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LNG is one of the cleanest alternative vehicle fuels. Quite simply, LNG is natural gas in liquid form. It's the same natural gas preferred by more than 63 million American homeowners for heating, cooking and other comforts, yet this natural gas has been liquefied to enable more efficient storage and transportation. As a liquid, this eco-friendly and exceptionally efficient energy source is made available for a variety of opportunities.

When natural gas is cooled to -260° F, it becomes a liquid, and in this form the energy content is 600 times denser than atmospheric natural gas, making it easier to transport, and a more efficient fuel choice for heavy-duty trucks traveling long-distance routes. Over the past half-century, LNG has assembled an exceptional safety record in the United States, and that excellence extends to the vehicle-fueling markets. As a transportation fuel, LNG is an ideal solution for the trucking industry in the Southeast, which is home to approximately 25 percent of the nation's heavy duty, long-haul tractor trailers. Providing companies with greater access to this alternative fuel will enable cost savings and operational efficiencies that can benefit both consumers and the environment.

Economic Benefits
Our natural gas transportation solutions can generate a host of financial advantages, ranging from immediate reduction in fuel costs to customized refueling operations and streamlined maintenance packages. In addition, our expertise in managing fuel supply enables us to reduce your risk of exposure by providing long-term fuel pricing contracts that allow your natural gas fleet to continue to deliver to your company's bottom line. Some things to consider as you evaluate transitioning to a natural gas fleet:

• The cost of natural gas vehicles is expected to continue decrease due to increased production, industry maturation and the entrance of additional product offerings, particularly when compared with diesel vehicles designed to meet the same tough U.S. EPA 2010 heavy-duty standards. The potential fuel savings alone for high-mileage trucks should be enough to pay back a premium upfront investment in just a few years.
• Natural gas, on an energy-equivalent basis, has been and is projected to remain significantly less expensive than diesel for the foreseeable future.
• There are 2.2 million heavy-duty, long-haul trucks in the United States, representing less than 1 percent of vehicles on the road, but they are responsible for nearly 10 percent of total domestic oil consumption and for more than half of all domestic diesel consumption.
• The 25 percent of all U.S. heavy-duty, long-haul trucks that are based in the Southeast ultimately consume approximately 150 million barrels of petroleum a year, or more than $10 billion a year at modest $70 per barrel pricing.
• Federal and state tax incentives already have helped to make fleet transitions from diesel to natural gas an economic reality for many businesses and these incentives will continue to play an important role. Some of the aforementioned tax credits have helped to offset the purchase prices of natural gas vehicles, reduce out-of-pocket capital expenditures for the construction of new fueling stations and even lower fuel costs for the end user. These incentives have been well received by constituents throughout the country, and many elected officials remain committed to legislation that extends and supports them.

Environmental Benefits
With fewer emissions than diesel, LNG as a transportation fuel offers a host of environmental advantages.

Research compiled by the U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) shows natural gas vehicles (NGVs) reduce carbon-dioxide intensity for light-duty (LD) vehicles by nearly 30 percent and heavy-duty (HD) vehicles by more than 20 percent.

Studies conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of West Virginia in conjunction with the Alternative Fuel Truck Evaluation Project found the following emission reductions for HD NGVs versus comparable diesel vehicles: particulate matter by 85 percent or more, NOx by up to 80 percent, non-methane hydrocarbons by at least 59 percent in four out of five studies, and carbon monoxide by as much as 95 percent.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) reported data showing that HD NGVs provide greenhouse gas reductions ranging from 16 percent to 23 percent compared with comparable diesel vehicles, according to fuel and use profile. It is important to note that since these comparisons involve similar vehicles in California – which are subject to cleaner emission profiles than the rest of the country – the CEC results understate the net benefits that NGVs would provide in other parts of the country.

According to a recent report for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, NGVs produce 22 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable diesel vehicles and 29 percent less than gasoline vehicles.

Well-to-wheel (WTW) analysis conducted by CumminsWestport Inc. on the Cummins' HD 8.9L ISL engine projects a WTW reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of to 20 percent for natural gas models when compared to their diesel equivalents.

HD natural gas engines also have been found to significantly reduce noise pollution compared with their diesel counterparts. One HD diesel engine idles louder than 10 natural gas engines idling together, while one diesel engine operating at peak torque reaches a decibel rating higher than five natural gas engines operating at the same time.

The standard diesel hydrocarbon has a molecular composition of C14H30. By comparison, natural gas primarily is composed of CH4, giving it the highest ratio of hydrogen to carbon among all hydrocarbons. The end result is the emission of far less carbon dioxide when using natural gas.

In addition, as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, many hold the companies with which they do business to a higher standard. The environmental benefits of transitioning your fleet to LNG can provide a competitive business advantage that allows you to capture the attention of eco-conscious consumers in a way not possible before.

Safe and Reliable
LNG trucking has an excellent safety record. Today’s LNG tankers are built for safety with carbon-steel outer jackets; double walls that are vacuum-insulated; anti-roll technology; gas detectors; safety shut-off valves; and other advanced features. LNG tankers have more safeguards in place than the gasoline and diesel tankers seen traversing the nation’s roads every day. In fact, there are zero recorded fatalities and no incidences of explosion or large uncontrolled spill attributed to LNG in the U.S. over the last 40 years. The industry also requires vigorous safety and security practices for tanker drivers:

• Extensive training in transporting hazardous materials
• Classroom and on-road training in tanker driving and LNG safety equipment
• Monitoring via onboard computers
• Periodic training in emergency response and security
• Safe driving incentives
• Homeland Security certified

LNG trucking is regulated on the Federal and State level with national organizations setting codes and standards for the industry:

* The transportation of LNG is regulated by all state Departments of Transportation.

Source: U.S. LNG Trucking Operation & Safety Report, Arthur D. Little