National LTL carrier FedEx Freight recently began beta testing two pre-production Class 8 tractors powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines.
The company, a division of FedEx Corp., added that it’s basing those Kenworth-branded tractors out of its Dallas, TX, terminal where they are expected to serve in regular linehaul operations, covering roughly 1,000 mi. per day.
“The testing of LNG tractors by FedEx Freight is a natural extension of our corporate-wide efforts to provide sustainable solutions for our customers,” noted Mitch Jackson, FedEx’s vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability.
He added that the LNG tractor beta test is part of FedEx’s broad vehicle sustainability strategy, which includes: Experimenting with emission-free hydrogen fuel cell-powered and electric forklifts for dock operations; Equipping all new vehicles with SmartWay-approved tires to improve fuel mileage.; and fitting freight trailers with SmartWay-approved trailer skirts to improve aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
