Pilot first in US to offer B99 biodiesel for commercial fleets

Option for lowering carbon, improving fuel efficiency for long-haul trucking launched in Illinois, Iowa and Texas

The environmentally friendly fuel for diesel engines is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled grease. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

B99 biodiesel is now available for refueling at select Pilot Travel Centers in a green initiative involving the company and several of its partners.

Pilot has installed the country’s first B99 fuel pump for commercial fleets, according to a news release from the Knoxville, Tennessee-based company. B99 launched at Pilot’s Travel Center in Decatur, Illinois, in recognition of National Biodiesel Day on March 18.

B99 biodiesel has lower carbon emissions and boosts fuel efficiency for long-haul trucking. It is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled grease.

Pilot said the launch was “made possible” through a collaboration with PepsiCo, operator of one of North America’s largest private fleets, and global agricultural supply chain manager ADM.

Clean energy technology company Optimus Technologies was credited with enabling this rollout by developing upgrades for diesel engines to operate on up to 100% biodiesel.

“We know how important sustainability is to our customers and strive to help meet these growing needs for more sustainable fuel options for commercial fleets,” said Eric Fobes, head of renewables at Pilot, in the release. “Introducing B99 at our travel centers is another way we support fleets committed to reducing carbon emissions.”

The first rollout of B99 biodiesel pumps is taking place at three Pilot locations:

  • It is currently available at 4030 East Boyd Road in Decatur, Illinois.
  • Later this spring, it will become available at 11957 Douglas Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • This summer, it will become available at 8787 South Lancaster Road in Dallas.
Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Fraud & Security

Freight Fraud Symposium

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

May 20, 2026
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH
Register Now
AI & Technology

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL
Register Now
Rail & Policy

Future of Rail Symposium

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

July 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Fraud & Security Freight Fraud Symposium May 20 • Cleveland, OH

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH Register Now
AI & Technology Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL Register Now
Rail & Policy Future of Rail Symposium Jul 28 • Chattanooga, TN

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories. Every person has a story to tell, and Caleb wants to help share them! He can be contacted by email anytime at Caleb.Revill@firecrown.com.