Kroger Announces Delivery of First LNG Trucks

The Kroger Co. and its division of Fred Meyer Stores, marked the delivery of the first 11 Freightliner trucks, which will be fueled by liquefied natural gas, at a press conference in Clackamas, in the Greater Portland area, on December 4, 2014. The new LNG trucks will replace 40 diesel trucks currently in use, and will deliver product from Corvallis, Ore., and as far north as Longview, Washington.

“The trucks are out there running now and they’re doing well,” says Fred Meyer Fleet Manager Nick Brocato. “They are delivering a variety of loads -- everything and anything that Fred Meyer Stores offer.”

Each of Fred Meyers’ new LNG trucks will drive approximately 175 miles (282 km) per day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year, delivering products along routes which run from Corvallis, Ore., to Longview, Washington.

According to a press release, the trucks will average approximately 175 miles (282 km) per day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year. They are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 755 metric tons per year, which equates to removing approximately 159 passenger cars from the road annually. The trucks are manufactured at Freightliner’s North Carolina plant.

“We think it’s great that Kroger has selected the Westport iCE PACK™ LNG Tank System for its fueling needs as it replaces part of its diesel fleet with natural gas,” says John Reece Westport’s iCE PACK Western Region Sales Manager. “Fleets like Kroger are showing leadership amongst their peers in diversifying their fueling needs and taking advantage of the benefits of the range and emissions benefits of liquefied natural gas.”

Kroger has invested $6.5 million in the project and has received a $490,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration for the LNG infrastructure.

In May, Kroger and Westport announced their partnership to meet the retailer’s sustainability goals with an order for 40 iCE PACK systems.

“The Kroger Company has a strong commitment to finding energy efficient solutions for business operations, and to reducing our carbon footprint,” says Ashley White, Logistics Sustainability Manager at The Kroger Co. “Adopting liquefied natural gas for transportation with the Westport iCE PACK™ LNG Tank System makes both environmental and economic sense.”

Kroger's first LNG trucks are now in operation and are doing well, says Fred Meyer Fleet Manager Nick Brocato.