Off-road diesel keeps farms, job sites and backup generators running across our region, and it costs less per gallon than the diesel you buy for a highway truck. It also comes with rules. Here is what off-road diesel is, who is allowed to use it, and the easiest ways to buy it from Woodford.
What is off-road diesel?
Off-road diesel is diesel fuel sold for equipment that does not travel on public roads. Because it is not used on the highway, it is not charged the federal and state road taxes that are built into the price of on-road diesel. To make it easy to identify, it is dyed red. You will also hear it called dyed diesel, red diesel, farm diesel or off-highway diesel.
Off-road diesel vs. on-road diesel
The fuel itself is the same. Both are ultra-low sulfur diesel and both will run the same engine. The differences are tax, color and where you can legally burn it.
| Off-road diesel | On-road diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Dyed red | Clear |
| Highway fuel taxes | Not included | Included |
| Legal use | Equipment and engines that stay off public roads | Any diesel vehicle, including licensed road vehicles |
| Typical buyers | Farms, contractors, quarries, loggers, oil and gas sites, generator owners | Trucking fleets, delivery vehicles, diesel pickups |
Who can use off-road diesel?
You can use dyed diesel in any engine that is not powering a licensed vehicle on a public road. Common uses include:
- Tractors, combines and other farm equipment
- Excavators, dozers, loaders and other construction equipment
- Generators, pumps and light towers
- Mining, quarry and logging machinery
- Drilling and completion equipment on oil and gas sites
You cannot use it in a truck, pickup or car that is driven on the road. Inspectors check for red dye in fuel tanks, and the penalties for running dyed fuel on the highway are steep. If a vehicle carries a license plate, fill it with clear diesel.
Where to buy off-road diesel
Woodford offers two ways to buy, depending on how much you use.
At the pump, 24 hours a day
Many Woodford Express stations sell off-road diesel alongside on-road diesel, dyed kerosene and ethanol-free gasoline. The stations are automated and open around the clock, so you can fill a transfer tank or equipment trailer whenever the job needs it. Fleet customers can pay with the Woodford Fuel Card.
Delivered in bulk to your site
If you burn fuel every day, delivery is usually the better option. Our tank wagons deliver bulk off-road diesel for commercial and industrial customers straight to your on-site tank. If you do not have storage, ask about our equipment loan program, which places a tank at your location so fuel is always on hand.
Common questions about off-road diesel
Is off-road diesel cheaper than regular diesel?
Yes. Because highway fuel taxes are not included, off-road diesel normally costs less per gallon than on-road diesel bought on the same day.
Will off-road diesel hurt my engine?
No. It is the same ultra-low sulfur diesel as on-road fuel with red dye added. Modern engines and emissions systems handle it the same way.
Does off-road diesel gel in winter?
Any diesel can gel in very cold weather. Ask us about winter blend diesel and fuel conditioners before temperatures drop.
Can I use off-road diesel in my home heating oil tank?
Dyed diesel and No. 2 heating oil are very similar products, and many homeowners use dyed diesel to get through until their next delivery. For regular home heating, our home heating oil delivery is the simpler choice.
Get a price on off-road diesel
Woodford has supplied fuel to farms and businesses since 1947. Tell us what you run and how much you use, and we will set up the supply that fits. Request a quote online or call 1-800-927-3688.
