About Us
Who We Are
Colonial is more than a pipeline system. We are a lifeline that allows Americans to enjoy the freedom of mobility while supporting our military with the fuel they need to defend our great nation, and enabling commerce to sustain the nation’s economy.
For more than 60 years we have safely and responsibly transported fuels to serve American communities, commerce, travelers, and military installations. We are America’s largest refined products pipeline by volume, proudly delivering more than 100 million gallons of fuel every day on a system stretching from Houston to the New York Harbor.
Colonial is a Brookfield Infrastructure portfolio company. Read more about Brookfield Infrastructure here.
Pipelines provide the safest and least carbon-intensive method for transporting liquid fuels — and we are dedicated to maintaining and improving this standard. By continuously innovating and improving — through our people, our partners, and our passion for serving our nation — we are committed to meeting America’s energy needs for generations to come. Watch our video to learn more.
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Why America Depends on the Fuels Colonial Moves
Refined petroleum products power our economy and our everyday way of life. From the gasoline that fuels our cars to the jet fuel that powers air travel, to the diesel fuel that keeps trucks moving on the road and cargo trains moving on the tracks, these energy products are the lifeblood of the American economy.
Pipelines operated by America’s midstream industry are a necessary part of our way of life, ensuring these energy resources get where they’re needed, when they’re needed, safely and efficiently. We’re a vital part of the system that ensures America remains energy secure, powering everything from road trips to cross-country commerce. Without it, the freedoms and conveniences we enjoy wouldn’t be possible.
How Colonial Pipeline Aids in National Security
National security and energy security are deeply interconnected. A stable and reliable energy supply is essential for the functioning of our country’s economy, military, and critical energy infrastructure. Energy security ensures access to the domestic energy resources we need to power our industries, transportation, and lives. From beginning to end, most products transported on Colonial Pipeline are produced in the United States, further strengthening our country’s energy independence.
Our Role in The Supply Chain
Our job is to transport, via pipeline, products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil from storage facilities and refineries to regional distribution terminals. We move these essential products where they need to go safely and efficiently, as the least carbon-intensive transportation method.
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Our process can be broken down into three steps:
- Transporting: Pipelines are like highways, just below ground. Our pipeline system covers thousands of miles that have hundreds of onramps and exit ramps. We take refined products into our system at refineries and storage terminals. Then we deliver products to tanks, terminals, and other distribution points across 14 states. Along the pipeline route, there are pump stations that maintain the necessary flow to move the products efficiently over long distances, as well as storage facilities to support efficient distribution.
- Monitoring: Pipeline operations require 24-hour, 365-daily monitoring. At Colonial, we have a control center and a back-up control center where we carefully monitor the entire system. We track flow rates, pressures, and other indicators showing how much product is moving from one part of the system to the next, all with a focus on making sure these fuels get to their destination safely and meet or exceed state and federal product specifications.
- Testing: Before final distribution, we test our products for quality and consistency and make sure they meet certain specifications.