Enjoying the ride with biodiesel pride

Ask any Nebraskan farm family what they're listening to while working the fields, and they’ll tell you, “The game’s on.”

Since 2023, Husker Athletics, Arrow Stage Lines and the Nebraska Soybean Board have taken that pride on the road with a biodiesel partnership.

“Biodiesel not only promotes the use of locally grown feedstocks but also aligns perfectly with the sustainability goals of the university,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director.

Arrow Stage Lines also announced in 2023 that it was switching to biodiesel for its entire Nebraska fleet.

What started with three Husker team buses has expanded statewide and is now spreading nationwide as part of a broader adoption of sustainable-fuel alternatives.

“The two things we really like about the biodiesel blend are that it’s a sustainable, renewable alternative that supports local farmers and economies,” said Alex Busskohl, sales and business development manager for Arrow Stage Lines.

“Every gallon of biodiesel used means fewer emissions and more support for local farmers,” Busskohl said.

The overall switch to B20 and B5 biodiesel, depending on seasonal temperatures, was a simple process integration between Arrow Stage Line’s fuel cards and its online routing app, requiring zero mechanical modifications or extra maintenance to its vehicles.

All drivers are trained to utilize biodiesel fill-up stations on their routes as a regular part of the journey.

“Making the switch to biodiesel blends felt like a no-brainer,” Busskohl said.

“As a renewable alternative supporting local farmers and the environment, Arrow Stage Lines is proud to run on biodiesel as much as we possibly can year over year,” Busskohl added.

According to Busskohl, feedback on the fuel conversion has been positive overall, with most farmers understanding the value immediately.

Those outside the industry have their curiosity met with the logical advantages that just make sense as an overall benefit.

It’s another reason for many Nebraskans and farm families in the region to be hometown proud.

“Arrow Stage Lines has been around for more than 100 years,” Busskohl said. “We’re nationwide, but our roots are here. My great-grandfather, who founded the company, was a corn and bean farmer. And four generations removed, we remain connected to those agricultural roots through this partnership.”

Busskohl added, “As a company using millions of gallons of fuel annually, we plan to continue to support the farming community by sourcing sustainable fuel as a way to give back and support our local people.”

Biodiesel blends across Arrow Stage Lines’ footprint:

• Six locations converted across Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska.

• Hundreds of biodiesel fill-up stations incorporated into nationwide routes.

• 5 million miles fueled yearly, at a minimum estimate.

Biodiesel at glance:

• Biodiesel can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 86 percent compared to petroleum diesel.

• Blends up to B20 work in diesel engines without modifications.

• Supports local economies and job growth.