If you operate a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles, or construction or farm equipment, you may have noticed that there are two types of diesel fuel: on- road and off-road. You may also know that there are federal and state rules about the use of off-road diesel, and if you aren’t sure what the rules are, you may have steered clear of using it. But you could be passing up on some big tax breaks. Once you understand what vehicles and equipment can use off-road diesel, you may be able to take advantage of significant savings.
Technically, and chemically, there is no difference between on-road and off road diesel fuel, except the color. Off-road diesel has a red dye added to make it easily identifiable. Off-road diesel is only for use in farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles that do not operate on public roads. Fuel for those types of vehicles is not taxed, so the cost is lower. The red dye makes it easy to tell if it’s being misused—and the fines are hefty if you get caught using it on an on-road vehicle.
Other than that, there’s zero difference in the performance of vehicles using on-road versus off-road fuel. Off-road diesel offers the same power, and it works in any diesel engine. The big difference is in the price, because of the tax on on-road fuel.
In the past, off-road diesel produced more emissions, but since 2014, emissions standards, sulfur content, and fuel quality are the same for both on-road and off-road diesel.
There are federal and state regulations for off-road diesel use, and they can vary from state to state. In our area, off-road diesel is strictly limited to non-highway equipment, such as tractors, construction machinery, and generators.
Local authorities may perform spot checks to ensure compliance. We recommend keeping accurate records of off-road diesel purchases and usage. If you work with Southville for fleet fueling, we can help with this.
The main qualifying factor for whether you can use off-road diesel is where you are operating your vehicles. If your fleet travels on public roads, such as highways or local streets, you’ll need to fill them up with on-road diesel. Off-road diesel is only for use on private property, such as on a construction site or a farm.
Vehicles and other equipment such as generators, tractors, forklifts and construction vehicles can use off-road fuel.
Operating your vehicles is equally important, whether they are used on-road or off.
As always, proper maintenance is key to improving fuel efficiency. Clean air filters, well-maintained engines, and properly inflated tires reduce energy waste and ensure smooth operation.
Fuel additives can enhance the performance of off-road diesel by cleaning the fuel system, improving combustion, and preventing gelling in cold weather. Look for products specifically designed for diesel engines.
Extended idling wastes fuel and contributes to engine wear—no matter what type of fuel you are using. Limiting idle time can lead to significant savings over time. It’s also better for the air you’re employees are breathing and for the environment.
Finally, investing in modern machinery is a smart way to improve efficiency. New equipment is designed to be more fuel-efficient than older models. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings in fuel can be significant.
No matter what type of vehicles and fuels you use for your business, Southville has you covered. We’ve got three decades of experience supporting the diverse businesses of central Long Island with reliable diesel fuel service. We provide on- and off-road diesel fuel, with bulk deliveries as well as on-site fueling stations to save you time and money.
Our experts can assess your needs and help you plan, schedule, and manage your fuel deliveries. We’ll also help you track your fuel usage to reduce waste and improve efficiency. And we can work with you to plan a fueling station at your business or job site.
We’re always here to take your call. Contact us today to find out how we can make doing business easier for you.