TA, Petro reaffirm DEF distribution plans to support 2010 SCR engines

Like other truck stop operators, TA’s said its plans to offer DEF cover a combination of various delivery methods, including on island bulk dispensers as well as top off quantities available in bulk and in prepackaged containers.

The Trucker News Services

11/11/2008

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America LLC has reaffirmed its plans to distribute diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at all of its TA and Petro branded locations in 2009, the company said.

The notice comes in advance of its participation at the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Forum to be held this week in San Diego.

“TA has been working with various business partners on DEF issues since 2003, long before selective catalytic reduction (SCR) became the reality in the U.S. that it is today.,” Tom Komos, TA’s vice president of fuel supply, said. “SCR technology using DEF has been embraced by nearly every major engine manufacturer. Our work with these OEMs, as well as our fleet customers, urea producers and dispensing/delivery systems manufacturers has intensified. SCR technology and DEF are a reality.”

Komos, a 20-year industry veteran and a chemical engineer, will be an expert speaker at the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Forum and will lead other panelists in a discussion entitled “DEF at the Truckstop” at this forum.

A spokesperson for TA indicated that DEF is expected to be available in every TA and Petro branded location. The timing of TA’s rollout of product availability will coincide with the SCR/DEF-equipped engine rollout by engine manufacturers during 2009, according to the company.

Like other truck stop operators, TA’s said its plans cover a combination of various delivery methods, including on island bulk dispensers as well as top off quantities available in bulk and in prepackaged containers.

TA’s plans are designed to accommodate the rapid advances being made in development of supply, distribution and dispensing technologies associated with DEF, the company said, adding that TA is committed to continue to working with its customers and suppliers and to continue its important role in the development of the infrastructure for delivery of DEF nationwide, in support of the EPA’s 2010 emission standards.

Dorothy Cox of The Trucker staff can be contacted to comment on this article at dlcox@thetrucker.com.