Matheson Trucking Adds 27 CNG Tractors to its Fleet

Matheson Trucking is adding 27 new compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors to its clean energy fleet in 2017 that will increase the company’s total to 64 alternative energy vehicles.

“Our firm is dedicated to a policy of increasing the use of clean energy fuels to improve air quality, decrease diesel fuel consumption and reliance on foreign oil, while helping to preserve our environment,” said Charles Mellor, chief operating officer.

The company logs approximately 600 trips each day, totaling an average of 98,600 miles per day driven nationwide. Using natural gas reduces GHG emissions by approximately 30% compared to diesel with significant reductions in sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide as well as 40% less CO2 (carbon dioxide).

Matheson began converting its fleet to clean energy-powered tractors in 2014. Last year the company had 25 CNG and 12 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tractors for a total of 37. This year 27 new CNG tractors are being added. Fifteen of these already support USPS shipments to and from the Los Angeles basin and Las Vegas, and 12 more will be ordered and placed in service this fall in Denver. They bring the company’s alternative energy fleet inventory to 64 tractors, or 26% of its fleet. Across all divisions Matheson’s fleet now numbers 286 tractors pulling a mix of 342 trailers with an average length of 53 feet.

According to Debra White, vice president for information technology and fleet maintenance, Matheson uses both CNG and LNG in its alternative fuel fleet depending on whether distances to be traveled are short or long haul, the applications involved, time to refuel and other factors. “We will continue to expand our fleet of natural gas or alternative fuel powered tractors wherever it is practical and cost effective to do so,” she said.

Matheson is a privately-held, family owned and operated company with headquarters in Sacramento, California. The company traces its roots to 1962 when Robert and Carole Matheson founded R. B. Matheson Trucking, Inc. in Clayton, California. Today the firm manages a fleet of tractors, trailers, and aircraft ground support equipment, as well as maintenance facilities throughout the U.S.

Category: General Update, Green