When evaluating fuel options for truck and van fleets on the West Coast, fleet managers must weigh the economic, environmental, and logistical challenges of diesel, gasoline, and diesel/gasoline mixes (including dual-fuel systems). Each option presents distinct advantages and challenges depending on fleet size, vehicle types, regulatory environments, and cost considerations.
Booster delivers all fuel types and has experience working with fleets that need both diesel and gasoline to power their businesses. We talk to your team to assess your fleet’s needs and then our pricing engine works to find you the best fuel prices for that in your local area. After that, software helps us recommend operational decisions based on multiple data sources to identify efficient routes, and the right tankers to deliver to you. Here’s a look at the data points you might consider as you determine the best fuel for your fleet and get started with fuel delivery:
Diesel & California’s Lower Carbon Fuel Standard
Diesel remains the top choice for heavy-duty fleets thanks to high energy density and fuel economy. Diesel engines typically offer better torque and longevity, which can mean lower maintenance costs and better performance on long-haul or high-load routes. But diesel isn’t perfect.
In California, diesel prices might be higher than gasoline. Coupled with the state’s strong emissions regulations under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), it can make diesel look increasingly expensive when you think through the things you’ll need to change for compliance and retrofitting costs to bring your fleet up to LCFS standards. As public and regulatory pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rises, it’s becoming more common to see fleets push from fossil diesel toward cleaner alternatives like renewable diesel or biodiesel, and even state-of-the-art electric fleet trucks when their budgets allow.
California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards aren’t without their benefits (we mean in addition to cleaner air) and fleets that do choose to modernize can reap the benefits. When you use or produce cleaner fuels like renewable diesel, electricity, renewable natural gas (RNG), or hydrogen, your company could be eligible to earn LCFS credits, which can be sold for cash or reinvested into fleet operations, incentivizing adoption across the state. As an exclusive partner with Chevron’s Renewable Energy Group, Booster has ready access to the best renewable diesel in the market. And our team is here to guide you through any equipment changes that need to be made, though renewable diesel is generally considered a one-to-one substitute for traditional diesel. It can be more challenging when your team is trying to upgrade to renewable options when gasoline has long been your fuel of choice. And it’s a solid fuel choice to consider for the right fleet.
Gasoline Options
Gasoline, though often lower in cost per gallon than diesel, is less energy-dense and thus has lower fuel economy. You are more likely to see it used with light-duty or urban delivery vehicles where trips are shorter and less power is required. Gasoline-powered vehicles tend to have lower upfront costs and are easier to maintain, but their long-term fuel costs can add up due to less efficient mileage. On the West Coast, particularly in California, the growing emphasis on carbon reduction and the strength of electric vehicle adoption makes long-term investments in gasoline fleets potentially less future-proof.
Diesel/gas mixes or dual-fuel systems (such as diesel/natural gas or diesel/gasoline blends) aim to combine the benefits of both fuels. These systems can reduce fuel costs and emissions by optimizing usage for a given engine load and driving conditions. For example, dual-fuel systems using compressed natural gas (CNG) with diesel can lower nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions, qualifying fleets for regulatory incentives. These systems often come with high initial investment costs, increased vehicle complexity, and limited fueling infrastructure—particularly outside urban centers. On top of these added challenges, fleets that use these dual-fuel systems may see an increased need for driver training and maintenance specialization which can deter smaller fleets from considering this as a viable option.
Green Options: Renewable Diesel
As mentioned, renewable diesel is an option that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel. You will often achieve 50-80% lower carbon footprints depending on the feedstock used. Biodiesel is a diesel substitute derived from living matter, most vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oil. It burns cleaner with fewer particulates and toxins, and can be produced domestically, reducing dependence on imported petroleum. The most logical reasons for using biodiesel: low investment thanks to its interchangeability with diesel, can also be handicapped by complications. Unlike conventional diesel, biodiesel can gel in cold weather which would end up requiring fuel system modifications or additives, which can be costly. Likewise, in older vehicles, the differences in the liquid may cause issues with fuel system components, like seals and hoses in older vehicles. Additionally, biodiesel has lower energy density which can lead to slightly reduced fuel economy.
The Coming Alternative Energy Wave
Sustainability and emissions drive regulations like the Lower Carbon Fuel Standard in California and neighboring West Coast states. Thanks to the size of the state and the markets available there, LCFS can influence fleet decisions around the region and ultimately, the country.
Additionally, as electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to grow, there may be more reliance on newer, electric fleet vehicles, but for now, finding the most emissions efficient option is important. Diesel’s high fuel economy and availability is good, making it a strong contender for large trucks but these trucks still emit pollution. And biodiesel’s ability to substitute for traditional diesel while offering a significantly smaller emissions footprint can be undercut by hard data around specific feedstock sources, with some crops requiring substantial land, water, and fertilizer inputs that can offset environmental advantages.
At the moment, diesel remains a dominant choice for heavy-duty, long-haul applications but faces regulatory and cost pressures. Gasoline is a viable low-cost option for lighter-duty, urban fleets but offers lower efficiency and future sustainability. Diesel/gas mixes provide a bridge to cleaner operations but require significant investment and are best suited for large fleets with the resources to manage their complexity. On the West Coast—where environmental regulation is especially strict—fleet managers must increasingly consider not just fuel cost, but long-term compliance, infrastructure access, and sustainability mandates when choosing a fuel strategy.
As your leadership team prioritizes budgetary allotment for fuel and considers environmental costs and regulatory landscapes, mobile fuel delivery from Booster can help your team bridge upgrades and cut costs as you modernize your fleet. Reach out to a team member today to learn more.