US: Ryder increases delivery of NGV trucks

With this incorporation, Dean Foods’ Alta Dena has become Ryder’s first customer for natural gas commercial fleets made available through Ryder’s agreement with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in Southern California. Delivered in early June, the new trucks, which produce up to 27 percent less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel units, are the first of their kind in the dairy company, and support Dean Foods’ Smart Fleet initiative.

Also through SANBAG project, Ryder System’s customer Mohawk Industries, supplier of flooring for both residential and commercial applications, has leased five LNG tractors to support its day-to-day customer delivery operations in Southern California. The vehicles, to be delivered in July, will be serviced out of Ryder’s maintenance facility in Fontana. Mohawk’s goal is to develop processes and products that allow the company to focus on the five “Rs” of its “GreenWorks” platform: reduce, recover, reuse, renew, and recycle.

CEVA, another early adopter of Ryder’s natural gas units, will be taking delivery of two LNG tractors to support a customer operation in Southern California. “Bringing NGVs into our fleet reinforces our commitment to help customers reduce their carbon footprint through smart, environmentally-sound transportation solutions,” said Jim Krepp, vice president of Procurement for CEVA, which is member of the EPA SmartWay® vehicle program focused on optimizing fuel efficiency.

To support distribution operations in Tucson, AZ, Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc (U.S. distributor of Anheuser-Busch products) has agreed to lease 22 CNG vehicles, to be delivered by December 2011, as part of a strategic alternative fuel program that aims to cut transportation-generated emissions and fuel costs. “This initial order is a first step in converting our entire fleet to natural gas,” said Bill Osteen, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for Golden Eagle

Source: Ryder System