Pilot Travel Centers has announced installation plans for the rollout of 100 diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) “at-the-pump” locations. The company says it will also carry pre-packaged supplies of DEF at all 350 Pilot retail stores, located in 41 states. DEF will be required for compliance with 2010 emissions regulations in vehicles using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet the new emissions standards.
Pilot’s initial plans call for the installation of 100 bulk dispensing pumps at locations spread out nationally and at a rate of 25 pumps per quarter beginning in the 3rd quarter of 2009 through the 2nd quarter of 2010.
“We have worked closely with Detroit Diesel Corp. and Daimler Trucks North America, as well as Gilbarco, to develop Pilot’s bulk dispensing capabilities and a billing/transaction system that will meet our customers’ need for ready DEF supply and fuel island convenience,” said Mark Hazelwood, Executive vp for Pilot Travel Centers.
“The maximum distance between any two of our locations will be 2,618 miles,” Hazelwood added. “That is the distance between Milford, CT and Santa Nella, CA and it is also within the normal range for one tank of DEF on a Class 8 on-highway truck.” The Company expects to offer DEF “at-the-pump” at prices that are equal to or less than diesel fuel.
According to Pilot, the move makes it the first travel center chain to commit to offering DEF at the pump. States first on the list to receive the DEF pumps include: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX,VA, WI and WY.
