Ryder Hosts Gas Trucks Test Drive Events, USA

Ryder System, a leader in commercial transportation and supply chain management solutions, recently hosted several open house events in Southern California to promote the benefits of natural gas vehicles for commercial fleets.

At the events customers and other local businesses had the opportunity to meet with Ryder alternative fuel vehicle specialists and test drive both heavy duty and medium duty natural gas vehicles.

Three different configurations of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles were available to test drive – a Peterbilt Tandem Axle Tractor, a Freightliner Single Axle Tractor, and a GreenKraft Light Duty Straight Truck.

“The great turnout at these events demonstrates the continued and growing interest in natural gas vehicle technologies for commercial fleets,” said Scott Perry, Vice President, Supply Management, Fleet Management Solutions, for Ryder. “As a leading fleet management solutions provider, Ryder is in a unique position to help businesses realize the cost-saving and environmental benefits of natural gas without the risk of ownership.”

In addition to making natural gas vehicles available for rent or lease, Ryder’s “Flex-to-Green Lease” solution is designed to ease the transition to a greener fleet. Businesses that opt for Ryder’s Flex-to-Green Lease start out with a diesel-powered vehicle and then have the option to convert to a natural gas vehicle after one year.

Ryder became the first outsourced fleet provider to offer heavy duty natural gas vehicles for the leasing and rental industry through a groundbreaking natural gas vehicle project with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in Southern California. Ryder’s partnership with SANBAG and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Clean Cities Coalition includes the deployment of 202 heavy duty natural gas-powered vehicles, made available to customers for rent or lease or through Ryder’s dedicated logistics services.

As part of the project, Ryder is building two natural gas fueling stations and has equipped three maintenance facilities for the indoor servicing of natural gas vehicles in Fontana, Orange, and Rancho Dominguez, Calif. The $38.7 million project is being funded as part of a joint public/private industry partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, and Ryder.

Ryder’s natural gas fleet includes both compressed and liquefied natural gas vehicles that are currently deployed in customer operations in California, Arizona, and Michigan. For additional information about Ryder’s natural gas vehicle program.

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LNG World News Staff, November 16, 2012; Image: Ryder System