Commercial transportation and supply chain management solution provider Ryder System, Inc., recently met and surpassed its goal of running 15 million miles with the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Utilizing its fleet of natural gas vehicles, the company reached its goal only two years after starting the program in 2011.

“We believe natural gas is the most viable alternative fuel solution for commercial trucking because it is clean, efficient, cheap, and abundant,” Ryder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sanchez. “It is good for our customers, as well as our communities and the country.”

According to the company, the fleet of 320 natural gas vehicles (consisting of 36 liquefied natural gas and 284 compressed natural gas tractors) has reduced its overall diesel fuel consumption by 2.3 million gallons since 2011 and reduced emissions by more than 5,290 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The vehicles are currently running in 37 customer operations in California, New York, Arizona, Michigan, and Louisiana.

“This latest milestone reinforces Ryder’s continued leadership in commercial natural gas vehicle solutions and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to find innovative ways to meet our customers’ transportation needs,” said Sanchez.

Earlier this year, Ryder opened the first natural gas fueling stations in its North American network to serve both the general public and Ryder lease and rental customers. The Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas stations, which are open to Ryder lease and rental customers, are located at two of Ryder’s maintenance and fueling facilities in Orange and Fontana, Calif.