Reliable Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV) fuel supplier
At Certas, we deliver high-quality diesel for fleets, machinery and commercial operations. Bulk diesel options are available for delivery nationwide.
Order Your Diesel TodayWhat is DERV fuel?
What is DERV fuel?
DERV stands for Diesel-Engined Road Vehicle and is used for vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans. It has many different names, including ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), diesel, white diesel and normal diesel. DERV is a high-grade diesel that has low sulphur content.
Unlike red diesel, DERV fuel is taxed to enable it to be used in on-road vehicles. It is essential for powering a wide range of diesel-powered transport and passenger vehicles across all sectors, including haulage and transport, construction, agriculture and marine. Its low sulphur content reduces harmful sulphur dioxide emissions and helps modern diesel engines to use advanced emission control technologies to contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.
DERV is a refined fuel, which consists mainly of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through a refining process. It has a complex mixture of alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons. Overall, DERV is a cleaner, more sustainable choice of fuel for your diesel vehicles and is an essential consideration for any business that relies on heavy-duty or long-distance transport.
All Certas DERV meets UK standards for performance and emissions.
The difference between DERV and red diesel
One of our most asked questions is the difference between DERV and red diesel. DERV is a fully-taxed, diesel fuel legal for on-road vehicles, while red diesel is lower-taxed and is restricted solely to off-road vehicles. Take a look at the table below to see the common differences between DERV and red diesel:
| Definition | A diesel fuel used in on-road vehicles |
| Usage | Used in road vehicles such as cars, vans, buses and trucks |
| Colour and taxation | Clear (white diesel) and fully taxed for road use |
| Sulphur content | Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) <10 ppm sulphur |
| Legality for road use | Legal for all road vehicles |
| Environmental impact | Cleaner burning, lower emissions |
| Definition | A lower-taxed diesel for off-road use. |
| Usage | Agriculture, construction, marine, rail, and non-road machinery. |
| Colour and taxation | Dyed red to indicate a lower tax rate and illegal for road use. |
| Sulphur content | Also ULSD (<10 ppm), but older red diesel traditionally had higher sulphur. |
| Legality for road use | Illegal for road vehicles with heavy fines applied if used |
| Environmental impact | Similar emissions profile |
Why choose Certas Energy for your DERV fuel needs
With over 40 years of experience, Certas Energy is the largest Independent supplier of high-quality DERV fuel across the UK. We have delivered millions of litres of bulk DERV to businesses nationwide and are one of the best fuel suppliers across the UK due to our consistency, efficiency and reliability.
Our DERV fuel also meets (and in some circumstances exceeds) EN 590 standards for diesel. We also supply more than just fuel, with an extensive range of lubricants and additives, AdBlue, telemetry, fuel cards, on-site storage and tanks, meaning you can get all you need from one supplier.
Dedicated Account Management
Expert Fuel Advice
Over 900 fuel tankers on the UK roads
130+ depots supplying fuel across the UK
Efficient Multi-Site Delivery
Certas Energy’s DERV fuel delivery & coverage
With nearly 900 tankers on the road delivering from over 130 depots across the UK, Certas Energy offers fast, reliable DERV fuel delivery for local or multi-site fleets.
Find out how close our depots are to you:
DERV fuel’s uses and applications
DERV is widely used across various industries in the UK and is one of the most in-demand fuels in our range. This is due to its efficiency, density, compliance with Low Emission Zones and its sustainability for high mileage operations.
Why DERV for Freight and Haulage Vehicles?
Large trucks require significant power and torque to move heavy goods over long distances. DERV’s high energy density provides this, leading to better fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines for these high-mileage operations. Modern DERV engines are also designed to meet emission standards required for access to Low Emission Zones in urban areas, which is a regulatory requirement rather than an inherent environmental benefit of the fuel itself.
Why DERV for Public Transport Vehicles?
Buses and coaches need powerful and efficient engines to transport many passengers reliably on daily routes, often covering considerable distances. DERV offers a good balance of power and fuel economy compared to petrol options for these demands. Compliance with Low Emission Zones is crucial for public transport operating in city centres to meet air quality regulations.
Why DERV for Couriers?
For courier services using vans, DERV provides a good combination of power for navigating urban environments and efficiency for cost-effective operations compared to petrol. The range offered by DERV is also a practical consideration for delivery routes. Compliance with Low Emission Zones is vital for couriers who frequently operate within city limits, and modern DERV engines are designed to meet these standards.
Why DERV for Public Service Vehicles?
Emergency services require vehicles with reliable and powerful engines for rapid response. DERV provides the necessary power for quick acceleration and demanding situations. While there’s a focus on reducing emissions across all sectors, the immediate need for performance often prioritises fuels like DERV in these critical applications.
Why DERV for Construction Vehicles?
Heavy construction machinery demands engines with high energy density to deliver the substantial power and torque needed for tasks like lifting, excavating, and transporting materials. DERV has historically been the primary fuel source for these heavy-duty applications due to its power capabilities.
Why DERV for Waste Management and Recycling Vehicles?
Waste collection vehicles often carry heavy loads and operate with frequent stops and starts. DERV engines provide the necessary power and torque for these demanding conditions. Good fuel efficiency compared to petrol alternatives helps manage the costs of these extensive operations, and compliance with Low Emission Zones is important for vehicles operating in urban areas, driving the development of cleaner DERV technologies.
Why DERV for Armed Forces and Defence Vehicles?
A wide range of military vehicles requires reliable and powerful engines. DERV’s high energy density offers a good balance of power and range for various operational needs. Its established logistics and supply chain have historically made it a practical fuel choice for military deployments, although there is increasing interest in alternative fuels for environmental and strategic reasons.
Trusted DERV fuel suppliers across the UK
At Certas Energy, we keep our logistics fleet running smoothly, even during peak seasons.
Diesel/DERV FAQs
What is DERV fuel?
DERV stands for Diesel-Engine Road Vehicle. It is a high-grade, low-sulphur diesel fuel used to power commercial on-road vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans, as well as plant and machinery. It’s also known as ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), diesel, white diesel, and forecourt diesel.
What are the key features of DERV fuel?
DERV fuel has a low sulphur content and is taxed for use in on-road vehicles. It is essential for powering a wide range of diesel-powered transport and passenger vehicles. It is a refined fuel primarily consisting of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil.
What is the difference between DERV fuel and red diesel?
The main difference is taxation and usage. DERV (white diesel) is fully taxed and legal for use in all on-road vehicles. Red diesel is a lower-taxed fuel that is dyed red and is only legal for use in off-road vehicles and specific industries like agriculture, construction, and marine. Using red diesel in on-road vehicles can result in heavy fines.
Is DERV fuel more environmentally friendly than red diesel?
Both DERV and modern red diesel have ultra-low sulphur content, meaning their emissions profile is similar. However, the low sulphur content in DERV helps modern diesel engines utilise advanced emission control technologies.
What is HVO fuel and can I use it with DERV?
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. The page mentions that DERV has excellent synergy with HVO fuel, suggesting it can be blended or used as a potential transition towards a more sustainable, lower emission future. For specific blending information and compatibility, it’s best to consult with Certas Energy.
Which industries commonly use DERV fuel?
DERV fuel is widely used in freight and haulage, public transport (buses, coaches, and taxis), courier services, public services (ambulances, fire and rescue services, and police), construction (for vehicles like dump trucks and cranes), farming, waste management and recycling, and the armed forces and defence.
Why should my business choose Certas Energy as its DERV fuel supplier?
Certas Energy is the largest independent supplier of high-quality DERV fuel across the UK with over 40 years of experience. They offer consistent, efficient, and reliable service with a wide coverage across the UK, including rural areas. They can often provide next-day delivery and offer flexible payment options, tailored billing, dedicated account managers, and expert advice.
What other products and services does Certas Energy offer?
Besides DERV fuel, Certas Energy supplies an extensive range of lubricants and additives, AdBlue, telemetry, fuel cards, on-site storage and tanks. They aim to be a comprehensive supplier for all your fuel-related needs.
Does Certas Energy's DERV fuel meet UK quality standards?
Yes, all Certas Energy DERV is formulated to meet UK standards for performance and emissions and in some cases exceeds EN 590 standards for diesel.
Ready to fuel your business?
Let Certas Energy take care of all of your DERV fuel requirements by getting in touch with one of our diesel specialists today.
We’re here to keep your fleet moving all year round.
