Those who work in an industry that require off-road diesel are familiar with the product, but the average consumer and driver may be confused by the term.
In fueling, there exists something called off-road diesel. Those who work in an industry that require off-road diesel are familiar with the product, but the average consumer and driver may be confused by the term. You or someone you know may drive a car or pickup truck that uses automobile diesel fuel. In some ways, that diesel fuel is the same as some off-road diesel, and in other ways very different. To get you a better understanding, here’s what most people should know about off-road diesel.
What is Off-Road Diesel?
First of all, off-road diesel can be referred to by many other names, including:
- Dyed diesel
- Dyed ultra-low-sulfur diesel (Dyed ULSD)
- Red diesel, red-dyed diesel
- Red fuel
- Alternative fuel
- Off-highway diesel
- Untaxed diesel
As these terms suggest, this kind of diesel is fuel designated for off-road uses and is untaxed. Equipment and vehicles that use this type of diesel should never be used on public roadways. Government regulations require the red dyeing of the petroleum product to distinguish it as untaxed and different from on-road diesel. Chemically speaking, there isn’t much difference between regular diesel, or on-road diesel, and the red diesel in question; it’s just the color that separates them.
Most people also believe that red-dyed diesel contains more sulfur, but that isn’t necessarily true. Today’s environmental regulations require the use of low-sulfur fuel in most vehicles and machinery. Therefore, off-road diesel can contain just as little sulfur as on-road diesel (approximately ≤15ppm).
What Can — And Can’t — Use Off-Road Diesel?
Those who primarily use off-road diesel operate in construction and agriculture. In construction, some heavy equipment that would use the red fuel include cranes, dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, and forklifts. Farmers also use this type of fuel for their tractors, plows, and harvesters. For other uses, you’ll find red-dyed diesel used in generators and as heating oil. Those who are authorized to purchase red diesel may get a refund on taxes paid toward fueling expenses.
This leads to the fact that, technically, off-road diesel fuel does work in private vehicles, like cars and trucks. However, this is illegal as those who wrongly fuel with it can face the consequences of tax evasion. Depending on your state, those people can face jail time or pay incredibly hefty fines.
Partner with Howard Energy Inc. For Fuel Supply and Services
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.