/// Guest post by contributor Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group
Integrating biodiesel blends like B20 into your truck stop or travel center is a three step process. First, paperwork preparation and then the physical integration of biodiesel in storage and at the pump. The third step is one that many travel centers overlook: ongoing communication with your biodiesel supplier.
As the U.S. biodiesel industry continues to grow and availability expands, it is important to visit with your biodiesel supplier to stay up-to-date on quality or policy programs that could impact your business.
For example, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) is a major market driver in the biodiesel industry, and this regulation continues to stay in fuel industry headlines. Fuel managers may hear news about this program or the federal blenders tax credit. Maintaining a close relationship with your biodiesel supplier will help you stay abreast of any incentive program changes.
At REG, we have a full-time legislative team that monitors state and federal government programs. In addition, the National Biodiesel Board stays in contact with the NATSO legislative team so everyone is on the same page.
Matt Osteen at Garvin Oil in South Carolina is a great example for other travel centers. “We are proactive in educating our customers about the changes we’re making by offering B20 blends and what the benefits of that are,” Matt told me recently. “That directly ties in with vendor communications since a lot of the information that I have used has come from REG and from the NBB,” he added.
There continues to be a plethora of information available for truck stops and travel centers to learn about and market biodiesel. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to educating your fleet customers on using blends, as biodiesel.org contains many free brochures and fact sheets available for download. REG has hosted several free biodiesel education webinars in conjunction with NATSO and looks forward to continuing those programs.
/// Read more guest posts on biodiesel posts here.
{Guest Post} Guest post provided by NATSO Chairman's Circle member Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group. Renewable Energy Group® is a leading North American biodiesel producer with a nationwide distribution and logistics system. With more than 210 million gallons of owned/operated annual production capacity at biorefineries across the country, REG is a proven biodiesel partner in the distillate marketplace. Learn more about Renewable Energy Group.
The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.
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