Imagine your goods being transported under blue skies by cleaner, quieter trucks that reduce carbon emissions while stabilizing shipping costs. This vision is no longer distant—it's the new chapter in sustainable logistics that Saddle Creek Corp. is bringing to life.
The leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider has announced a major investment in environmental stewardship, introducing 40 Freightliner natural gas-powered trucks to its fleet with plans to add 40 more early next year.
Cleaner Fuel, Lower Emissions
The new Freightliner Business Class M2 112 tractors run on compressed natural gas (CNG), significantly reducing Saddle Creek's carbon footprint. Each truck is estimated to eliminate approximately 103,000 pounds of carbon emissions annually—a tangible environmental impact.
The company is constructing a CNG fueling station at its Lakeland, Florida headquarters, marking a milestone as Florida's first private CNG facility dedicated to a corporate fleet.
Strategic Implementation Across the Southeast
The CNG trucks will primarily serve routes throughout the Florida peninsula and southern Georgia, offering clients more sustainable shipping options that align with corporate environmental goals.
"We're committed to environmental protection and sustainable operations," said Mike DelBovo, president of Saddle Creek Transportation. "Natural gas vehicles allow us to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint while helping stabilize transportation costs—a true win-win for sustainability and fiscal responsibility."
Careful Planning Behind the Initiative
DelBovo noted that Saddle Creek spent a year evaluating natural gas truck options to ensure the selected models could meet customer needs for weight capacity and travel distance. The Freightliner M2 112 tractors were chosen for their efficiency and performance.
With Florida's limited CNG retail infrastructure, the company opted to build its own fueling station to guarantee reliable fuel access. Construction is expected to begin by year-end, coinciding with truck deliveries for full operation by early 2012.
Creating Value for Customers
"Our CNG fleet provides clients an effective way to support their corporate sustainability programs," DelBovo emphasized. "They benefit from cleaner, safer, quieter transportation while gaining cost predictability—natural gas prices fluctuate less than diesel. This investment delivers meaningful value through both environmental and economic benefits."
The Future of Sustainable Logistics
Saddle Creek's initiative sets a new industry standard at a time when environmental responsibility is increasingly crucial. By adopting CNG technology, the company demonstrates how operational efficiency and ecological stewardship can coexist.
As technology advances and policies evolve, green logistics will continue gaining momentum. Saddle Creek's proactive approach offers valuable insights for other companies navigating the transition to sustainable transportation ecosystems.