Biodiesel Truck Fleet Becomes the Essential Baking Company's Latest 'Baker's Dozen'

Seattle Bakery Business Switches Entirely to Biodiesel Delivery Vehicles

SEATTLE, Dec. 28 -- For 11 years they've been the Northwest's bakery "alternative" by serving delicious, European artisan bread comprised of organic ingredients. This month, The Essential Baking Company is taking another alternative to the streets with the use of its brand new fleet of B99 biodiesel delivery trucks. The bakery sold off its entire fossil-fueled fleet in favor of leasing 13 biodiesel-powered trucks.

Peter Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the 200-employee Essential Baking Company, said that aside from the rising costs of traditional fossil fuels, switching to a biodiesel delivery fleet stemmed primarily from the company's socially responsible and ecologically friendly philosophies. Simply put, "going biodiesel" was better aligned with the brand's core values.

Comprising the fleet are nine new Dodge Sprinters, three Ford Cargo E250's, and one Isuzu NPR Box truck. The Essential Baking Company delivers within a 40-mile radius of Seattle. All bakery goods are now delivered using the new biodiesel trucks.

Finding local sources for maintenance and fueling for the vehicles isn't as difficult as the average business small might think, say company officials. The Essential Baking Company currently uses Dr. Dan's (Freeman) Alternative Fuel Werks of Ballard for biodiesel fueling, and International Truck Leasing for trucks and service, among others.

Recent news headlines have put attention on legislation and political leaders advocating alternative fuel and clean energy resources, but little has been covered on what end users (such as The Essential Baking Company) are doing to take advantage of such alternatives.

Since 1994, The Essential Baking Company has set out to preserve, cultivate, and honor traditional methods of food preparation with a commitment to using organic ingredients. The thriving bakery provides a high quality, authentic culinary experience while maintaining the same techniques, service, and values of a small neighborhood bakery. Find fresh artisan breads, European pastries, and luscious desserts, in select supermarkets, restaurants and at The Essential Bakery Cafes at 2719 E. Madison St. in Madison Valley and 1604 N. 34th Street in the Fremont-Wallingford area. For more information, visit www.essentialbaking.com.