If you operate a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles, you likely fuel them with diesel. And you may know that there’s two types of diesel fleet fueling options, but do you know the difference?
Technically, both types of diesel are similar in chemical composition, but they have distinct differences when it comes to how they are used. Understanding these differences can help ensure compliance with laws and help you make the right choice for your equipment. Here’s what you need to know.
Color is one key difference between on-road and off-road diesel. On-road diesel, or highway diesel, is clear. It’s meant to be used for vehicles that operate on public roads and highways, such as cars, trucks, buses, and any other vehicles running on diesel fuel that travel on public roads.
On-road diesel is also regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and must meet specific sulfur content and emissions standards.
In 2006, the EPA mandated that all on-road diesel in the United States must be ultra-low sulfur diesel, or ULSD, containing no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur. The goal was to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems.
The other key difference of on-road diesel is that it is subject to federal and state taxes that are used to fund road maintenance and infrastructure projects. As a result, on-road diesel is typically more expensive than off-road diesel.
You can identify off-road diesel, also known as dyed diesel, by its red or pinkish color. It is specifically designated for use in vehicles and machinery that do not operate on public roads. Think construction equipment, agricultural machinery, generators, and other industrial equipment.
Since 2014, emissions standards, sulfur content, and fuel quality are the same for both. Performance wise, there’s zero difference when using on-road versus off-road fuel. But because it’s not used on public roads, off-road diesel is exempt from federal and state taxes, making it significantly cheaper than on-road diesel.
So why wouldn’t you use on-road diesel all the time? Using off-road diesel in an on-road vehicle won’t cause any damage to the equipment, however misusing off-road diesel can result in significant fines and penalties. Since off-road diesel is not taxed for road use, using it in on-road vehicles is illegal, and penalties can be steep, including fines and potential legal consequences.
Likewise, using on-road diesel in off-road equipment won’t hurt the equipment, and it is technically legal, but it’s not cost-effective, since on-road diesel is more expensive.
The decision between on-road and off-road diesel comes down to where and how the fuel will be used. You only need to think about it if you operate both types of vehicles. That’s where fleet fueling makes it easy: You can only get on-road fuel at a gas station, but you can get bulk delivery of on- or -off road diesel to your location or work site.
Want to know more about the advantages of fleet fueling? Ask any of the many commercial fleet operators in central Suffolk and eastern Nassau counties that trust Southville for their fleet-fueling needs. Our team understands the importance of a reliable source of quality diesel—after all, we operate our own fleet of delivery and service trucks and need to keep them on the road to serve our customers. Contact us for details today.