## USPS Delivers for You, on Biodiesel

United States Postal Service (USPS) employees work through a lot of
obstacles -- such as rain, snow, sleet, and dark of night -- but in some
locations, one less obstacle now is exhaust fumes from their equipment.
That is because the USPS is a significant user of biodiesel, the
renewable, alternative fuel to diesel that improves the environment by
cutting emissions, and also lessens our dependence on foreign oil.

Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel, with
the most common blend being B20 (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent
petroleum). Biodiesel is typically made from the fat or vegetable oil in
renewable resources such as soybeans and is chemically engineered to
strict industry standards (ASTM D6751). In turn, it is registered with
the Environmental Protection Agency as a legal motor fuel for sale and
distribution. Biodiesel can be used in any conventional diesel engine
with few or no modifications. Biodiesel offers enhanced lubricity and
cetane, plus similar horsepower and torque when compared to petroleum
diesel. Since it is domestically produced and renewable, it also
contributes to national energy security.

About 300 retail filling stations make various biodiesel blends
available to the public, and more than 1,000 petroleum distributors
carry it nationwide. The Postal Service has long recognized the benefits
of biodiesel and has worked diligently over the past four years to
incorporate the use of the alternative fuel into its operations. "A
number of postal locations have relied on biodiesel fuel," said Jackie
Estes, Delivery Vehicle Operations Manager. "Employees like the idea of
cleaner air and a renewable alternative to petroleum, so acceptance is
very good.  Operationally, we\'ve learned how to manage start-up issues,
like initial tank debris that requires more frequent attention to
filters," she said.

Some of the locations currently using biodiesel in the Postal Service
include New York, Florida, Michigan, and Missouri. Central Florida is
one of the biggest users of biodiesel and currently receives its fuel
supply from a mobile refueler. Utilizing the mobile re-fueling system
safeguards the Postal Service from the potential costs associated with
cleaning tanks and treating or disposing of contaminated fuel. Recently,
postal vehicles in St. Louis and Detroit have been allowed greater
access to commercial biodiesel suppliers under DESC (Defense Energy
Support Center) contracts for biodiesel. DESC's mission statement is to
provide the Department of Defense and other government agencies with
comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and economical
manner possible.

More than 500 major fleets use biodiesel commercially nationwide
including all four branches of the military, NASA, Harvard University,
the National Park Service, schools and others. The Postal Service has
been one of the first federal agencies to use biodiesel, and continues
to be one of the heaviest users of biodiesel. Furthermore, the Postal
Service continues to set itself apart by taking the initiative to
examine the long term engine and fuel system effects of biodiesel use by
performing a teardown analysis of its engines.

# Initiative to Further Ensure Biodiesel's Benefits

The teardown analysis was done to ensure that the use of biodiesel by
the Postal Service does not result in excessive engine wear or
mechanical difficulties that would unexpectedly drive up USPS vehicle
operation and maintenance costs. \"The USPS is excited to be the first
to examine the effects of prolonged operations on biodiesel fuel on
engine systems," said Han Dinh, USPS Vehicle Engineering Program
Director. "The current vehicle teardown analysis has not yet been
finalized; however the preliminary results indicate that there is no
adverse effect of operating biodiesel in our diesel tractors for more
than three years," he said.

The teardown analysis is being conducted at two southern Florida Postal
Service Vehicle Maintenance Facilities, in conjunction with the
Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories
(NREL). The analysis examines eight to ten scheduled replacement
vehicles - cargo vans, and tractors - and monitors engine and fuel
system for deposits and other effects.

# An Incentive to Use More Biodiesel

If the price of biodiesel becomes more competitive with regular diesel,
the Postal Service hopes additional sites will use it as a fuel. A
biodiesel tax incentive for fuel blends signed by President Bush in
October and effective January 1, 2005 will significantly narrow the
price gap between renewable biodiesel and regular diesel fuel. "We\'re
looking forward to more competitive pricing as a result of the recent
tax legislation.  That will help us increase our usage," Estes said.

**Concern for Environment Guides USPS**

The Postal Service does more than just use biodiesel to meet regulatory
requirements; it actually places preference on using vehicles that can
operate on biodiesel, according to USPS officials. It also increases its
use of B20 each year. In 2003, the Postal Service used 1,115,968 gallons
of B20, a 48 percent increase over 2002 levels. Usage was 12 percent
higher than in 2001, which was 61 percent greater than 2000. According
to the Postal Service, the consumption of B20 also led to the use of
other alternative fuels in 2003.

The Postal Service uses biodiesel to help meet the Federal Energy Policy
Act of 1992 (EPAct) requirements, in which biodiesel counts toward
credits for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. Biodiesel use in
existing diesel vehicles can apply towards reaching the goal of 75
percent of new acquisitions, which must be capable of operating on
alternative fuels. The Postal Service has met or exceeded its EPAct
requirement in seven of the last eight years, often by ten percent or
more.

For more information on biodiesel, please see
[www.biodiesel.org](http://www.biodiesel.org/).

For more information on the use of biodiesel in USPS vehicles, please
contact Brent Kurapatskie at 202-268-6485.