Hassle-free move to biodiesel for International Leasing & Essential Baking.
After completing the thirteen-week pilot earlier this year, fleet drivers for Essential Baking Co reported zero mechanical problems with fleet vehicles using B99 biodiesel. In fact, drivers reported a smoother, quieter ride while running biodiesel. The vehicles fueled with Propel B99 required no extra maintenance, and experienced no cold weather related issues.
With the success of the pilot, Todd Daniels of International Leasing states, “I now recommend Propel biodiesel to any of our customers that wish to use biodiesel.”
“Propel’s producer- to-pump quality control guarantees our fuel will perform flawlessly,” said Jeff Stephens, PhD, Propel’s Director of Science and Technology. “The overwhelming positive results from this pilot reinforce the importance of fuel quality and the environmental benefits of low-carbon fuels.”
In the short amount of time devoted to the pilot, six Essential Baking delivery vehicles reduced the output of CO2 by more than 43,000 pounds and displaced 1,553 gallons of foreign oil.
Pilot Overview
In January 2008, Propel began the pilot program to examine the use of B99 biodiesel in the Essential Baking Company fleet of delivery vehicles. Six vehicles, leased by Essential Baking from International Leasing Company, were selected to run on B99. Vehicles selected varied in model, types of routes, and mileage driven.
Drivers fueled exclusively with B99 biodiesel at Propel’s Clean Fuel Points and used six Wright Express (WEX) Fleet Fueling cards registered in Propel’s CleanDrive program. CleanDrive tracked gallons used by the Essential Baking vehicles and calculated the fleet’s reduction of CO2 and other pollutants. The pilot extended over three months, from late in January through the end of April of 2008.
Fuel Performance
During the thirteen-week Pilot, the six vehicles, fueled solely with Propel B99, traveled approximately 37,000 miles on just less than 2500 gallons of B99, with one vehicle logging over 14,000 miles. No vehicle failures and no operational issues were experienced. Cold weather proved not to be a problem for the vehicles, even with 32 days when the daily low temperature was below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Drivers reported no issues with cold-weather starting or low temperature performance.
The majority of drivers reported that the vehicles ran smoother and quieter on B99 than on petro-diesel. Running B99 required no additional maintenance, although vehicle fuel filters were changed after the second tank of B99 to eliminate the possibility that petroleum diesel sludge remaining in the fuel tanks did not interfere with vehicle performance. Afterwards, the fuel filter replacement interval was the same as for the petrodiesel vehicles.
Environmental Benefits
In just over three months, while fueling with B99 rather that with petrodiesel, Essential Baking reduced the output of CO2 by more than 43,000 pounds and offset the importation of 1,553 gallons of oil. At the same time, harmful particulate matter (PM) produced by the vehicles was reduced by 78%, air toxics were reduced by 60% to 90%, and sulfur compounds were eliminated from vehicle exhaust.
Access and Ease of Use
A survey of the drivers was unanimously positive with respect to the features of Propel’s Ballard CFP.They reported that the card reader instructions were easy to understand and the card reader was easy to use. Drivers also found the Ballard CFP to be easily accessibility with good maneuverability and that there was sufficient lighting at the site to carry out fueling activities during dark hours.
Learn about Propel’s Fleet Services.
About Essential
Since 1994, the Essential Baking Company has set out to preserve, cultivate, and honor traditional methods of food preparation with a commitment to using organic ingredients with the same production techniques, service, and values of a small neighborhood bakery. Using organic ingredients, the Essential Baking Company makes fresh artisan breads, European pastries, and luscious desserts. Visit the Essential Baking Company website.
About International Leasing
International Leasing, home of Washington’s first hybrid commercial rental truck, has been serving West Coast companies since 1961. International Leasing strives to help businesses achieve greater success with their transportation needs by providing a full range of services including Full-Service Leasing, short term rental trucks and fleet maintenance. Learn more about International Leasing.
