Saddle Creek Corp adds additional Freighliner CNG tractors to fleet

Freightliner Trucks announced that Saddle Creek Corp. has added 40 Freightliner Business Class M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors, doubling its fleet of Freightliner CNG tractors.

Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., Saddle Creek is a third-party logistics company providing integrated supply chain solutions nationwide. The additional Freightliner CNG tractors reinforce the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and fuel-efficient operations.

"Saddle Creek was very pleased with the level of customer service demonstrated by both our dealership, Tampa Truck Center, and by Freightliner" said Mike DelBovo, President of Saddle Creek Transportation. "We have learned a lot from the first 40 trucks and are very excited about the next 40 as we continue to implement natural gas technology across our truckload operations in the southeast."

Each of Saddle Creek's tractors will be specially outfitted with a 140-gal fuel system, allowing for an approximate range of 550 to 575 miles per day, depending on the application.

The Freightliner M2 112 CNG is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G 8.9-liter natural gas engine, one of the most economical and dependable engines on the road. Featuring a maintenance-free three-way catalyst, and no diesel particulate filter regeneration required, the ISL G also lowers overall cost of operations.

"Saddle Creek has demonstrated that natural gas is an environmentally-friendly option that also reduces fuel costs," said Robert Carrick, vocational sales manager – natural gas, for Freightliner Trucks. "We will continue to provide our customers with sustainable and innovative solutions."

Freightliner Trucks' commitment to green technologies is part of parent company Daimler AG's global Shaping Future Transportation initiative. Launched in 2007, the initiative focuses on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption.

In February 2012, the EPA certified Daimler Truck North America's complete portfolio of model year 2013 on-highway, vocational and medium-duty vehicles as fully compliant with the new GHG14 regulations. DTNA is the first and only North American commercial vehicle manufacturer to be certified as GHG14-compliant.