Mike Roeth, NACFE’s Executive Director, highlights the importance of this phase in the evolution of trucking technology, saying, “The Messy Middle is a time when fleets can choose from a variety of powertrain solutions and other efficiency-enhancing technologies. For this Run, we are featuring tractors powered by diesel, natural gas, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. These four powertrain solutions represent currently available options for fleets today.”

The Fleets and Technologies Driving the Run

A total of 13 fleets will be participating in the event, utilizing a mix of advanced powertrains. Here’s an overview of the trucks involved in this groundbreaking demonstration:

• Albert Transport (Laredo, TX): Operating a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor powered by a Detroit DD15 diesel engine.

• Frito-Lay (Topeka, KS): Using a Volvo VNL sleeper tractor equipped with the Optimus Technologies system running on B99 biodiesel.

• TBA: Deploying a heavy-duty tractor fueled by renewable diesel.

• Mesilla Valley Transportation (Las Cruces, NM): Running an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 2027 NOx diesel engine.

• Kleysen Group Ltd. (Edmonton, AB): Operating a Kenworth T680 sleeper tractor featuring a Cummins X15N engine using natural gas.

• UPS (Salt Lake City, UT): Using a Kenworth T680 day cab tractor with a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• Wegmans (Rochester, NY): Running a Peterbilt 360 day cab tractor powered by a Cummins X15N natural gas engine.

• 4Gen Logistics (Rialto, CA): Featuring a Volvo VNR day cab electric tractor.

• JoyRide Logistics (Phoenix, AZ): Leveraging a battery-electric Windrose day cab tractor.

• Nevoya (Colton, CA): Operating a battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractor.

• Saia (Stockton, CA): Showcasing a battery-electric Tesla Semi day cab tractor.

• Pilot Travel Centers (Bloomington, CA): Utilizing a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

• Penske Logistics (Katy, TX): Also operating a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.

A Collaborative Effort Across the Industry

Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance and Fleet Services at PITT OHIO, expresses his enthusiasm for this wide-reaching effort, stating, “PITT OHIO, as well as other fleets I’ve spoken with, are thrilled to have such a wide range of fleets and solutions in this Run. We believe this truly represents the state of long-haul trucking today and by capturing data from these 13 vehicles that we will help the industry see the role these various powertrains play in both return-to-base and over-the-road long-haul trucking.”

Key Details About the Program

The three-week event is scheduled to begin on September 8, with Geotab acting as the official telematics and data partner. Fleet profiles will be featured on the Run on Less website throughout August, while the event will stream live data and insights during September.

The Messy Middle Bootcamp also continues to explore the technologies driving the Messy Middle. On April 8, at 1 p.m. ET, the focus shifted to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), complementing sessions on diesel and natural gas that have already concluded. Discussions on hydrogen fuel cells are set to follow.

Cummins and Shell Take Center Stage

Cummins and Shell proudly sponsor the event as title sponsors, with significant contributions from other event sponsors and supporting sponsors. Roeth expressed his gratitude, noting, “We want to thank our title sponsors, event sponsors, and supporting sponsors for helping fund this Run. We could not do this work without their assistance. We are still seeking additional support, and anyone interested in supporting the Run should contact me at 260-750-0106.”

The diversity of participating fleets and technologies underscores the complex transition underway in the trucking industry. Stay updated on the Run on Less – Messy Middle program and learn how these innovations pave the way towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: RunOnLess

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Environmental and Performance Benefits

If you’re a fleet manager looking to make a positive impact on both the environment and your bottom line renewable diesel just may be the ultimate solution for fleet managers according to Carrie Song, North American VP of Renewable Road Transportation at Neste. Below are some of the advantages as described by Song.

• Immediate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: Neste’s renewable diesel slashes greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% throughout the entire fuel lifecycle compared to fossil diesel. We carefully consider every step, from sourcing raw materials to the final combustion, to ensure a minimal environmental footprint.
• Reduced Non-CO2 Emissions: Not only does renewable diesel cut down on CO2 emissions, but it also reduces non-CO2 emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The extent of these reductions depends on the year and model of the vehicles in your fleet.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Thanks to its cleaner-burning nature, renewable diesel leads to fewer engine maintenance needs. This translates to significant cost savings and longer maintenance cycles for fleet managers like you.
• Cold Weather Performance: Count on renewable diesel to excel in cold weather conditions. With superb performance and a high cetane number, it minimizes particle filter regeneration requirements and exhaust emissions. Rest assured, your trucks will always perform optimally, no matter the weather.
• Stability and Storage: Neste’s renewable diesel goes above and beyond to provide excellent storage properties. Its resistance to water absorption reduces the risk of product quality deterioration and microbial growth.

Seamless Transition: A Convenient Replacement

Renewable diesel offers an easy and hassle-free switch for truck fleets. Fleet managers can enjoy its benefits without any major disruptions. Here’s why:

• Chemical Equivalence: Renewable diesel has the same chemical makeup as fossil diesel. This means there’s no need for blending or modifications. It can be used alone or blended with traditional diesel in any ratio.
• Engine and Infrastructure Compatibility: Since the fuels are chemically identical, renewable diesel is compatible with existing engines and fueling infrastructure. No additional investments or adaptations are required.

Financial Considerations

Renewable diesel is making waves in regions like California and Oregon, and not just because of state-level incentives. Its cost-effectiveness stands out even without these perks.

Thanks to reduced maintenance costs, extended maintenance cycles, and improved fuel efficiency, the total cost of ownership becomes truly advantageous for businesses.

Several companies have already embraced renewable diesel and seen significant improvements:

• TITAN Freight: This Oregon-based company slashed exhaust system maintenance costs by 1.5 cents per mile.
• Cox Petroleum: By switching to renewable diesel, Cox Petroleum achieved a whopping 90% reduction in maintenance costs, resulting in over $30,000 in annual savings primarily from decreased exhaust-related expenses.

Challenges and Solutions

Alternative fuels are gaining traction in the market, but there are still obstacles to overcome when it comes to renewable diesel. Many people mistakenly confuse it with biodiesel, hindering its widespread recognition.

In addition, the cost of renewable diesel can be a deterrent for potential adopters, especially in regions without established clean fuel programs.

To address these issues head-on, Neste takes proactive steps, such as:

• Collaborating with OEM partners and existing customers to share success stories, showcasing the benefits and viability of renewable diesel.
• Actively participating in industry conferences to engage with interested parties and foster dialogues about the potential of renewable diesel.
• Engaging with policymakers to advocate for policies that promote accessibility and affordability of low-carbon fuels.

Vision for Renewable Diesel

Imagine a world where renewable diesel takes center stage, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and delivering reliable, high-performance transportation fleets.

Renewable diesel offers an easy transition to reducing our carbon footprint without limiting our range, increasing our re-fuel time, or requiring expensive and extensive upgrades to our nation’s power grids. It can help us make a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector without sacrificing quality or our bottom line.

There are many who would love nothing more than to see this solution implemented in fleets across the nation, fueling our economy in a convenient and environmentally responsible manner.

Source: Work Truck Online

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