FedEx has purchased more than 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors and installed a CNG fueling station capable of dispensing 2.5 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) per year at its Oklahoma City service center.
CNG produces fewer CO2 emissions than diesel when burnt, and is made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. Almost all of the natural gas used in the USA comes from domestic sources.
FedEx Freight commissioned natural-gas fuel provider Clean Energy Fuels to design, build and maintain the new fueling station. The facility includes a four-lane ‘fast fill’ station, which closely replicates a diesel fueling experience. Also on-site is a ‘time fill’ station, which has six zones and 18 hoses. In time-fill applications, drivers connect their vehicles to an automated system in which the tractors are fueled over an extended period of time, typically overnight.
Michael Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight, said, “A fact we take very seriously at FedEx is that people want to do business with companies who invest in making the world a better place. Plus, it’s simply the right thing to do. And given that the state of Oklahoma has been so supportive of sustainable transportation solutions, we felt this was the perfect place to set a strong example within the less than truckload (LTL) industry.”
Mitch Jackson, vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability, FedEx, said, “The use of natural gas by FedEx Freight is a natural extension of our corporate-wide efforts to provide sustainable solutions that benefit the customers and communities we serve. Across the FedEx enterprise, we continuously look for ways to maximize our efficiency while advancing our commitment to connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways.”
Andrew J Littlefair, CEO and president of Clean Energy, said, “This substantial investment in CNG by FedEx not only demonstrates their continued leadership in long-haul transportation, but their decision is another example of their commitment to broader sustainable goals that now includes a new CNG truck fleet in Oklahoma City that is using a fuel that is cleaner and domestic. Clean Energy is thrilled to work with FedEx to help in ensuring a more sustained and safer environment for future generations.”
