Saddle Creek Takes CNG Cross-Country

This eco-friendly road trip is the first of its kind for a for-hire fleet

Lakeland, Fla.—Feb. 18, 2014—Saddle Creek Logistics Services has embarked on “The Great American Green Ride,” the first cross-country trip with a for-hire, compressed natural gas (CNG) truck. Beginning on Feb. 14, the CNG truck will travel from Lakeland, Fla., to San Diego, Calif., and back. On the trip, Saddle Creek will make deliveries for two top CNG customers: Procter & Gamble and Lowe’s

“CNG is one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, so it is an ideal option for supporting our customers’ sustainability strategies,” said Mike DelBovo, Saddle Creek Transportation president. “This trip gives us a great opportunity to showcase CNG’s ability to reduce our carbon footprint. In the course of this 5,800-mile round trip, the truck will reduce its carbon emissions by 7,656 pounds—more than a pound a mile.”

The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution truck with advanced aerodynamics belongs to Saddle Creek’s fleet of more than 140 CNG tractors. Its 12-liter engine has enough power to handle the variety of terrain conditions on a cross-country trip. Capable of travelling up to 600 miles when fast fueled, the truck will stop for fuel at commercial CNG stations on its route across the country.

“We’ve already travelled more than 15 million miles on CNG in support of our customers’ local and regional delivery needs. Taking this coast-to-coast road trip is a natural next step and a great way to generate excitement for this environmentally friendly transportation solution,” said DelBovo. “It represents a significant landmark for alternative fuel technology.”

While in San Diego, the CNG truck will be on display at Saddle Creek’s booth (SS4) at the Retail Supply Chain Conference, Feb. 23-26. Follow the journey online with a virtual Driver’s Log at www.sclogistics.com/RILA

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