Pilot is celebrating the installation of the country’s first B99 biodiesel retail offering for commercial fleets in recognition of National Biodiesel Day at its travel center in Decatur, Ill. This effort was made possible through collaboration with PepsiCo and ADM.
This development sets a milestone in sustainable energy by bringing B99 into the travel center space, helping make low-carbon solutions more accessible to fleets. B99 biodiesel is a lower-carbon fuel that is driving a cleaner future for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like long-haul trucking. Biodiesel is manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled grease and can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce carbon emissions in commercial trucking. Optimus Technologies enabled this rollout through its development of technology that upgrades diesel engines to operate on up to 100% biodiesel.
“We know how important sustainability is to our customers and strive to help meet these growing needs for more sustainable fuel options for commercial fleets,” said Eric Fobes, head of renewables at Pilot. “Introducing B99 at our travel centers is another way we support fleets committed to reducing carbon emissions. This collaboration with PepsiCo, ADM and Optimus Technologies exemplifies how partnerships can create impactful solutions.”
This initial rollout will feature installations of B99 biodiesel dispensing capabilities at three Pilot locations:
- Currently available at 4030 East Boyd Road in Decatur, Ill.
- Coming this spring to 11957 Douglas Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa
- Coming this summer to 8787 South Lancaster Road in Dallas
This initiative is supported by the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Biodiesel Board, Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program and the American Lung Association. It is part of Pilot’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its guests and customers as the company works to help shape the future of energy.
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and employs approximately 30,000 team members. Pilot has nearly 900 locations in 44 states and five Canadian provinces, serving an average of 1.2 million guests per day. In addition to travel center services, Pilot and its partners offer trucking fleets a variety of solutions for fuel, credit, factoring, maintenance and rewards.
