Trucking Efficiency Roundup: New updates from Benore Logistic Systems, Clean Energy, Love’s Alternative Energy

Benore Logistic Systems completes electric yard truck demonstrations with Michelin

Benore Logistic Systems has successfully completed a series of battery electric yard truck demonstrations in partnership with its customer, Michelin. The trials were conducted at Michelin’s distribution facility in Pendleton, South Carolina, during the first half of 2025. 

The demonstrations tested electric yard switchers from both Orange EV and Autocar. Each unit was evaluated in separate, live operational periods within Michelin’s high-volume, 24/7 distribution environment supported by fast-charging infrastructure. While the pilots were not conducted as a direct side-by-side comparison, they provided Benore with performance insights, charging logistics data, and structured feedback from drivers and operational personnel. 

“Our objective with these demonstrations is to validate whether emerging zero-emission technologies can deliver the performance and reliability required in intensive yard operations,” Dennis Kunz, VP of revenue strategy and operations development at Benore, said. “The results confirmed that electric yard trucks, when paired with fast charging infrastructure, are a viable alternative to diesel-powered equipment in continuous-use applications.” 

Benore's clean freight innovation strategy is reflected in this initiative. By conducting real-world trials with partners, the company ensures that investments in decarbonization technologies align with both operational demands and customer sustainability goals. 

“Testing equipment in real operations allows us to make informed decisions for both Benore and our customers,” Kunz added. “It’s about more than just emissions; it’s about ensuring productivity, driver satisfaction, and long-term reliability.”

See also: Electrification reality check: What's really driving your fleet's EV plans?

Transit fleets make the switch to low-carbon RNG fuel 

Clean Energy recently announced new deals with transit fleets and municipalities across the country to transition their vehicles to ultra-clean renewable natural gas. Under these new agreements, Clean Energy will build and upgrade fueling infrastructure, maintain and operate station sites, or provide RNG fuel for public buses, refuse trucks, street sweepers, and other vocational vehicles that serve the community.

“Cities and transit agencies looking to make the air more breathable and address their carbon footprint need reliable, cost-effective solutions that can be deployed now—not years down the line,” Chad Lindholm, SVP at Clean Energy, said. “These new deals represent a clear trend: Cities and transit fleet operators are choosing RNG to meet sustainability goals, avoid the high costs and infrastructure barriers of other alternatives, and make an immediate environmental impact.”

The lead transportation agency for Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has signed a new maintenance agreement for several fueling locations with Clean Energy. The stations will fuel over 940 natural gas buses and will supply 11.5 million gallons annually. Metro is one of Clean Energy’s largest RNG users in California and carries nearly 1 million commuters daily on a fleet of low-emission buses.

Clean Energy was awarded an RNG supply deal with Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid) transit agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Rapid currently has 100 natural gas buses in its fleet, with a commitment to growing that number in the next five years. The deal is anticipated to supply 1.1 million gallons of RNG annually, and Clean Energy will also provide operation and maintenance services for its fueling sites.

Trinity Metro, the public transportation provider for Fort Worth and surrounding cities in Tarrant County, Texas, has inked an RNG supply agreement with Clean Energy to fuel 190 of its buses. Clean Energy was selected as the winning provider, extending its existing maintenance relationship with Trinity Metro to include RNG supply. The deal will provide approximately 2.1 million gallons of clean-burning RNG for its bus fleet.

The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority in Alabama has signed an RNG supply deal with Clean Energy to use an anticipated 950,000 gallons of fuel for 96 transit buses. Clean Energy also has a maintenance agreement with the agency to oversee its fueling site.

Clean Energy will build a new fueling station for Loudoun County in Virginia under a new agreement. This will help the county achieve its goal to grow its current natural gas bus fleet from 2 to 120 as it transitions to cleaner alternative fuels like RNG. In addition to the new station, Clean Energy will be modifying existing bus maintenance facilities to accommodate the growth.

The city of El Paso, Texas, has signed a fueling agreement with Clean Energy to supply three of its private fueling stations with RNG. The city’s 300-strong fleet of natural gas buses and 21 refuse trucks is forecasted to use about 2.7 million gallons of RNG annually. In addition, Clean Energy will also upgrade one of its stations while providing operations and maintenance services to all three sites.

The City of Tucson, one of the largest transit agencies in Arizona, has signed a station maintenance agreement with Clean Energy to support 100 of its natural gas buses, which consume over 2 million gallons of fuel annually.

Clean Energy is partnering with bus manufacturer Gillig to supply and fill every new bus that is delivered to a customer with RNG. This deal is forecasted to provide Gillig with approximately 60,000 gallons annually.

Union City, California, has inked a new RNG supply deal with Clean Energy to fuel its 15-vehicle fleet. The agreement will see an anticipated 250,000 gallons of fuel provided to the city.

Kings County Area Public Transit Agency in California has signed a deal with Clean Energy to upgrade its private station and supply RNG to 25 buses.

Love’s Alternative Energy opens CNG station in Fresno

Love’s Alternative Energy recently opened a new compressed natural gas station in Fresno, California. Chosen for its highway location in the distribution district, it features six CNG fuel dispensers and is the first location opened under the new Love’s Alternative Energy brand. With the opening, Love’s now has 106 CNG stations in the U.S. and Canada.

“The Fresno station addresses a growing demand for lower carbon fueling options for commercial trucking, refuse, and transit fleets in this part of the country as it’s a significant logistics and supply chain hub,” Ryan Erickson, VP of Love’s Alternative Energy, said. “This self-serving fueling facility gives our CNG fleet customers the ability to fuel on their schedule, competitive pricing, easy maneuvering for larger vehicles, and comprehensive reporting on fuel consumption. In addition, the location supports California’s climate goals to target carbon neutrality.”

The unmanned location offers CNG only and is considered a “cardlock” station, meaning customers must have an approved card to make fuel purchases. It is accessible 24/7 for fleets that operate around the clock. The layout is designed for larger commercial vehicles, allowing easy access, and features high-speed dispensers so drivers can get back on the road quickly. The station's transaction tracking provides fleet managers with data on each fueling event, including fuel amount, cost, and specific vehicle and driver details.

“The Love’s Alternative Energy CNG fueling station is conveniently located off the CA-99 corridor in Fresno, which is a premier location for business prosperity for the transportation and trucking industry,” Will Oliver, president and CEO at the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, said. “This station will be successful for the state’s fuel economy and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions standards.”

In honor of the grand opening, Love’s Alternative Energy donated $5,000 to Sunnyside High School and $5,000 to Valley Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital.