UPS Chooses RNG for Memphis and Jackson Natural Gas Fleets

UPS has announced it will supply its fleets in Memphis, Tenn., and Jackson, Miss., with an estimated 15 million DGE of renewable natural gas (RNG) as part of a multi-year agreement with Memphis Light, Gas and Water and Atmos Energy Marketing LLC.

“UPS operates one of the most diversified fleets in private industry today, and renewable natural gas is a critical part of our strategy to expand our fuel sources and minimize the environmental impact associated with growing customer demand,” says Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice president global engineering and sustainability. “We are using methane that otherwise would be released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse-gas emission and converting it to power our trucks while helping to promote the use of this renewable fuel in transportation.”

The deal is part of an initiative announced earlier this year by UPS to significantly expand its use of renewable natural gas in the company’s alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet.

Under this new agreement, RNG will fuel more than 140 heavy-duty trucks in Memphis and Jackson, part of UPS’ natural gas fleet, which includes more than 3,800 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles worldwide.

RNG, also known as biomethane, can be derived from many abundant and renewable sources, including decomposing organic waste in landfills, wastewater treatment and agriculture. It is then distributed through the natural gas pipeline system, making it available for use as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG).

Jerry Collins, president and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, describes the deal as “impressive.”

“Kudos to UPS for not only talking the talk but walking the walk,” says Collins.

Mark Bergeron, president of Atmos Energy Marketing LLC, adds, “Renewable natural gas is one of the most environmentally friendly transportation fuels. We are excited that UPS is taking the initiative to expand its natural gas fleet.”