renewable diesel is expanding from Western states to other regions, supported by state policies aimed at clean fuel development. California is currently the largest consumer of renewable diesel due to its strong Low Carbon Fuel Standard, followed by states like Oregon and Washington that also have clean fuel initiatives. Experts indicate that the growth of renewable diesel will continue to depend on supportive legislation and market conditions. It represents a critical step in the transportation sector's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while the industry explores a variety of powertrain technologies for the future, creating a "messy middle" of options that includes renewable fuels, natural gas, and electric vehicles. Overall, renewable diesel not only provides immediate environmental benefits but also offers a viable alternative that can enhance fuel reliability and reduce maintenance burdens for fleet operators. The continued investment in infrastructure and production capacity will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge against fossil fuels in the growing low-carbon economy. Keith Wilson, president and CEO of Titan Freight Systems, shared insights into the use of renewable diesel within his company's fleet based in the Pacific Northwest. Approximately 54% of Titan's trucks utilize renewable diesel, with the remainder using petroleum diesel and some being electric. The analysis indicated that while fuel efficiency remained steady at 6.7 miles per gallon, the switch resulted in a notable reduction in exhaust system maintenance and a savings of one cent per mile across the fleet. The move to renewable diesel eliminated diesel particulate filter (DPF) failures and cleanings, resulting in a significant 60% reduction in CO2 emissions. Wilson highlighted the importance of understanding the differences between renewable diesel and biodiesel, noting renewable diesel's higher cetane number, which translates to better combustion and reduced emissions. The adoption of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a type of renewable diesel, is touted for its cleaner burning properties and stability without needing specialized infrastructure for storage and distribution. Experts in the industry emphasize the crucial role that policies and clean fuel programs play in promoting renewable diesel usage. Programs like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar initiatives in other states help ensure competitive pricing against traditional fossil fuels. However, there remains a varied landscape of potential fuel options for decarbonizing the trucking sector, emphasizing the idea that not a single solution exists. The growing presence of renewable diesel across the United States underscores the transition towards sustainable fuels in heavy-duty trucking. The continuous expansion of renewable diesel facilities signifies a shift in the industry towards a more sustainable future, but it requires a collective effort between policymakers, producers, and transport companies to thrive. In my view, this transition is pivotal. The positive environmental impacts of using renewable diesel, combined with reduced maintenance costs, make it an attractive option for fleet operators. However, the education and clear differentiation between fuel types for consumers and operators remain critical to encourage widespread adoption and understanding of renewable diesel's benefits, thus facilitating further advancements in green transportation technologies. In recent discussions, trucking industry leaders have emphasized the importance of educating the public about renewable diesel and its differences from biodiesel. Specifically, the production processes and resulting fuel characteristics are distinct, with renewable diesel generally exhibiting higher cetane numbers, leading to cleaner and hotter combustion compared to petroleum diesel. Hydrotreating vegetable oils is one method for producing renewable diesel, but alternative feedstocks such as regional waste are also being explored, particularly in timber-rich areas like Oregon. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency has highlighted the current phase of decarbonizing heavy-duty trucking as "the messy middle," where various powertrain options coexist without a one-size-fits-all solution. While renewable diesel is becoming more available across the United States, its growth largely hinges on supportive legislation and policies, such as low-carbon fuel standards in states like California and New Mexico. Companies like Titan Freight Systems have reported positive results from using renewable diesel, including consistent fuel efficiency and significant maintenance savings. The fuel's ability to clean out engine components while reducing CO2 emissions dramatically showcases its potential for improving the operational efficiency of trucking fleets. However, as innovations like hydrogen internal combustion engines emerge, challenges remain regarding emissions control and engineering adjustments needed to manage nitrogen oxide outputs. Ultimately, the emphasis on renewable diesel, along with ongoing research into diverse energy sources, signals a diverse future for the trucking industry. The perspective in the transportation field is that while renewable diesel presents a promising step toward decarbonization, it is essential for industry players to continue exploring multiple technologies and fuels to create a resilient and sustainable transportation ecosystem. This multi-faceted approach is vital as the industry navigates the complexities of both environmental impact and operational feasibility. Volvo Trucks North America announced its transition to using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as fuel for newly assembled trucks, reflecting a broader initiative to decarbonize the trucking industry. HVO serves as a drop-in replacement for ultra-low-sulfur diesel, offering a cleaner alternative that reduces emissions effectively. Unlike first-generation biofuels, HVO does not contain oxygen, eliminating concerns over temperature sensitivity and storage issues, which simplifies the supply chain. Kyle Zimmerman from Volvo emphasized the importance of distinguishing renewable diesel from biodiesel, noting that even if they share feedstocks, their production processes yield different outcomes. HVO has a higher cetane number, which indicates better ignition quality compared to traditional diesel. Additionally, the potential to utilize regional waste products as feedstock for HVO production, such as wood residuals, positions the industry to leverage local resources for sustainability. Experts suggest that the path toward decarbonizing heavy-duty trucking is complex, described as a "messy middle." This phase involves multiple powertrain options, including renewable fuels, hydrogen, battery-electric systems, and hybrids, rather than a single solution. Kevin Otto highlighted challenges with hydrogen fuel, noting its propensity to produce nitrogen oxides, which will require advanced engineering solutions like selective catalytic reduction. The emphasis on adopting HVO and renewable diesel stands as a critical step in the industry's ongoing evolution toward sustainable practices, while education regarding these fuels' characteristics and benefits remains essential for widespread adoption among fleets and drivers. The future of heavy-duty trucking likely involves a combination of technologies tailored to different operational needs, showcasing the necessity for a versatile and adaptive approach in the transition to greener transportation solutions.