Freightliner Trucks announced that Saddle Creek Corp. has ordered 40 Freightliner Business Class M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors as part of the company’s commitment to sustainability. The company has plans to add an additional 40 Freightliner CNG tractors to its for-hire fleet in early 2012.
Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., Saddle Creek is a third-party logistics company providing integrated supply chain solutions nationwide.
According to Mike DelBovo, president of Saddle Creek’s transportation division, the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and fuel-efficient operations led to the decision to select Freightliner Trucks’ CNG solution.
"We take pride in running our fleet efficiently and in being responsible corporate citizens," said DelBovo. "We selected Freightliner Trucks as our partner to produce the new CNG trucks for our fleet based on their commitment to stand behind their product and their overall ability to support this new technology. Many of our customers have asked us to find new ways to protect the environment and improve the sustainability of our operations. We are excited to work with Freightliner to provide our customers with an innovative solution."
Designed for a broad range of regional haul and vocational applications, the Freightliner M2 112 CNG not only saves significantly on fuel costs, but is less harmful to the environment, with near-zero emissions.
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.
Each of Saddle Creek’s tractors will be specially outfitted with a 130-gallon fuel system, allowing for an approximate range of 550 to 575 miles per day, depending on the application. The tractors will be based at the company’s Lakeland headquarters and will handle deliveries throughout the Florida peninsula and southern Georgia.
"With the Freightliner M2 112 CNG, customers get the same advantages found in all of our M2 products, such as superior maneuverability, visibility and productivity, with the added benefit of clean-burning natural gas," said Robert Carrick, vocational sales manager – natural gas, for Freightliner Trucks. "We are thrilled that Saddle Creek has selected the Freightliner M2 112 CNG for its fleet, and know that these tractors will help fulfill the company’s goals of reducing its carbon footprint and leading the industry- in environmental stewardship."
Freightliner Trucks’ commitment to green technologies is part of Daimler AG’s global Shaping Future Transportation initiative. Launched in 2007, the initiative focuses on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption.
For more information on Freightliner Trucks, go to www.FreightlinerTrucks.com.
