Your commercial trucks need diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, to maintain proper environmental safety standards. DEF is a powerful tool to combat environmental concerns, but ordering and storing this liquid can be challenging. Discover how to work with a DEF supplier to order, store, and use high-quality fluid at affordable rates. From a few quarts to hundreds of gallons, you need a national network of quality products to keep your commercial fleet moving forward.
How To Shop for DEF
One challenge is shopping for quality DEF. This product is available at fill-up locations across the country, but drivers may be concerned with the quality of DEF at these locations. It’s also more expensive and inconvenient to fill up at another location. Prepare a fill-up location at your commercial facility with the help of a leading supplier. Here are ways to compare suppliers and identify the optimal way to create a delivery system at your facility.
Review Fluid Quality
Bulk DEF delivery is only as good as the quality of the fluid you receive. At Blue Network, we pride ourselves on delivering leading quality fluid at competitive costs. Ask your DEF supplier about the quality features of your liquid.
Look for DEF that doesn’t use evaporated solids. Urea prill is a common alternative to pure urea liquid, but it has many risks. Urea solids can contaminate your system and introduce formaldehyde and ammonia. It may seem like an affordable alternative, but poor-quality DEF can lead to costly equipment damage.
Quality DEF uses pure urea liquid and high-purity water. Automotive-grade urea uses standardized purity and must be mixed with pure water in a standardized concentration to ensure maximum performance. Ask about ISO specifications and other quality control measures to ensure you receive DEF that keeps your trucks moving forward.
Coordinate the Delivery
Scheduling a delivery is a complex process. When you work with a reliable provider, it can all be coordinated in a hassle-free manner. Here are the basic steps to scheduling a delivery:
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- Choose a fluid
- Order storage equipment, pump, and accessories
- Customize your order
- Prepare for a smart dispensing solution
Some suppliers don’t provide equipment recommendations for you to store your fluid onsite. In this case, you’ll need to schedule a storage tank and pump delivery before you can order fluid. Avoid this logistical challenge by working with a full-service supplier in your area.
A leading supplier offers the necessary equipment and fluid. After discussing your needs, you can arrange for a full delivery, equipment installation, and routine DEF delivery to match your needs. Don’t worry about running low or running out of storage space for your bulk delivery, but turn to Blue Network for a simple, effective delivery schedule.
Create a Long-Term Supplier Relationship
Bulk sales offer you the opportunity to save money and create a long-term relationship with your supplier. As you grow your fleet, your need for DEF is only going to increase. Start a conversation about long-term financing and other solutions with a leading supplier.
Working with the same provider year after year helps you create a stress-free delivery system. Choose a provider with a nationwide network, so you can still receive the same high-quality DEF if your company expands to another location in Canada.
We create an automated delivery schedule to reduce the time and stress of ordering DEF. Most businesses have a good idea about their DEF needs. If you’re just starting out, we can work with you to create an expected fluid delivery plan. You can always customize and alter your plan to order more or less fluid as your needs change, but an automated system ensures predictability and reliability from a leading DEF supplier.
How To Manage Your DEF
Managing DEF in a major facility is easy with the right working relationship. You need to make a few considerations as you prepare to manage and store DEF in your shop. Find out how to store and preserve DEF as you look for ways to streamline your process and improve your shop’s efficiency.
Storage Tips
This fluid is reasonably durable, but there are a few storage considerations. Here are some common factors that can compromise your fluid as you store it:
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- Temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- More than 12 months of storage
Freezing temperatures won’t necessarily harm your DEF, but they will prevent you from dispensing it unless you have a heated storage solution. Be sure you’re prepared for harsh winter weather in Canada. You can avoid High temperatures in the summer by storing your DEF inside, underground, or in another approved situation.
Ask your supplier about the shelf life of your DEF. The typical shelf life of this fluid is one year, but be sure you know how old your fluid already is. A reputable supplier will help you balance the advantages of bulk delivery with an optimal delivery size to avoid DEF going bad in your tank.
Necessary Equipment for Bulk DEF Storage
A single truck may be adequately supplied with quart containers of DEF. For a larger fleet, prepare to purchase commercial storage and handling equipment. It all starts with a tank. Discuss your property and ideal DEF amount to determine whether you need an underground tank, external tank, or interior tank for your facility.
Next, your supplier should recommend a pump that’s appropriately sized for your tank. Pumps and other accessories help create a convenient filling station to fill up any DEF tank before a haul. Finally, monitoring devices, heaters, and other accessories help you customize your setup to handle the weather and your company’s needs.
All this equipment can seem like a large upfront investment, but financing options help you make the most of your situation. Work with Blue Network to see how you can create a commercial equipment setup without draining your working capital.
DEF Handling Tips
Handling DEF requires the proper pump system to efficiently deliver it from your storage tank to your commercial vehicle. There are a few other safety considerations that can help your team remain safe and your DEF pure as you handle it:
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- Routinely clean and maintain your pump
- Thoroughly clean out tanks if contaminated or if poor quality DEF has been stored in them in the past
- Create a closed-loop system to avoid airborne contamination
- Clean and rinse your DEF dispensing products with deionized water, followed by a rinse with DEF
Other handling tips may be equipment-specific, so work with your provider to learn more about handling best practices. Don’t let your high-quality DEF become contaminated or compromised through outdated equipment or lack of safe handling practices.
Work With a DEF Dealer Today
Blue Network is your leading DEF dealer throughout Canada. Get started today to see how you can manage your fleet efficiently and provide trucks with safe, high-quality DEF. Source fluid from a trusted provider and learn more about financing options to get started today.
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