Seattle-based Essential Baking Co. is leasing 13 biodiesel-powered trucks – nine new Dodge Sprinters, three Ford Cargo E250s, and one Isuzu NPR – to replace its entire diesel-powered fleet to cut costs and reduce exhaust emissions. The new trucks operate on B99 biodiesel – a fuel blend comprised of 99% biodiesel and 1% regular diesel fuel.
“Aside from the rising costs of traditional fossil fuels, switching to a biodiesel delivery fleet stemmed primarily from our ecologically friendly philosophy,” said Peter Miller, the bakery’s president & CEO. “Simply put, ‘going biodiesel’ is better aligned with our brand’s core values.”
The Essential Baking Co. delivers within a 40-mile radius of Seattle. Miller said finding local sources for maintenance and fueling for the vehicles isn’t as difficult as the average business owner might think. He said his company currently uses Dr. Dan’s (Freeman) Alternative Fuel Werks of Ballard for biodiesel fueling and International Truck Leasing for trucks and servicing.