Read More About Renewable Diesel
Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels Gain Momentum as Drop-In Diesel Alternatives
A growing number of U.S. trucking fleets are adopting renewable diesel and biodiesel as drop-in, low-carbon alternatives to petroleum diesel—offering immediate emissions reductions without new equipment, infrastructure changes, or performance loss, according to reporting from Transport Topics (source).
Why Fleets Are Choosing Renewable Diesel Over Battery-Electric
Industry leaders note that renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable natural gas represent easier, more practical decarbonization pathways than battery-electric trucks in today’s real-world operations.
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Mike Roeth of NACFE says renewable fuels are simply more viable today than battery-electric trucks. (Transport Topics source)
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Regulatory rollbacks on electric truck mandates are also increasing interest, said Nate Springer of TRC.
A True Drop-In Fuel With Major Emission Reductions
Penske Transportation Solutions reports strong interest in renewable diesel (HVO), which:
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Cuts GHG emissions
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Lowers particulate matter by 40%+
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Reduces carbon monoxide by 25%+
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Decreases hydrocarbons by 20%+
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Lowers NOx by ~10%
And critically—it works in any diesel engine with no modifications needed.
Supply Is Growing, but Availability Is Limited
U.S. renewable diesel production jumped to 220,000 barrels/day in 2024 (EIA data via Transport Topics), but availability is concentrated in:
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California
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Oregon
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Washington
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Gulf Coast refineries
Fleets outside these regions struggle to access the fuel, and shipping it long distances drives up costs.
Economic Challenges Slow Broader Adoption
Market pressures continue to affect adoption:
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Some fleets paused renewable diesel due to cost-cutting, including Volvo Trucks North America.
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Subsidies like the blender’s tax credit significantly influence pricing and availability.
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Renewable diesel remains affordable primarily in states with low-carbon fuel incentives.
Biodiesel Adoption Is Rising Too — Including B100
Fleets such as Covenant Logistics and ADM Trucking are using high-blend biodiesel (up to B100) to support shippers’ Scope 3 emissions goals.
Optimus Technologies’ Vector system enables conventional engines to run on 100% biodiesel, with OEM warranties preserved—confirmed publicly by International Trucks.
Cold-weather concerns are being mitigated through modern systems that prevent gelling even down to –35°F.
Industry Consensus: Renewable Fuels Are a Key Decarbonization Tool
While challenges remain—pricing, incentives, and regional availability—renewable diesel and biodiesel are gaining momentum. Companies like Pepsi (800+ biodiesel trucks) have accelerated industry confidence, and experts stress the value of:
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Small-scale fleet trials
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Collaboration among carriers
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Advocacy for incentives in non-coastal states
Sustainability Starts With Stability — And Porter Delivers Both
The Transport Topics report makes it clear: renewable diesel and biodiesel are rapidly becoming major players in trucking’s decarbonization strategy. But they also introduce financial challenges that fleets can’t navigate alone.
With Porter Freight Funding, carriers can:
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Stay financially strong while testing renewable fuels
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Offset higher costs through fuel savings
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Keep trucks moving during cost fluctuations
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Scale into greener operations at their own pace
Source: Transport Topics
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