AmeriPride Pilots New Alternative Fuel Program in Several Markets
(PRWEB) October 11, 2013 -- AmeriPride Services Inc., a leading supplier of linen and uniform rental services in North America, today announced the launch of a pilot program that will test three new types of alternative fuel vehicles in an effort to positively impact the environment and assess the impact on the company’s overall operations. Compressed natural gas (CNG), propane and plug-in electric vehicles will be tested this fall and throughout the upcoming year.
“We have one of the largest fleets in the industry, so we have the capacity to put some resources towards reducing emissions while exploring the impact on fuel costs,” said Andrew Steiner, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Operations. “We feel it’s our responsibility to consider and pilot programs utilizing alternative fuel options and support the advancement of these new technologies.”
Compressed natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that is produced almost completely in the U.S. It produces less carbon emissions and lowers exposure to fuel price rate increases. Five compressed natural gas trucks were deployed in Omaha, Neb. in August and five will be deployed in Oklahoma City in October. In Omaha, the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) is providing substantial discounts on fuel and has provided grant money to help offset the incremental ‘upfit’ costs.
AmeriPride will also be testing five propane trucks in Topeka, Kan. in September. The propane vehicles are expected to have less price volatility and lower vehicle costs than diesel. In addition, preliminary estimates would project a reduction of 17 percent in green house gas emissions.
Electric trucks will be deployed in Fresno, Cal. and Los Angeles in 2014 and are expected to have lower maintenance costs and zero gas emissions. In addition, AmeriPride is eligible for state and federal government financial incentives for the incremental upfront costs of the vehicles.
“This alternative fuel program is a part of a larger company initiative to reduce energy consumption and our carbon footprint,” Steiner said. “We’ve already replaced many of our cargo vans with fuel efficient sedans and rerouted a majority of our service routes to reduce mileage. We’ve also incorporated better controls to reduce idling and speeding and implemented better training and communication with our drivers to increase awareness and promote behavioral change.”
In addition to alternative fuel vehicles, AmeriPride is rolling out double-decker semi-truck trailers that have twice as much capacity for cargo and will greatly reduce fuel and emissions. The trucks have been deployed in Springfield, Mo., and will also be deployed in Syracuse, N.Y. and Memphis, Tenn.
About AmeriPride
Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, AmeriPride Services is recognized as one of the largest uniform rental and linen supply companies in North America. Operating more than 115 production facilities and service centers and 1,200 delivery trucks on the road every day, AmeriPride provides linen, uniforms, floor mats, restroom and cleaning products to nearly 150,000 customers every week. Founded in 1889 by George and Frank Steiner, the privately held company is still owned and managed by the Steiner family. Commitment to the customer, personalized service and innovation has sustained the company for nearly 125 years. Additional company information can be found online at http://www.ameripride.com.
Ben Saukko, AmeriPride, +1 (612) 845-5846, [email protected]
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