Shipping by truck is a huge part of the economy, and many companies rely on fleets of semis to deliver their goods on time. However, with so many trucks on the road, the exhaust can be a major threat to the environment. To combat this, DEF has become an industry standard.
Of course, distributing DEF on a massive scale requires forethought and efficiency. That’s why Blue Network delivers to hundreds of DEF terminals across Canada.
DEF stands for diesel exhaust fluid. On its own, diesel exhaust contains chemicals, namely nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide, that are detrimental to the environment. To combat this pollution, diesel exhaust fluid is used during the combustion process. When DEF comes into contact with nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide, a chemical reaction occurs, turning these substances into harmless nitrogen and water.
Why does DEF make a difference? Untreated exhaust can contribute to air pollution, which contributes to a number of health problems. Taking preventative measures increases the quality of life for everyone and saves money on public health programs. For this reason, modern HD vehicles are often required to use DEF to help reduce noxious emissions.
Like any other product, diesel exhaust fluid needs to be transported and distributed. DEF terminals are storage facilities that act as a “hub” for distributors. They typically contain high-volume tanks in which DEF is stored until it’s distributed to companies around the country.
Since the fluid is used as gas is consumed, drivers need to replace the DEF used routinely. As a result, most companies have an ongoing relationship with providers and get regular deliveries from a terminal.
Since the quantity of DEF housed in terminals is so great, these locations are typically served by rail. Trains can deliver huge amounts of fluid all across the country in a relatively timely manner, making it the preferred method of delivery for hubs specifically. It’s also best that DEF be handled as little as possible during its shipment, so transporting large amounts is preferable.
Due to the special measures that need to be taken in handling, the highest cost in DEF is delivery. Due to its fragile nature, the fluid has to be handled in accordance with The American Petroleum Institute’s standards, which means specialized equipment and training for anyone moving the product.
How can you mitigate the cost of shipping? The number one strategy is to order from a local terminal. The closer the hub, the lower the overall cost of transportation. At Blue Network, we want to save our customers unnecessary expenses, which is why we have hundreds of local terminals to choose from.
While rail delivery is great for shipping large containers, most trucking companies don’t need the quantities of fluid required to make the order cost-effective. There’s also the issue of transporting DEF to customers, as rail can’t be utilized for the entire journey; at some point, trucks are necessary.
Though not always as cost-effective as rail transport, truck delivery has its uses. In fact, remote terminals that don’t hold as much DEF can benefit from receiving shipments via truck. These hubs need a smaller amount than more prevalent terminals, so they can benefit from ordering less than full truckloads.
Due to the chemically fragile nature of DEF, it has to be held in ideal conditions. Otherwise, it can react with naturally occurring chemicals or moisture, reducing fluid purity. Fortunately, Blue Network has Quality Assurance Protocols in place to keep DEF in prime condition.
When you need affordable DEF and accessories, Blue Network is the place to call. We’re dedicated to providing the best products and customer experience; we even have financing options to help you acquire the resources you need. For more information, give us a call at 1-888-732-6668 or contact us online.
