Freightliner Trucks announced that Central Freight Lines, Inc. added 100 2014 Freightliner M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors equipped with Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engines to its fleet of more than 1,600 trucks.
Headquartered in Waco, Texas, Central Freight Lines is a less-than-truckload (LTL) general commodities carrier providing transportation to both emerging businesses and Fortune 500 industry leaders since 1925. The Central Freight Lines network consists of 51 terminals throughout the Southwest and is nationally recognized as one of the safest carriers on the road today.
According to Don Orr, president and CEO, Central Freight Lines is partnering to build new CNG stations in Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio as a result of the decision to convert the fleet to CNG technology. Central Freight Lines also considered the opportunity to reduce dependency on foreign fuels and support a clean-air policy as it supplemented its current fleet with CNG.
Additionally, Central Freight Lines was able to take advantage of a Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) program that gives participants the opportunity to trade a less-efficient truck towards a cost reduction on each new CNG-fueled truck purchased.
"We are committed to energy conservation and a cleaner environment," said Orr. "In 2012, we purchased CNG tractors that have been servicing the Houston area with proven efficiencies. As a result, we decided to continue investing in CNG tractors, specifically Freightliner trucks because of their reliability and the company's customer support."
The Freightliner M2 112 with natural gas offers superior maneuverability and visibility with the ability to reduce fuel costs and exhaust emissions. It can be spec'd for between 260 and 320 horsepower and up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
"We like Freightliner trucks for their quality. They provide superior uptime and we get maximum utility over a long period. We also appreciate the dealer network. It's supportive and professional," said Orr.
"Central Freight Lines wanted to lower its operating costs, while staying in line with its commitment to energy conservation and a cleaner environment," said Robert Carrick, natural gas sales manager, Freightliner Trucks. "Freightliner Trucks leads the industry in developing alternative technologies to meet the demand for environmentally-friendly trucks that get the job done."
