Transportation and supply chain solutions provider NFI recently deployed five dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks in its Los Angeles service area, running daily routes from the Port of Los Angeles to NFI warehouses in Chino, Calif.
The company says the natural gas vehicles have already yielded substantial economic benefits, but NFI is pursuing a slow transition in order to monitor issues such as maintenance costs, vehicle resale value and shop conversions. NFI also notes that even the largest natural gas engines do not have enough power – yet – to handle the company's heavier loads.
‘With more research, trials and the nationwide adoption of natural gas as a fuel alternative, NFI anticipates growth within the industry, and plans for more CNG trucks on the road in the future,’ the company says.
NFI, which is headquartered in New Jersey, has been an EPA SmartWay affiliate since 2004. For NFI, the cornerstone of that program is its Fit Fleet initiative, which features tractors equipped to use biofuel.
