Powering Fleets – What Is Diesel?
Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV), or white diesel or road diesel, is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in road vehicles. This fuel type is compatible with any diesel-powered engine. However, it is predominantly utilised by businesses that operate vehicle fleets or require transportation for passengers and goods over varying distances. It is important to note that DERV is subject to a government duty tax, distinguishing it from other fuel sources.
DERV shares properties similar to other diesel fuels, such as gas oil (red diesel). Therefore, it is crucial to understand the applicable tax regulations and the differences between these fuel options when making informed decisions. For instance, Red Diesel is a rebated fuel with a significantly lower tax rate; however, due to regulatory restrictions, it is illegal to use Red Diesel in road vehicles.
Understanding these nuances helps ensure compliance and optimal fuel utilisation within the industry.
Names DERV Is Also Known By
All of the below fuels are the same, but DERV is the most formal name.
Diesel
Road Diesel
Road DERV
White Diesel
What Does DERV Cost?
Diesel prices are subject to daily fluctuations influenced by the global oil market, making it impractical to provide fixed prices online. Additionally, various factors, such as the quantity required by customers and their location, can further impact pricing. Therefore, we recommend consulting with a reputable supplier who can provide the most accurate and current pricing information.
Do You Know Where I Can Buy DERV?
If you are in search of high-quality diesel fuel, OilMaxx is here to assist you. Our dedicated sales team is prepared to facilitate bulk DERV orders and help you secure the best pricing available.
At OilMaxx, we leverage our expertise to ensure that you can depend on each delivery consistently. Your satisfaction and reliability are our top priorities.
Mobile Emergency Fuel Supply
Our local, reliable supply of DERV and HVO is readily available to be delivered directly to your sites today by our sister brand, OilMaxx Express. A convenient fuel delivery service that brings the fuel directly to your site to fuel vehicles, equipment and machinery. This small-volume service provides businesses with fuel on-site, reducing the risk of fuel theft and securing a fuel supply.
Fleetmaxx Fuel Cards
Unlock substantial savings of up to 10p per litre on diesel across 3,600+ pumps with Fleetmaxx Fleet Fuel Card. Powered by Fleetmaxx Solutions, this card offers a game-changing solution for consistent weekly fixed diesel pricing.
Red Diesel Duty Changes
DERV shares similar properties with other types of diesel fuel, including red diesel. When selecting fuel, it’s essential to understand the rules and tax rate differences. Red diesel is a discounted fuel that has a lower tax rate of 5% for volumes below 2,300 litres. However, for volumes exceeding 2,300 litres, the tax rate increases to 20%. It’s important to note that the regulations regarding the use of red diesel have recently changed, resulting in the loss of entitlement for many sectors as of April 1, 2022.
Discover OilMaxx Products For Business
The renewable diesel replacement
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil
HVO renewable diesel serves as a direct substitute for both red and white diesel, suitable for use in various on-road and off-road vehicles and machinery. Sourced from certified sustainable raw materials, HVO contributes to a significant reduction in net CO2 emissions by up to 90%. This makes it an optimal choice for organisations aiming to achieve their sustainability objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel
What is DERV?
DERV is another name for white diesel, the same fuel used in cars, vans, trucks, trains, and HGVs across the UK. It’s a crude oil distillate and is used worldwide.
What does DERV stand for?
DERV stands for Diesel Engine Road Vehicle. The fuel industry often uses the name to differentiate white or road diesel from red diesel, a tax-rebated fuel reserved for off-road use.
Is white diesel also called DERV?
Two main types of diesel products are sold in the UK: DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle) and gas oil (red diesel).
Gas oil is subject to a lower tax rate than DERV, so it can only be used in off-road vehicles, generators and heating applications.
DERV is taxed but isn’t subject to the same usage restrictions as gas oil. The fuel and oil industry regularly uses the name DERV to differentiate between the two fuels.
What colour is DERV?
DERV isn’t white, despite it sometimes being known as white diesel.
It’s amber/green in colour and will be clear and bright. Some countries mix dyes into DERV to better differentiate it from other fuels.
Are there different grades of DERV?
Yes, there are two different grades of DERV: summer and winter.
The critical difference between the two is that winter-grade diesel contains additives, making it better adapted to work in colder temperatures. Without these additives, DERV is prone to “waxing, ” where paraffin crystals form in the fuel and can cause serious issues.
What is DERV used for?
DERV is most commonly used as a road fuel to keep cars, vans and motor fleets moving. It’s currently the most widespread road fuel in use in the UK.
What other names is DERV known by?
DERV is known by several names, including:
White Diesel
Road diesel
Diesel
Forecourt diesel
Ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD)
Is red diesel and DERV the same?
DERV and red diesel are chemically the same product but they have different uses.
DERV is the most common diesel form and is widely available at forecourts and petrol stations across the UK. Users can drive in and top up their cars, vans or trucks, business users purchase their DERV in bulk and store it onsite to allow easy access.
Red diesel is the same fuel but blended with a red dye to mark it out as for off-road use only. It’s illegal to use red diesel on the roads.
Does DERV contain FAME?
Yes, DERV contains a percentage of FAME content.
Changes to the RTFO (Road Transport Fuel Obligations) in 2019 increased the percentage of biofuel content in fuel from 5% to 8%. This biofuel content is typically FAME, or Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, a biofuel with similar characteristics to DERV but with a far lower environmental impact.
FAME brings issues that negatively affects diesel over time:
A shorter shelf life
Cold weather performance diminishes as FAME is more prone to waxing (gelling)
Increased water content in diesel as it absorbs moisture from the air
Risk of diesel bugs, that degrades the fuel and block filters and fuel lines
Given the above, fuel maintenance is required.
Who can buy DERV in bulk?
As long as there is a way to store the diesel safely, in line with relevant diesel storage regulations, then anyone can buy DERV in bulk. An RDCO form also needs to be completed confirming to the supplier you are allowed to use the fuel.
What is the cost of DERV?
The price of DERV changes regularly based on global factors such as the price of crude oil and individual circumstances, including how much you want to purchase and your delivery location.
How should DERV be stored?
The safest way to store diesel at your premises is in a bunded tank that’s both accessible and sheltered from the elements.
How long can you store DERV?
Diesel degrades in quality over time due to several factors, mainly from the FAME and ester content. We recommend storing DERV or red diesel for a maximum of a year without taking steps to preserve its quality. After this point, diesel bugs, moisture retention, sludge build-up and waxing can take its toll on your vehicles.
DERV can be stored for an extended period if you take precautions to maintain fuel quality. This includes regular checks on your storage, testing the fuel and draining any build-up from the bottom of the tank.
Can DERV become contaminated?
There are two main types of diesel contamination: physical and microbial.
Physical – this includes synthetic or organic matter entering your diesel. In outdoor tanks, this will be plant debris, small insects or rust in a metal tank.
Microbial – where fungi and bacteria grow, increasing moisture content and sludge build-up. These microbes feed on hydrocarbons degrading the fuel as the bacteria multiply.
Can you clean contaminated DERV?
Yes – polishing your fuel can resolve minor fuel contamination onsite by pumping the fuel through a high-pressure fuel polishing machine, forcing your fuel through several fine filters until all traces are removed.
It can be uplifted for polishing offsite and recycled back into the market, potentially giving you payment.
What alternatives are available to DERV?
Renewable diesel replacement Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is the lowest-emission diesel replacement fuel available.
HVO is different to other diesel fuels. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is an eco-friendly alternative to other traditional types of diesels. HVO fuels have been reported to reduce carbon monoxide and dioxide straight from the initial usage. It slashes CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%
How do I deal with a spillage?
If only a small amount of DERV has been spilt its important that you attempt to prevent further spillage and then as quickly and safely as possible try to remove the fuel. If in an enclosed space be careful as the fumes can be toxic.
For a large amount of DERV being spilt you should get in touch with a professional company to handle the spillage. It vital that you attempt to quickly deal with the spillage to minimise damage to the environment.
Spills leave your business at risk of receiving a hefty fine as well as the clean-up costs and possible damage to your businesses reputation.
Why Choose OilMaxx?
Competitive Pricing
We provide competitive transparent prices with low market tracking and we have sustainable pricing structures in place.
Supply Choice
OilMaxx has an extensive range of fuel tankers to suit you & your needs. Whether you need a full 36,500 litre delivery on an articulated tanker right down to 20L drums.
Reliable Delivery
OilMaxx is committed to providing short delivery timescales, delivering on time and in full. Offering a trustworthy and dependable service, including out of hours.
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Whether you're a business or home heating oil user, you can contact OilMaxx for reliable service and expert assistance. We're here to keep homes warm and businesses running smoothly.
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