Love’s Showcases Commitment to Natural Gas Vehicles at NGV Conference and Expo; Features Westport WiNG Power System on Ford F-350 and Cummins Westport 12-liter CNG Peterbilt

When visitors visit Love’s Travel Stops & Country Store’s (Love’s) booth at this year’s Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Conference and Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, it will be evident that the convenience store and travel center giant is committed to the natural gas vehicle industry. The booth will showcase a Westport WiNG™ Power System dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) Ford F-350 truck used to service fleet operators at Love’s Truck Tire Care centres. Also featured at the bright yellow and red booth will be a mock-up version of Love’s signature Integrated In-Lane Fueling station with a Cummins Westport (CWI) 12-liter compressed natural gas (CNG) engine powered Peterbilt truck.

Nationwide, Love’s is the only travel stop that offers an integrated, in-lane fueling experience for heavy duty vehicles in every lane. These full service travel stops combine cardless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, diesel, diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) and fast-fill CNG (where available) in a single-lane to provide time-saving convenience with access to multiple fueling solutions for operators. The Truck Tire Care centres, open 24 hours a day, offer tire care and roadside assistance to ensure trucks stay up and running.

“Visitors to our booth will experience first-hand the convenience of our integrated in-lane centers and will also get a chance to see the debut of our dedicated CNG run Ford F-350 service truck,” says Amanda Kuhlman, Corporate Marketing Manager, Love’s. “Love’s is committed to growing our CNG network and our promise to provide innovative solutions for our customers.”

Internally, Love’s is also committed to adopting CNG for its operations. Last year, the company purchased 25 Freightliner Cascadia and 25 Peterbilt trucks with Cummins Westport’s 12-liter CNG engine for its fleet of fuel haulers, operating under their Gemini Transport brand. The company made the decision to add the trucks after participating in a beta program, putting 175,000 miles on the truck. The program allowed Love’s to learn about the cost benefits of using CNG and how to operate a CNG fueling station.

“Through the beta trial, we were able to develop a CNG solution internally and test it before going external,” says Samuel Crites, Manager of Natural Gas Marketing, Love’s. “Our drivers told us that it was a little different to learn how to operate a CNG truck, but overall the experience was positive with the added benefit of fuel savings and a quieter engine compared to diesel.”

“For businesses on the fence about adding CNG vehicles to their fleet, I recommend they be open to talking about the opportunities that exist,” adds Crites. “Depending on the application, evaluate if CNG makes sense. Love’s supplies and sells all fuels and is a huge asset to help with the decision.”

The NGV Conference and Expo takes place November 11 to 14, 2014 and will have a 90,000 square foot expo, the largest of its kind, featuring the full spectrum of vehicles, components, equipment packagers, service providers, design-engineering firms, and program consultants. With informative educational sessions and a comprehensive ride and drive program, the show promises to be a one-stop-shop for everything needed to achieve NGV success.