KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Pilot Travel Centers has announced it will offer diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) – or urea – “at the pump” for customers that will use trucks equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) in 2010.

The fluid, which is required by SCR systems, will be available at more than 100 Pilot truck stops by late 2009, the company says.

It claims its decision to make DEF available at the pump will maximize affordability and convenience for customers using engines with SCR. Pilot also announced all of its truck stops will offer DEF in pre-packaged containers for top-ups.

“By working with Detroit Diesel Corporation and Daimler Trucks North America, as well as other OEMs, we’ve begun to learn a lot more about SCR and the infrastructure needed to support this beneficial new technology,” said Mark Hazelwood, executive vice-president of Pilot.

“We believe this product will create efficiencies for trucking companies which will, in essence, increase their MPG and save them money. This product offering also helps Pilot to continue its Pilot ‘green’ initiatives and commitment to becoming the first environmentally-friendly travel center network.”

Meanwhile, a lobby group aimed at promoting SCR has set up an information Web site at www.factsaboutscr.com.

The North American SCR Stakeholders Group launched the site, which provides updates on SCR development in North America while debunking some of the myths surrounding the technology. Topics covered by the site include: what is SCR?; SCR performance advantages; the environment; public health impact; and DEF.

“While we know SCR will be the emissions control technology of choice for the majority of the commercial trucking industry,” said Kim Doran, chair of the communications sub-committee of the North American SCR Stakeholders Group, editor of factsaboutscr.comand CEO of Quixote Group, “we also recognize that education will be key to understanding SCR’s benefits and features. factsaboutscr.comwill keep the industry and interested public updated as EPA 2010 and stringent regulations come into effect and the inevitable implementation of SCR becomes a reality.”

SCR is an exhaust aftertreatment system that will be rolled out in 2010 and requires the use of urea.