Getting low-sulfur experience

May 13, 2003
In 2006, the trucking industry starts using ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, which has sulfur content of 15 ppm compared to the 500-ppm level in today's diesel. The question carriers most want answered is how the fuel changeover could affect their bottom line. Silver Eagle Distributors' vp-fleet management Ed Pritchard told Fleet Owner that ULSD does cost more than 500-ppm fuel, but added there
In 2006, the trucking industry starts using ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, which has sulfur content of 15 ppm compared to the 500-ppm level in today's diesel. The question carriers most want answered is how the fuel changeover could affect their bottom line.

Silver Eagle Distributors' vp-fleet management Ed Pritchard told Fleet Owner that ULSD does cost more than 500-ppm fuel, but added there are some operational benefits to using it.

Pritchard said ULSD acts no differently than regular diesel fuel. He reported there's been no change in lubricity and the fleet's oil drain intervals have been virtually unaffected.

Pritchard also discovered that the lower sulfur content of ULSD has reduced wear metal deposits in engine oil, that has allowed him to consider extending oil drain intervals.

Houston-based Silver Eagle initially converted one of its 155 Class 7 International tractors to operate on ULSD using International's green diesel technology.

By January of this year, 30 more ULSD-powered trucks joined Silver Eagle's fleet and more are on the way, Pritchard said.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean previously reported and commented on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry. Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Protect Your Drivers Against Heat-Related Injuries & Stress

Industry research reports an average of 2,700 annual heat-related incidents that resulted in days away from work. Ensuring driver performance and safety against heat stress starts...

Going Mobile: Guide To Starting A Heavy-Duty Repair Shop

Discover if starting a heavy-duty mobile repair business is right for you. Learn the ins and outs of licensing, building, and marketing your mobile repair shop.

Expert Answers to every fleet electrification question

Just ask ABM—the authority on reliable EV integration

Route Optimization Mastery: Unleash Your Fleet's Potential

Master the road ahead and discover key considerations to elevate your delivery performance