Raven Transport to deploy 115 additional heavy-duty LNG trucks; Clean Energy expands refueling network
01 April 2015
Florida-based truckload carrier Raven Transport is expanding its clean-burning natural gas fleet with 115 Peterbilt Model 579s, equipped with sleepers and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to haul goods for a leading consumer packaged goods company.
Clean Energy will support this fleet by opening truck-friendly natural gas fueling stations in Atlanta, Ga.; Birmingham, Ala.; Pearl, Miss.; and Theodore, Ala. The fleet will also fuel at Clean Energy’s existing Albany, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Houston Baytown, Texas; Latta, S.C.; and Valdosta, Ga., stations. Mobile LNG fueling units will also be deployed in Eden, N.C.; Newnan, Ga.; Ocala, Fla.; and Pineville, La.; to enable LNG refueling throughout the Southeast.
Raven purchased its expanded natural gas truck fleet from Rush Truck Center – Jacksonville, Fla., part of the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in the United States, which is owned and operated by Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ: RUSHA and RUSHB). Custom Vehicle Solutions, another Rush Enterprises company, then completed the installation of Chart LNG fuel systems purchased through Clean Energy’s tank pricing program. The fleet will operate on irregular routes originating from production plants and distribution centers in the Southeast and is forecasted to consume approximately 2.4 million additional DGEs (diesel gallon equivalent) of LNG annually.
Natural gas fuel costs up to $1.00 less per gallon than gasoline or diesel, depending on local market conditions. The use of natural gas fuel not only reduces operating costs for vehicles, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 30% in light-duty vehicles and 23% in medium to heavy-duty vehicles. In addition, nearly all natural gas consumed in North America is produced domestically.
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