Diesel fuel (DERV)
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?
DERV stands for Diesel-Engined Road Vehicle and is the standard fuel for transport such as trucks, HGVs, buses, and vans. Many people also refer to it by other names, including white diesel, ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), and simply diesel.
DERV is a high-grade, refined diesel fuel with a low sulphur content. Unlike red diesel, it is taxed for road use and legally permitted for on-road vehicles. It plays a vital role in powering a wide range of vehicles across various sectors, including haulage and logistics, construction, agriculture, and marine.
Thanks to its low sulphur content, Diesel (ULSD) helps reduce harmful sulphur dioxide emissions. It also supports the use of advanced emission control technologies in modern diesel engines, helping to lower environmental impact and contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
Chemically, Diesel is composed primarily of hydrocarbons, such as alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic compounds, refined from crude oil. It is engineered to meet stringent performance and environmental standards, making it a cleaner, more sustainable choice for diesel-powered fleets.
The difference between DERV and red diesel
While most in logistics and haulage are aware of the changes from 1st April 2022, it’s important to note that DERV is taxed for road use, unlike red diesel.
All Certas DERV products meet UK regulatory standards for both performance and emissions, ensuring reliable and compliant fuel for your business needs.
For more information on the legal changes, please refer to the link provided below.
Red Diesel Law ChangesDERV vs 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:
DERV – White Diesel
Definition
A fully taxed diesel fuel used in on-road vehicles.
Usage
Used in cars, vans, lorries, buses, and many other vehicles suitable for roads.
Colour and taxation
Clear in colour (white) and subject to full road fuel duty.
Sulphur content
Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), with <10 ppm sulphur.
Legality for road use
Fully legal for all road going vehicles.
Environmental impact
Cleaner burning and lower emissions compared to other diesel types.
Red Diesel
Definition
A rebated diesel fuel for vehicles that are off-road.
Usage
Used in agriculture, construction, marine and machinery.
Colour and taxation
Dyed red to indicate reduced tax; illegal for on-road use.
Sulphur content
Also ULSD (<10 ppm sulphur), older variants had higher levels.
Legality for road use
Illegal for road vehicles; use can result in heavy penalties.
Environmental impact
Similar emissions to white diesel when modern ULSD is used.
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.
Freight and haulage
We provide high-quality DERV that powers the nation’s HGV fleet, alongside fuel management solutions that help haulage companies control costs and maintain supply chain resilience.
Public Transport
Our dependable nationwide DERV supply ensures that bus, coach, and taxi fleets can operate without interruption, keeping communities connected.
Couriers
Certas Energy diesel fuels the courier and final-mile delivery network, providing the reliable energy needed to meet demanding delivery schedules.
Public Services
We deliver a secure and prioritised DERV supply to the UK’s emergency services, understanding that fuel availability is critical to public safety.
Construction Vehicles
We power the machinery that builds Britain’s future, delivering DERV directly to construction sites to keep projects on track.
Waste Management and Recycling
Our DERV supply helps keep waste management and recycling fleets running efficiently, supporting essential public services and contributing to a circular economy.
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.
