BioTrucker Fuel Card Maps Biodiesel Truck Stops

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, March 27, 2008 (ENS) - For the growing number of truck and bus drivers who use biodiesel but have a hard time finding fueling stations, the National Biodiesel Foundation introduced the first-ever U.S. biodiesel fuel card at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The BioTrucker Fuel Card highlights the availability of biodiesel by mapping a network of truck stops that carry the fuel.

BioTrucker cardholders - both truckers and fleets - pay cash price on all fuel, with no credit price markup. There is no fuel transaction fee for biodiesel at the 4,900 truck stops and truck accessible locations in-network truck stops. Three truck stops are even offering a biodiesel discount to cardholders.

With more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, the Mid-America Trucking Show opened today at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, calling itself the largest trucking show in the world.

"At the Mid-America Trucking Show, truckers are always asking us where they can find biodiesel," said Tom Verry, executive director of the National Biodiesel Foundation. "The BioTrucker Fuel Card not only helps them find biodiesel, but helps them save money when they purchase biodiesel."

ProMiles, the only mapping software for the trucking industry, shows biodiesel locations. Routing optimization gets drivers to the next closest biodiesel fuel stop efficiently. Discounts on repairs and tires as well as roadside assistance are available through the card.

In addition to the initial 149 in-network truck stops - both large chains and independent stops - the card is accepted at 4,900 truck accessible retail stations across the United States.

"We are pleased that our stop is part of the BioTrucker Fuel Card network," said Karlene Saunders, the owner of Stockton Travel Centers. "This is a great program for helping truckers find biodiesel."

Musician Willie Nelson's BioWillie fuel is sold at Carl's Corner in Hillsboro Texas, one of the first biodiesel truck stops. (Photo credit unknown)

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in blends of B20 or lower. B20 stands for the fuel mix that is 20 percent biodiesel to 80 percent petrodiesel.

The first three fueling stations to offer a $.02 discount at the pump for BioTrucker Fuel Card holders are Sapp Bros. Travel Centers of Peru, Illinois; Waddy Unocal 76 of Waddy, Kentucky; and Drivers Truck Stop of Fort Worth, Texas.

Truckers and fleets can sign up for the card at www.biotrucker.com and find all in-network locations for the BioTrucker Fuel Card and hundreds of truck stops that carry biodiesel.

The National Biodiesel Board, NBB, is sensitive to criticism from conservationists that the production of biodiesel is harmful to the environment. Critics say land that would better be used for food crops is cleared for biodiesel production and too much fossil fuel is used in the production of the biofuel.

So, the Board recently reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable biofuels production and pointed to the numerous environmental and energy benefits of increased production and use of biodiesel.

"The facts are clear - America's biodiesel industry is producing a sustainable fuel that is good for the environment," said NBB chief executive Joe Jobe.

"The NBB opposes the use of non-sustainable agriculture practices worldwide," said Jobe. "Our recently established Sustainability Task Force is working to ensure that the U.S. biodiesel industry continues to protect the environment, while producing jobs and reducing dependence on foreign oil."

For more details on biodiesel's benefits, including economic and job boosts, energy security, and environmental, visit www.biodiesel.org.

For the BioTrucker Fuel Card, visit: http://www.biotrucker.com/

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.