In a major step toward cleaner fuel use in the trucking industry, Pilot has become the first travel centre network in the United States to offer B99 biodiesel for commercial fleets. The company launched its first B99 fueling station at its Decatur, Illinois location to mark National Biodiesel Day on March 18, 2025, reports Chemanalyst. News.
This initiative is the result of a partnership between Pilot, PepsiCo, and ADM. PepsiCo, which operates one of the largest private truck fleets in North America, and ADM, a global agricultural supply chain company, worked with Pilot to make this alternative fuel more accessible to long-haul truckers. The move is aimed at helping the transportation sector reduce carbon emissions, which has been a significant challenge.
B99 biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease. It produces fewer emissions than regular diesel while maintaining similar performance. By making this fuel available, Pilot is giving trucking companies an option to cut their environmental impact without making major changes to their existing vehicles.
A key part of the project is the involvement of Optimus Technologies, a company that develops technology to help diesel engines run on up to 100% biodiesel. Their system allows trucking companies to switch to B99 without needing expensive vehicle modifications.
Eric Fobes, Pilot’s Head of Renewables, said the company is committed to helping fleets transition to cleaner fuels. “We know sustainability is important to our customers, and we want to support their efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Bringing B99 to our travel centres is a big step in that direction,” he said.
The initiative has also received support from organizations like the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Biodiesel Board, Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program, and the American Lung Association. Their involvement highlights the broader effort to make sustainable fuel a standard option in the trucking industry.
By expanding access to biodiesel, Pilot is playing a crucial role in helping the trucking sector shift toward cleaner energy. The company’s move sets a new benchmark for travel centres and commercial fleets looking to lower their carbon footprint.
