Ryder delivers CNG vehicles to Dean Foods

June 29, 2011
Ryder System Inc (NYSE: R) has delivered five natural gas-fueled delivery vehicles to Dean Foods, Ryder’s first customer for NG commercial vehicles made available through its agreement with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in Southern California.

Ryder System Inc (NYSE: R) has delivered five natural gas-fueled delivery vehicles to Dean Foods, Ryder’s first customer for NG commercial vehicles made available through its agreement with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in Southern California.

The $38.7 million effort is part of a joint public/private partnership among the US Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, the Southern California Association of Governments Clean Cities Coalition, and Ryder. The Ryder/SANBAG project includes 202 NG vehicles, upgrades to three maintenance facilities for servicing of NG vehicles, and construction of two fueling stations.

Dean Foods (NYSE: DF) is a dairy processor and owner of a large refrigerated direct-store delivery distribution network. The Ryder NG vehicles are the first of their kind in the Dean Foods fleet, and produce up to 27% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional diesel vehicles. Ryder delivered the compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to Dean Foods’ Alta Dena Dairy division in Southern California in early June.

The CNG vehicles support Dean Foods’ Smart Fleet initiative, an enterprise-wide effort to “green the fleet” by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants through delivery route optimization, new technology, and equipment and training for drivers. Smart Fleet activities play a role in meeting the company’s carbon reduction goals. Dean Foods has committed to reducing its carbon footprint 20% by 2013.

With 6,000 refrigerated trailers, 3,000 refrigerated delivery trucks, 2,000 delivery tractors, and 6,500 daily routes for direct store delivery, Dean Foods is the eighth-largest private carrier in the nation.

The five single-axle tractors pull 28-foot delivery refrigerated pup trailers. Dean Foods expects a smooth integration of the new vehicles with minimal impact on current operations. The company anticipates adding more CNG vehicles to its fleet in the future.

Visit www.ryder.com or www.deanfoods.com for more information.

Sponsored Recommendations

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Unlocking Fleet Safety & Efficiency: The Managed Service Advantage

Want to boost your fleet's safety and efficiency? Tune in now to discover the power of Managed Services in optimizing your safety program, streamlining operations, and making ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!