‘From farm to fuel,’ Perdue launches group of 100% biodiesel-powered trucks
Salisbury, Md. – Perdue Farms, in collaboration with the Maryland Soybean Board and Optimus Technologies, announced the deployment of six trucks powered by 100% soybean-derived biodiesel on Friday. Officials say the initiative that reduces these trucks’ emissions by 70%.
“This is 100% biodiesel, meaning it’s a biofuel and soybeans are a key part of that,” Director of Environmental Sustainability at Purdue Farms Ben Hildegard said.
Though Perdue’s new group of lower-emission trucks can run on diesel, the ability to power the trucks on 100% biodiesel instead of 20% or 40%, is possible due to Optimus’ technology. According to Ben Hildegard, the director of environmental sustainability at Purdue Farms, the technology prevents the 100% biodiesel — also known as “B-100” — from solidifying in colder temperatures, making the trucks able to run on the plant-derived fuel all year long.
In a statement, Colin Huwyler, the CEO of Optimus Technologies, said deploying B-100 in livestock transportation can help “reduce emissions in traditionally hard‑to‑decarbonize sectors where reliability and uptime are critical.”
On the logistics side, Perdue Vice President of Transportation Chris Trajkovski said the initiative to be more environmentally sustainable is not compromising reliability or “uptime,” which is the amount of time a vehicle is available and operational without unexpected interruptions.
He said the six new units allowed them to dip their toes while gauging the reception from our drivers.
“Because at the end of the day, our drivers are the key ingredient in what we do in transportation and logistics,” Trajkovski said.
He said the sophisticated technology allows “all the thinking to be done for them” and shortens the learning curve for drivers. One driver said he has been enjoying the ride.
“I’ve been driving it since they put them on the road, I guess about maybe a couple thousand miles,” Perdue Transportation Inc. Driver Lester Dawson said. “It rides smooth. And I’m all about technology, you know?”
According to Maryland Soybean Board representative and Somerset County Farmer Shane King, it’s a win-win.
“You know we sell them the soybeans and it’s great to see them, you know, going full circle and using them back in their own trucks and in their fleet,” he said. “I’m all for anything that that can provide more uses for soybeans. You know, here to help Maryland soybean farmers out. That’s what it’s all about.”
Perdue officials say they have been putting these trucks online one at a time since the beginning of the year, but as of Friday, all six are completely up and running like any other truck in their fleet.
