Compressed Natural Gas Fleet Kicks Off!
Cardinal and Lowe's partnered to put 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) 12-liter trucks into service in March 2014. Compressed natural gas is ordinary natural gas compressed to 3600 pounds per square inch.
Cardinal has worked with Lowe's since 1998 when Lowe's selected Cardinal as their first Dedicated Carrier operating out of their North Vernon IN Distribution center. In 2000 Cardinal began operating an additional dedicated fleet in Findlay, OH.
Cardinal has been fortunate to maintain and grow with Lowe's in the past 16 years by remaining competitive and providing consistent services at levels of 99.7% on-time or better each year.
In September 2013, Lowe's sought proposals that incorporated a Natural Gas Solution. Cardinal and Lowe's were able to work out a solution that explores the Natural Gas frontier, due in part to Cardinal’s history and partnership with Lowe's.
The official exploration started in March 2014, when Cardinal put 10 CNG 12-liter trucks into service. Cardinal’s current ten Freightliner 12-liter CNG trucks each have four 26 gallon fuel tanks. When completely full, these tanks will hold 83 gallons equivalent with a range of 350 to 380 miles. Drivers and management at both locations completed a CNG training course and spent a week riding together learning about CNG. Notably, natural gas makes up 25% of the total cost of CNG, compared to crude oil which accounts for 65% of the cost in diesel. (There is less price volatility with CNG.) Natural gas is also 30% cleaner and noticeably quieter than diesel.
Other Interesting facts about CNG
CNG – Compressed Natural Gas; ordinary natural gas compressed to 3600 psi.
Non-Renewable CNG – like other fossil fuels comes from the ground
Renewable CNG - is man-made gas, often using landfill waste or sewage.
Time Fill – sends CNG directly into your vehicle and uses the vehicle tank for storage.
Fast Fill – has onsite storage so you can fill directly from the storage take in the same time it takes to fill a diesel tank.
GGE – gasoline gallon equivalent to a unit of CNG. CNG is currently only sold as a GGE.
DGE – diesel gallon equivalent. 1 unit of CNG = 0.880 DGE. (GGE/1.136)
DGE is used to measure fuel economy and IFTA tax calculations in applicable states with these taxes.
CNG price index’s post monthly not weekly, additionally prices vary by station by as much as $0.60 / GGE
Natural Gas makes up 25% of the total cost of CNG, compared to crude oil being 65% of the cost in diesel. (Less price volatility with CNG)
Natural Gas is 30% cleaner than Diesel
Our ten Freightliner - 12-liter CNG trucks are spec out with 4 – 26 gallon fuel tanks.
Completely full, these tanks will hold 83 gallons equivalent with a range of 350 to 380 miles
The CNG tractors pull well, and any noticeable loss in horsepower was not seen.
They are much quieter than diesel tractor.
Fuel filters are drained daily and only CES 20074 approved oil is used in the engines.
Measuring the tractors' CNG pressure varies with temperature. 70 degrees is “optimal.”
Lower pressure is common in colder temps, higher pressure in warmer temperatures.
Tracking pressure, CNG gallons and mileage is vital. Consider all when determine when it is “time to fuel”.
Sites like http://www.cngprices.com/ and http://www.cleanfuelsohio.org/ have proven helpful. Verify the site is suitable for Class 8 vehicles and method of payment before ever fueling at any station initially.
