California trucking company switches to Neste biodiesel

Cherokee Freight Lines is a diversified carrier of food grade commodities, specializing in kosher-certified hauling and serving some of the largest companies in the nation. They were an early adopter of Neste MY Renewable Diesel, which they began testing in February 2017.

“The transition to Neste MY Renewable Diesel was super easy,” said Richard Damilano, operations manager, Cherokee Freight Lines. “It’s a drop-in fuel replacement so the switch was seamless. We have been using the product for over a year now and it has been a great transition for us,” he said.

The company is reporting significant reductions in fuel and maintenance costs over the last year, especially with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and injector maintenance.

“Overall the trucks are running better than before,” said Shop Foreman Art Cortez. “With the combination of Neste MY Renewable Diesel and our new equipment, we have seen an improvement in fuel economy.”

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a low-carbon fuel produced from 100 per cent renewable and sustainable raw materials, primarily wastes and residues. This premium diesel cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent, reduces carbon monoxide by 24 per cent and fine particulates by 33 per cent, all while enhancing fleet performance. Unlike biodiesel, Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a direct replacement fuel that requires no blending and is compatible with all diesel engines.

Petroleum diesel and biodiesel contain aromatics and impurities that can contaminate oil, foul fuel injectors and clog the DPF filters. Renewable diesel contains nearly zero impurities and burns much cleaner. This can have an instant positive effect on exhaust aftertreatment systems (less soot produced can mean fewer DPF regenerations) and fuel system components (lack of impurities reduces deposit formation in critical fuel injector parts).

“Using a renewable product made from raw and sustainable products makes more sense for hauling food grade products,” said Manuel Telles, general manager, Cherokee Freight Lines. “Running a clean-burning fuel that is better for the environment is one of the many benefits of using Neste MY Renewable Diesel,” he said.

“It’s great to see that a well-respected and established company realizes the value and benefit of Neste MY Renewable Diesel, both in terms of fuel performance and cost savings, but also their contribution to the environment,” said Jeremy Baines, vice president of sales, Neste US, Inc. “We are happy to have Cherokee Freight Lines join the ranks of other forward-thinking companies that have made the switch to clean-burning, renewable diesel.”

Van De Pol Petroleum, headquartered in Stockton, CA, is the exclusive distributor of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to FDS. Using exclusive distributors ensures supply chain integrity and guarantees it’s high quality.