Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast

The Chemistry of Savings: How 'Cracking' Fuel Can Cut Trucking Costs by 5%

John Farquhar & Chris Harris Season 3 Episode 2

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The Chemistry of Savings
In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, we sit down with Brian Livingston, a chemical engineer and veteran of Caterpillar's diesel engine division. Brian breaks down a unique catalytic technology that is helping trucking companies save 3% to 5% in fuel costs while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

Brian explains the "cracking" process—how a simple-looking copper tube filled with rare earth catalysts can break down long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more efficient burning chains. The result? More energy pushing the piston and less soot clogging your engine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Science of "Cracking": How catalytic reactions break down diesel fuel molecules for a more efficient burn.

Massive Maintenance Gains: Why reducing soot by up to 50% leads to fewer DPF regenerations and longer engine life.

The 12-Month Payback: How the 100% ROI on this technology makes it an easy "yes" for any CFO or fleet manager.

Sustainability That Pays: Why you don't have to wait for electric or hydrogen trucks to start reducing your carbon footprint today.

Simple Retrofitting: How this device can be installed in under an hour without any engine recalibration.

Whether you are looking to survive rising fuel prices or meet new sustainability goals, Brian’s "common sense" approach to chemical engineering offers a practical solution for the modern fleet.


Connect with Brian Livingston:


Company Website: Zelcam.com 


Savings Calculator: Decarbonize5.com 


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Your Hosts:
John Farquhar
National Risk Services Specialist, Transportation, Gallager GGB
https://www.ajg.com/ca/
M: 437-341-0932
John_Farquhar@ajg.com

Chris Harris
CEO, Safety Dawg Inc.
905 973 7056
Chris@SafetyDawg.com
https://safetydawg.com/
"The Chemistry of Savings: How 'Cracking' Fuel Can Cut Trucking Costs by 5%"

**00:00** – Introduction: Meeting Brian Livingston, the Chemical Engineer 

**01:07** – Brian’s Background: 20 Years at Caterpillar and the move to Zelcam 

**03:47** – The Tech Explained: How a copper tube and rare earth catalysts save fuel 

**04:50** – Breaking the Molecules: The "Cracking" process of diesel fuel 

**06:46** – Emissions Impact: Reducing soot by 50% and fewer DPF regenerations 

**08:54** – Beyond the Highway: Applications in mining, rail, and shipping 

**10:22** – Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping oil clean and extending engine life 

**13:13** – Why wait for EV? Implementing sustainability solutions right now 

**16:24** – Installation and Retrofitting: A 60-minute setup for the fleet 

**17:33** – The Financials: Understanding the 12-month ROI 

**18:30** – How long does it last? The "forever" catalyst 

**19:57** – Moving the device to new vehicles during fleet cycles 

**22:43** – The OEM Question: Why isn't this standard on every truck? 

**24:46** – Warranty, Guarantees, and Closing Thoughts

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