Heavy-duty and medium-duty trucking companies may stand to benefit from conversion to natural gas and can ease the transition by sourcing reliable suppliers and qualified service retrofitters.
Positive changes are happening within the Trucking Industry to implement more efficient and environmentally friendly fuel options. As the country works to decrease its dependence on foreign oil and looks for more eco-friendly alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuel, many companies are considering the switch to natural gas. There are many benefits and costs associated with this transition which must be considered to determine if natural gas is a viable option for different businesses.
Pro: Natural Gas Reduces Oil Dependence and Carbon Emissions
Natural gas is known for producing up to 25% less carbon pollution than oil in transportation applications. This makes it the cleanest fossil fuel available and is more readily available in the United States. According to one report from the Center for American Progress, natural gas could potentially meet more than one third of the fuel needs of the heavy and medium-duty trucking industry by 2035. This would represent a savings of nearly 1.2 million barrels of oil per day.
Natural Gas May Require Vehicle Conversions
In order to provide alternative fuel options such as natural gas, vehicle conversions are necessary. In many cases, qualified service retrofitters (QSRs) can convert light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles for the use of natural gas. Costs associated with these conversions should be considered when companies are deciding whether or not to invest in the transition to natural gas. In addition to the conversion process costs, vehicles will also be required to meet additional EPA certification regulations. The Alternative Fuels Data Center provides in-depth information about regulations, codes, and standards that apply to vehicle conversions on their website.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits
For some, these costs and requirements may outweigh the savings, while other companies still stand to benefit significantly from the transition even with these additional up-front costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to place a monetary value on the improved efficiency and environmental benefits provided by the use of natural gas over traditional gasoline or diesel fuel and each company must consider the value this effort brings.
Companies who are interested in vehicle conversion can learn more about the basics of the process and source reliable QSRs online with the Alternative Fuels Data Center. At Huron Automatic Screw Company we work with and supply many clients within the heavy-duty trucking and aftermarket industry. Whether you are a qualified service retrofitter or looking for advice and assistance as a fleet owner, we are proud to offer services that take your ideas and needs for the conversion process from prototype to completion and encourage you to contact us.
About Huron Automatic Screw Company
With over 80 years of experience, Huron Automatic Screw Company is highly regarded in the fastener manufacturing industry for product excellence and quick turnaround, making us an ideal partner to handle your prototype through production quantity jobs. Our precision machined threaded fasteners, pins, spacers and other parts are purchased by fastener distributors, component manufacturers and OEMs across the United States and go into a wide variety of components such as axles, power trains, suspensions, engines and steering components.
Our tradition of quality and our use of innovative modern manufacturing practices have been our company’s competitive edge in manufacturing precision machined products. Add to that our reputation for on-time delivery and competitive prices, and you’ve got every answer you need to give us a try on your next project.
[schema type=”organization” orgtype=”Organization” url=”www.huronauto.com” name=”Huron Automatic Screw Company” street=”4918 Gratiot Ave” city=”St Clair” state=”MI” postalcode=”48079″ country=”US” phone=”810-364-6636″ ]
