What TravelCenters of America believes is the first operating retail bulk dispenser of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the U.S. unveiled this morning at TA's location in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The 275-gallon dispenser from Colonial Chemical has a weights and measures-certified meter, which TA thinks is also a first.

TravelCenters meanwhile announced that prepackaged 2.5-gallon containers of DEF have arrived at its LaVergne, Tenn., distribution warehouse, and it will immediately begin supplying TA and Petro Stopping Centers locations. All of TA's 234 locations and all of TA's more than 400 Road Squad emergency roadside assistance vehicles are expected to have DEF supplies available by early June.

Originally planned for the second half of 2009, the bulk DEF dispensing unit is housed in TA's heavy truck repair facility at Ann Arbor. More accessible outdoor dispensers will later be installed near diesel pumps, and TA said it is researching available products.

A retail price for DEF at the Ann Arbor bulk dispenser has not been set because the unit is still in test, a TA spokesman said. A 2.5-gallon jug of DEF sells for $9.99, or about $4 per gallon.

"While other companies have been working to adapt European technology to U.S. standards for bulk DEF dispensing at the fueling island, we worked closely with Colonial Chemical for an interim dispensing solution for the DEF additive," said Thomas O'Brien, TA's chief executive officer.

"TravelCenters of America has been a part of the DEF discussions longer than anyone in the industry," said Jim Spooner, Colonial's vice president and general manager. "Their locations offer consumers more choices because they can distribute bulk, prepackaged product, top-off fill and emergency fill services like no one else."

TravelCenters of America believes it has the most comprehensive and flexible DEF supply plan of any truck stop or travel center chain. Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, TA operates travel and truck stops in 41 states and Canada under the TravelCenters of America and Petro brands. More information is at www.tatravelcenters.com.

Based in Tabernacle, N.J., Colonial Chemical is a leading producer of diesel exhaust fluid for 2010-model trucks with selective catalytic reduction systems. Colonial has supplied urea SCR reagents for stationary diesel generators and coal fired power plants for more than 10 years. More information is at
www.colonial-chemical.com.