TravelCenters of America Unveils Nation's First Bulk DEF Dispensing Unit
May 18, 2009 -
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) unveiled a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dispensing unit at its Ann Arbor, Mich. location. The company said it believes this unit is the first retail bulk-dispensing unit in operation in the United States.
Originally planned for the second half of 2009, the bulk DEF dispensing unit is housed in TA’s heavy truck repair facility on the Ann Arbor site. The unit is equipped with a weights and measures certified metering device provided by Colonial Chemical Co. of Tabernacle, N.J. TravelCenters believes that Colonial Chemical’s bulk dispensing unit is the only U.S. certified device for retail dispensing of DEF at this time.
"… Colonial Chemical provided a fast and seamless response to our push to begin rollout of bulk DEF capability across the U.S.," stated TravelCenters of America CEO Thomas O’Brien. "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."
Locating the DEF additive indoors at TA’s industry leading heavy truck repair facilities allows TA to solve product freezing issues that TA’s competitors and other suppliers are currently struggling to solve, according to the company.
"TravelCenters of America has been a part of the DEF discussions longer than anyone in the industry," stated Jim Spooner, vice president and general manager of Colonial Chemical. "Their locations offer consumers more choices because they can distribute bulk, prepackaged product, top-off fill and emergency fill services like no one else. We’re thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic supply plan."
The chain also announced that prepackaged 2.5 gallon containers have arrived at its LaVergne, Tenn. distribution warehouse and will immediately be supplied to its TA and Petro Stopping Centers locations. All of TA’s 234 locations and over 400 Road Squad emergency roadside assistance vehicles are expected to have supply available by early June.
TravelCenters of America said it believes it has the most comprehensive and flexible DEF supply plan of any truck stop or travel center chain. The company operates travel centers in 41 states and Canada under the TravelCenters of America and Petro brands.
This year is special for Convenience Store News, as it marks the 40th year of publication, making it the longest continuously published news source for the convenience store industry.
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May 18, 2009 -
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- 
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