By the end of last month, Waco, Texas-based Central Freight Lines had a total of 115 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors in its less-than-truckload operation. “We decided to purchase CNG tractors because of the abundance of natural gas produced in the State of Texas,” says Tom Botsios, executive vice president. “Many of our Texas customers are in oil- and gas-related businesses. Purchasing the CNG units supports our customer base.”
Among the first CNG tractors at CFL are 2013 Peterbilt Model 384 4X2 models equipped with Agility 75 DGE Back of Cab CNG Fueling Systems (75 gal. diesel equivalent), Cummins Westport ISL G 320 HP natural gas engines and Allison 3000 Highway Series automatic transmissions. The tractors are being used in local pick-up and delivery operations in the metropolitan Houston area, where a natural gas fueling infrastructure is available.
The initial group of Peterbilts was sourced as an evaluation under a grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC). The organization partnered with CFL as part of an ongoing effort to reduce harmful emissions in major metropolitan areas that have higher air pollution levels. CFL viewed the opportunity to test natural gas tractors as a way to help improve air quality in the areas where it operates, and as the latest in a series of steps the company is taking to help foster the use of domestic fuel sources.
“With the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s backing, we were able to evaluate how natural gas tractors will help further our goals of fighting air pollution and using domestically produced fuels like natural gas to help reduce consumption of foreign oil,” Botsios states. “Natural gas-powered tractors support U.S. energy producers, including many companies in our home state.”
Measuring ROI
The first CNG tractors at CFL were followed by 100 new 2014 Freightliner M2 CNG units, which are now operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Any new technology at CFL, including natural gas tractors, still has to make business sense, Botsios notes. “We can measure the return on investment in these tractors by comparing the operating cost per mile between CNG and diesel models,” he reports. “Currently, natural gas prices are lower on a per gallon equivalent compared to on-highway diesel fuel, so the higher up-front cost of the engines will be returned to the company.”
In total, CFL operates 1,600 tractors and 8,000 trailers. “In the past few years, we have been consistently replacing power units with newer emissions compliant engines, and adding other environmentally-friendly equipment, such as propane-powered forklifts,” says Bill Woods, director of maintenance. “In addition to the CNG tractors, we currently operate Navistar, Freightliner and Sterling diesel models.
“Along with the 100 newest Freightliner CNG-powered tractors to join the fleet, we are also going to take delivery of 50 2014 model year diesel-powered Freightliner M2s,” Woods continues. “As the 2014s come on board, we’ll be retiring our oldest units, which include 1999 through 2001 models. We try to run our trucks for seven to 10 years and our trailers from 15 to 20 years. With that in mind, we spec and purchase for lowest operating cost and longest life.”
The CFL trailer fleet is a mix of 28-ft. pups, 48-ft. P&D vans and 53-ft. vans that work in both linehaul and P&D service. CFL has also ordered 400 new 2014 Hyundai pups that are currently coming on board, as well as 100 32-ft. and 100 40-ft. trailers that will be used in P&D operations.
Testing ideas
Changes to trailer specs at CFL are based on addressing issues and testing new ideas, Woods relates. “Trailer floors and roll-up doors have been areas of concern,” he adds. “We were spending a lot of money ensuring that floors are solid and doors operate. For our newest trailers, we’ve spec’d Havco Composite floor systems and Transglobal composite doors to enhance the life of those components and to reduce our maintenance costs.
“We also adopted side skirts on 28-ft. trailers after we realized a 6% increase in fuel mileage, as well as an improvement in stability on test units,” Woods says. “This year, we’re planning to look into automatic tire inflation systems, provided we can find the right product for our operation. We are always looking for ways to better utilize our assets, but from a maintenance perspective, products need to have merit and an application in our environment. Basically, some things just won’t work for us based on how we use our equipment.”
Maintenance for the CFL fleet is handled through a company network of 13 shops. Where the carrier does not have a maintenance facility, service and repair work is handled by carefully selected outside vendors.
Rich history
| Central Freight Lines Tractor Specs Model: 2014 Freightliner M2 Engine: Cummins Westport ISL G Transmission: Allison 3000 Highway Series Driveshafts: Meritor Front Axle: Meritor MFS-12-143A Front Suspension: dual taperleaf; 12,000-lb. Power Steering: TRW THP-60 Rear Axle: Meritor RS-23-160; 23,000-lb., 5.29 ratio Rear Suspension: Freightliner AirLiner Wheel Seals: Scotseal Brakes: Meritor ABS: Meritor WABCO Automatic Slack Adjusters: Meritor Parking Brakes: Haldex Gold Seal Wheels: steel disc Tires: Michelin XZE2 5th Wheel: Jost Air Compressor: Cummins, 18.7 CFM Air Dryer: Bendix Fan Clutch: Horton Drive Master Batteries: Alliance Starter: Delco 38MT Alternator: Delco 36SI Central Freight Lines Trailer Specs |
A privately-owned, for-hire common carrier with 51 terminals throughout the southwestern U.S., Central Freight Lines has a rich history in the freight transportation business. CFL first opened for business in 1925 and through the years, the company has been recognized often for its accomplishments in service, quality and safety.
Year after year, CFL has been honored by the Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA) for its achievement in reaching and maintaining the industry’s highest safety standards in the state. Recently, TMTA presented CFL with the first place P&D Division Fleet Safety Award, along with first place Intercity award in the 10 to 20 million mile class. Each year, TMTA recognizes member companies that accomplished outstanding, professional driving performance. The winners are judged on the company’s accident frequency experience rates.
“We’re committed to safety, professionalism and customer service, which is reflected in our repeat award winning performances each year,” Botsios said. “We’ve always been proud to be a carrier that consistently promotes safety throughout the company. Today, as well, CFL proudly adds clean initiatives as one of the things that sets us apart from other carriers.”
