Ryder System will supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles to the Blu fleets in Utah and Georgia. Blu is an operator of LNG fueling stations and technology.
“This unique partnership demonstrates Ryder’s commitment to finding innovative ways to increase adoption of natural gas vehicle technology among commercial fleets,” said Dennis Cooke, president, Global Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder. “We have successfully implemented a number of different models for launching natural gas vehicle projects – from public/private partnerships to working directly with private fleets. Collaborating with a fuel station operator like Blu is one more way we are helping customers overcome entry barriers, test the technology, understand the economics, and experience the cost saving and environmental benefits of running a natural gas fleet.”
Blu signed a full service lease agreement with Ryder for 30 LNG tractors in Salt Lake City, Utah and 25 LNG tractors in Atlanta, Ga. These are Ryder’s first natural gas vehicle projects in Utah and Georgia.
Under terms of the full service lease, Ryder will acquire the vehicles and provide financing, maintenance, value-added support services and manage vehicle disposal.
Blu will make natural gas vehicles available to companies in these markets that are interested in testing the LNG trucks in their fleets for a first-hand opportunity to measure the results and savings that come from adopting a lower-cost fuel.
Ryder and Blu have also entered into an agreement to jointly provide LNG fueling infrastructure at key Ryder facilities. The Fulton Industrial Center in Georgia will be the first of these co-located stations, supporting Ryder’s contract customers and will accept all major fleet cards.
“We are very excited to be working with Ryder,” said Merritt Norton, CEO of Blu. “Working with a partner of their caliber allows us to bring logistics and transportation companies unparalleled access to this low-cost, clean, and domestic fuel.”
