FedEx acquires 100 CNG trucks, installs CNG station in Oklahoma

FedEx Freight has purchased more than 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors and has installed a CNG fueling station to serve the new CNG fleet at its Oklahoma City Service Center.

FedEx Freight contracted with Clean Energy Fuels Corp to design, build and maintain the fueling station.

FedEx reports that the CNG fueling station in Oklahoma City provides two fueling methods. A four-lane ‘fast-fill’ station is designed to closely resemble a diesel fueling experience, while an on-site ‘time-fill’ station provides six zones and 18 hoses.

In time-fill applications, drivers connect their vehicles to an automated system in which the tractors are fueled over an extended period of time, typically overnight.

“A fact we take very seriously at FedEx is that people want to do business with companies who invest in making the world a better place,” said Michael Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight.  “Plus, it’s simply the right thing to do.  And given that the state of Oklahoma has been so supportive of sustainable transportation solutions, we felt this was the perfect place to set a strong example within the LTL industry.”

CEO and president of Clean Energy, Andrew J. Littlefair, applauded FedEx for its commitment to use more CNG in its fleet.

“This substantial investment in CNG by FedEx not only demonstrates their continued leadership in long-haul transportation, but their decision is another example of their commitment to broader sustainable goals that now includes a new CNG truck fleet in Oklahoma City that is using a fuel that is cleaner and domestic,” Littlefair said. “Clean Energy is thrilled to work with FedEx to help in ensuring a more sustained and safer environment for future generations.”

The fueling station is estimated to dispense approximately 2.5 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) per year and will be showcased at a ribbon cutting ceremony October 11 by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, FedEx chairman and CEO Frederick W. Smith, Mr. Ducker, Clean Energy co-founder and energy magnate T. Boone Pickens and Mr. Littlefair.

CNG is made by compressing natural gas to less than one percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. Natural gas burns more cleanly than diesel, producing lower CO₂ emissions, and almost all of the natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic sources.