The CNG-powered Kenworth on trial for PTI
Paper Transport, Inc. (PTI) has begun testing prototype compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment by bringing two tractors with 12-liter CNG engines into service. The Cummins-produced prototype engines are being tested in a Kenworth truck and in a Freightliner. Jeff Shefchik, president of Paper Transport says “The 12-liter CNG trucks are an important step forward for us as we look toward more wide spread use of natural gas as a fuel for our trucks.”
The prototype engines provide equal horsepower and torque to engines commonly used in class 8 trucks. The development of the higher powered units will allow for use of CNG units in higher weight and environments where hills are a concern. “The full use of CNG trucks had been somewhat limited by the fact that the 9-liter engine was all that was available for a 100% CNG power unit. The 12-liter’s capability to handle steeper grades will be a nice feature.”
More of the 12-liter engines are scheduled for release in the early part of 2012. However, full production of the 12-liter model is not expected to begin until the first quarter 2013.
PTI has been utilizing CNG tractors since February of 2010. They have over 1,000,000 miles on units currently in use. Another 10 tractors are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2011.
In April this year, Shefchik signed an EPA Test Vehicle Exemption agreement with American Power Group, Inc. (APG), a subsidiary of GreenMan Technologies, Inc., to launch an over-the-road test of APG’s dual-fuel system. The test truck is a 2009 Freightliner Cascadia with a 14.8L Detroit Diesel DD15 Series engine running on a combination of compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel fuel.
Paper Transport Inc., headquartered in Green Bay, WI, is a truckload carrier with a range of capabilities including dry van, dedicated operations, intermodal drayage, and brokerage services. They have operation centers in Muskogee OK, Jacksonville FL, Albany GA, Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Chicago IL and Green Bay WI.
(This article primarily compiled using information from a Paper Transport, Inc. press release)
