The 2 Million Mile Haul: A Double-Decker Dose of Confusion

“Iowa Biodiesel Board, Iowa Soybean Association and REG are promoting the 2 Million Mile Haul as a success but if the report is read, THE TRUE RESULTS ARE BURIED IN A MOUNTAIN OF DATA.”
— Steve Lursen, Special Projects Manager, Decker Companies

Beware of all the hoopla and fanfare surrounding the 2 Million Mile Haul. Sponsors tout test results as evidence supporting a biodiesel mandate. They also imply support of the mandate by Decker Truck Lines, the Fort Dodge-based motor carrier that participated in the study.

Study sponsors regularly tout fuel economy performance and cold weather characteristics, as well as improved lubricity for biodiesel compared to conventional on-road diesel fuel. Decker officials offer a notably different perspective of the results:

• Biodiesel MPG was 2% lower during the test
• Cold weather is a major issue
• Lubricating advantages of biodiesel were unsubstantiated
• Quality is inconsistent
• Biodiesel availability is limited
• Biodiesel proved to be significantly more expensive

Despite confusion surrounding the study one thing is clear, biofuel mandates are not the solution. Fuel is a leading expense for trucking companies, who measure profitability by costs per mile. A mandate will force motor carriers to purchase fuel outside Iowa, and this will have a negative, rippling effect on Iowa retailers, our biodiesel industry and our state in general.

CLICK HERE to review full contents of Steve Lursen’s letter.