CTA teams with SoCalGas on natural gas initiative

The California Trucking Association (CTA) has joined forces with Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) to increase awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas and alternative fuels in the heavy-duty trucking industry.

“We recognize the critical importance of the trucking industry to California and value the hard work of truck owner-operators, fleet owner-operators, and national and international carriers in keeping goods movement flowing and our state’s economy healthy,” said Rodger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. “SoCalGas is pleased to join with the California Trucking Association to help its members learn more about the many ways natural gas fueling and clean natural gas engine technologies can help them save money, clean up our air, and mitigate the environmental impact of goods movement.”

CTA’s Shawn Yadon was equally enthusiastic about the effort.

“The California Trucking Association is excited to welcome Southern California Gas Company as our newest Executive Circle Club Partner and recognizes the importance of natural gas to the continued success of the trucking industry. Trucks carry most of the tonnage and value of freight in the United States and CTA welcomes SoCalGas’ support of our mission as the voice of trucking in California,” said Yadon, CEO of CTA.

A recent report by the Consumer Federation of America shows fuel costs are the single largest component of transportation costs, representing over one-third of the total cost. As transportation costs pass through to consumers, fuel is the largest component of the pass-through. Reducing transportation fuel cost benefits consumers and the resulting net savings for consumers gives them more discretionary income, which stimulates economic activity in other sectors to produce a significant positive economic multiplier.

Natural gas is one of the most affordable and cleanest burning alternative fuels available today. The Department of Energy’s April 2015 alternative fuel price report shows the national average price for natural gas was $2.09/gasoline-gallon-equivalent compared to $3.06/gallon for diesel. The same report notes natural gas prices have been consistently stable for a long period of time, while gasoline and diesel prices have been volatile.

In addition to delivering cost savings, natural gas fueling has helped the trucking industry’s effort to achieve state and federal environmental goals and meet clean air regulations. Heavy-duty natural gas vehicles (NGVs) can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and reactive hydrocarbons, which form the principal ingredient of smog, by as much as 95 percent. Heavy-duty NGVs can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and carbon monoxide by 85 percent. Additionally, heavy-duty NGVs emit no diesel particulate matter, which has been identified by air quality agencies as a carcinogenic air toxic. Current data shows more than 200,000 heavy-duty trucks operate currently in California.

A number of major fleet truck operators, including UPS, Swift Transportation, Coca-Cola, 99 Cents Only Stores, Frito-Lay and others are taking advantage of the cost savings and environmental benefits of compressed natural gas (CNG).

SoCalGas and CTA are hosting a series of free natural gas trucking workshops through November at locations in Los Angeles and San Diego. Fleet operators who have already transitioned to natural gas-powered trucks will be at the workshops to share their first-hand experiences.

”We recognize the critical importance of the trucking industry to California and value the hard work of truck owner-operators, fleet owner-operators, and national and international carriers in keeping goods movement flowing and our state’s economy healthy,” said Rodger Schwecke, vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. “SoCalGas is pleased to join with the California Trucking Association to help its members learn more about the many ways natural gas fueling and clean natural gas engine technologies can help them save money, clean up our air, and mitigate the environmental impact of goods movement.”

SoCalGas has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.4 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. Southern California Gas Co. is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

The California Trucking Association has been serving the commercial motor carrier industry in California, and the companies that provide products and services to the trucking industry, for 81 years. A critical and vital component of California’s economy, 78 percent of California communities depend solely on trucks to deliver their goods.