The Iowa Soybean Association and Decker Truck Line have announced the commencement of the “Million Mile Haul,” a program designed to complete a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive fuel impact study that examines the effects of soy biodiesel, or B20, compared to regular petroleum diesel fuel. The study will compare B20 to regular diesel fuel in a fleet of eight over-the-road trucks operated by Fort Dodge, Iowa-based Decker.
The documentation program is the first in the nation to be made public and marks an industry milestone, officials for both companies said at a joint press conference Tuesday, Oct. 31. The objective of this study is for the trucking industry to use the data and, as a result, promote the use of soy biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Caterpillar will participate in gathering technical information as well as analytical analysis with the use of B20 in its engines.
Congressman Tom Latham and Iowa State Senators Daryl Beall, Mike Gronstal and Jack Kibbie were in attendance at the press conference to show their support for soy biodiesel and the field documentation program. Other groups supporting the study are the National Biodiesel Board, Iowa Central Community College, Renewable Energy Group and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
