If you manage diesel equipment equipped with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, ensuring DEF is available is part of the necessary planning for these vehicles and equipment.

American Petroleum offers Diesel Exhaust Fluid in various formats and supply options to accommodate different consumption levels and storage needs.

In addition to DEF, we also distribute diesel fuel and lubricants, making it easier to manage different supply needs through a single provider.

AQL Diesel Exhaust Fluid: American Petroleum’s DEF for fleets

Format	Content	Application
2.3-gallon (8.7-liter) container	Individual refill container	Individual vehicles and refill needs
55-gallon (208-liter) drum	Container for storage and dispensing	Operations with higher consumption or storage needs
Tote	Higher-capacity container	Operations requiring storage of larger volumes
Bulk	Direct delivery to the customer’s storage facility	Operations with high consumption and storage capacity

Do you need to plan your fleet’s DEF supply?

American Petroleum offers AQL Diesel Exhaust Fluid in various formats, ranging from individual containers to drums, totes, and bulk supply. Contact your Account Representative or call (787) 794-1985 to evaluate the right supply option for your operation.

Why your fleet can’t run out of DEF

Diesel vehicles and equipment equipped with SCR systems use DEF as part of the emissions reduction process. Since 2010, virtually all on-road diesel trucks and many off-road diesel machines have used DEF as part of these systems.

SCR systems can monitor DEF levels and generate alerts when supplies are low, depending on the vehicle or machine’s design. If DEF runs out and the situation is not corrected, the vehicle’s behavior will depend on the manufacturer and the system installed. Some systems may significantly reduce speed or limit operation until the condition is resolved.

For a transportation fleet, this can result in downtime, route delays, and additional operating costs. For equipment used in critical operations, ensuring DEF availability is also part of supply planning.

Therefore, incorporating DEF consumption into the regular refueling schedule can help prevent low levels that affect operations.

How much DEF does your fleet consume? How to calculate and plan your supply

Monthly Diesel Fuel Consumption	Estimated DEF at 3%	Estimated DEF at 5%
500 gal/month	500 gal/month	500 gal/month
15 gal/month	15 gal/month	15 gal/month
25 gal/month	25 gal/month	25 gal/month
1,000 gal/month	1,000 gal/month	1,000 gal/month

DEF consumption varies depending on the equipment, environment, operation, and duty cycle. As a reference, Cummins notes that DEF consumption can account for approximately 3% to 5% of fuel consumption in certain SCR applications.

To make an initial estimate, you can use this formula: Estimated DEF consumption = diesel consumption × 3%–5%

Frequently Asked Questions about DEF for commercial fleets in Puerto Rico

Which vehicles in my fleet require DEF?

Diesel vehicles and equipment equipped with SCR systems and for which the manufacturer specifies the use of DEF require this fluid as part of the emissions control system.

How often does a freight truck need to have its DEF replenished?

The frequency depends on the size of the DEF tank, diesel consumption, the duty cycle, and operating conditions. As a reference, DEF consumption can account for approximately 3% to 5% of diesel consumption in certain SCR applications.

Does DEF expire?

Yes. DEF has a limited shelf life that depends on storage conditions. The API states that, under optimal conditions, it can last 12 months or longer, while high temperatures and direct exposure to sunlight can accelerate its degradation.

Does American Petroleum deliver DEF along with diesel and lubricants?

American Petroleum distributes AQL Diesel Exhaust Fluid, in addition to diesel and lubricants, with various delivery options for business operations. The coordination of each delivery will depend on the operation’s needs.

What is the difference between DEF, urea, and AdBlue?

DEF is a solution of high-purity urea and purified water used in SCR systems. Urea is one of the components of DEF and, on its own, is not a substitute for the finished product. AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) used for AUS 32, which meets the requirements of ISO 22241.