As fleet operators, you’re not just moving goods—you’re navigating one of the most dynamic, high-stakes industries in the world. With increasing pressure from regulators, rising fuel costs, and demands for sustainability, your choices today will define your fleet’s competitiveness tomorrow. In this landscape, efficiency, cost management, and environmental responsibility are no longer optional—they’re essential.
One sustainable solution that has been a fixture in the solid waste industry for decades and is now gaining traction in over the road trucking is renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG is a drop-in, cleaner fuel that can be used as compressed natural gas (CNG) in heavy-duty vehicles.
Here’s how switching to RNG can help fleet operators cut costs and reduce emissions today.
What is renewable natural gas?
RNG has the same chemical makeup as fossil-fuel natural gas, but without the carbon footprint. It’s produced by collecting methane – a potent greenhouse gas and the second-largest contributor to climate change – from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and dairy farms. Methane is naturally produced as organic waste decomposes, and when released into the atmosphere, it contributes to global warming. But, when captured and converted into RNG, methane becomes a powerful clean energy source.
Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. By converting methane emissions into RNG, production companies across the U.S. are turning a problem into a solution. Because it captures more greenhouse gases than it emits, RNG is actually considered carbon-negative. Once RNG is injected into the U.S. pipeline, it can be distributed at any CNG station across the country, making it a drop-in fuel that seamlessly integrates into existing engines. And by transforming waste into energy, RNG supports a circular economy, which reduces reliance on foreign energy sources.
With a 13% increase year-over-year in 2023, the RNG industry is experiencing rapid expansion. Today, more RNG production facilities and CNG fueling stations are being developed, making it easier for fleets to access this fuel across the country.
The benefits of making the switch
Fleet operators across the U.S. are already realizing the benefits of making the switch to RNG. Natural gas currently powers over 175,000 vehicles in the U.S. and roughly 23 million vehicles worldwide, according to the Department of Energy. And while electrification has been viewed by some as the future of transportation, it is not yet commercially viable for heavy-duty fleets because of high costs, technology limitations, and reduced payload capacity due to heavy batteries and limited range. RNG offers a proven solution that’s available today.
One of the greatest advantages for fleet operators is that RNG is more cost-effective than both diesel and electric, offering long-term savings in fuel and maintenance. Since it burns cleaner, little to no after treatment is needed, and this means there is less engine wear and tear. Additionally, fleet operators can take advantage of government incentives, tax credits, and carbon credits. These incentives are available in states that have adopted low-carbon fuel standard programs, including California, Oregon and Washington.
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There may also be financial benefits in the form of lower insurance premiums. Since RNG-powered vehicles produce fewer emissions and pose less environmental risk than diesel, some insurers may offer lower premiums for fleets running on RNG.
From an operations standpoint, RNG-powered vehicles perform equally to diesel engines in terms of range, torque, horsepower, refueling time, and reliability. Additionally, because RNG utilizes the existing natural gas fueling infrastructure, fleet operators can seamlessly transition to RNG, and all major original equipment truck manufacturers are building CNG trucks on the assembly line. This means as fleets are replaced, operators can change to natural gas and utilize RNG. Many companies are also releasing new engines designed for RNG-powered CNG, such as the Cummins’ X15N engines, known for their durability and diesel-like performance.
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Beyond the financial and operational benefits, RNG can help fleets reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals. Heavy transportation and power generation carbon emissions can both be reduced by up to 400% when using RNG, making it one of the cleanest fuels available.
Contract Transport Services (CTS), a transportation and logistics solutions company, has experienced these benefits first-hand. Starting in 1985 with a single truck, CTS has grown to a fleet of more than 150 natural gas-powered trucks. Fast forward a decade, and the carrier now runs 100% on natural gas, recently shifting to RNG to lower its emissions even further. CTS has not only lowered its total cost of ownership through reduced fuel costs but has also achieved even higher savings with the implementation of a solid maintenance program.
Looking to the future
As the transportation industry faces increasing demand for cleaner, more cost-effective solutions, RNG is an immediate, proven, and impactful option for fleet operators.
Switching to RNG offers fleet operators a win-win solution. RNG is more than just a temporary solution—it’s the road to a more profitable and sustainable future. Fleet operators that embrace this transition today will set the standard for a more promising, responsible, efficient, and forward-thinking transportation industry.
