Earlier this year, the country’s first B99 biodiesel retail location for trucking commercial fleets was installed by Pilot Travel Centers and ADM Trucking.
ADM has long kept an eye on emerging technologies in the heavy-duty vehicle space. Roughly six years ago, ADM worked with Optimus Technologies to pilot emerging real-world tech within the Class 8 truck space, by retrofitting five of ADM Trucking’s trucks with Optimus technology. While running those trucks for about 1.2 million miles over 16 months, the company also ran a set of trucks with internal combustion engines (ICE) to compare the results.
The performance of the Optimus-retrofitted tractors mirrored that of traditional internal combustion engines, but with one key difference—significantly less soot and ash. Fuel economy also held steady, even slightly improving, giving ADM the confidence that this was a viable alternative fuel solution.
Despite the promising results, the company stepped away from the technology for a time. They shifted focus and began testing compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks instead, leasing a fleet of 10 with plans to deploy them in Frankfort, Indiana. When that proved logistically difficult, the trucks were redeployed to regions like the Rockies and the West Coast. Several are still active in the fleet today, with plans underway for redeployment.
Roughly two years ago, ADM began revisiting the idea of using biofuels—specifically, high-blend biodiesel B99—when its current Fleet & Sustainability Manager Brandon Rick re-joined the company. As a major biodiesel producer with a facility in Missouri, it made sense to lean into a fuel they were already familiar with. Working with Optimus and other stakeholders, the team had to decide whether to manage its own biofuel or retail it.
They quickly realized that limiting B99 to a private network would deter adoption among smaller fleets. Turning outward, the company formed a partnership with Pilot Company through the Clean Fuels Alliance, with the first B99 fueling station opening in Decatur, Illinois, on April 22, 2025 at the Pilot Travel Center. Two more locations are set to be opened later this year—one in Des Moines, Iowa, and the other in Dallas, Texas.
By approaching biodiesel adoption in this way, ADM creates infrastructure that allows smaller fleets access to low-emission fuel without needing to invest in their own tanks or storage before knowing if biodiesel is the right fit for them. While electric and hydrogen vehicles have a somewhat uncertain future right now, biodiesel is a great sustainable option that can be implemented right now.
The goal for the B99 program is to have 50 Class 8 trucks fully deployed by Q4 of 2025, with many running in and out of Decatur and other nearby regions. From there, ADM plans to move into a second phase of the program with Optimus and Pilot to assess further growth. ADM also continues to explore ways to decarbonize across the full transportation spectrum. In addition to on-road fleets, the company has seen success using biodiesel blends in the marine sector.
As ADM looks ahead, they’re seeking new partners who want to help scale the retail B99 space.
“Individually, we may not have the volume density,” said Rick, “but as we come together as an industry and collectively create the demand, that’s really what’s going to unlock fuel supply and lower fuel supply cost and make it a win-win for the fuel industry.”
Whitney began working with IACT in 2023. With a degree in English and a minor in Art, Whitney has worked as both a newspaper reporter and a digital marketing and events manager, bringing 7 years of marketing and 8 years of content creation experience to IACT. Whitney is passionate about nature and preserving the environment, including solutions to cleaner air and greater sustainability, and is a former Chicago resident.