Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. to Convert Entire Fleet to CNG
Last Updated: 09/19/2011
Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc., has heralded the arrival of its first compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet vehicle. Golden Eagle, in partnership with Ryder System, Inc. is converting its entire heavy-duty fleet in Tucson to compressed natural gas vehicles by the end of 2011. Ryder executives, including Bobby Stewart, Vice President of National Sales, presented the vehicle to Golden Eagle executives including Christopher Clements, CEO, and Kimberly Clements, President.
To support distribution operations in Tucson, AZ, Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc., a Ryder full-service lease customer for 40 years, has agreed to lease 23 CNG vehicles by the end of 2011. The vehicles are part of a strategic alternative fuel program at Golden Eagle focused on reducing transportation-generated emissions and reducing fuel costs.
CNG vehicles produce 95% less particulate matter, 80% less nitrogen oxide, and provide a reduction of 23% in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to diesel engines, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. "We are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and with diesel fuel prices continuing to rise, the timing was right to convert our Tucson fleet to natural gas vehicles," said Christopher Clements, CEO, Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc.
"We could not have implemented this project without Ryder. Ryder has been our strategic transportation partner for 40 years. We rely on their expertise when it comes to evaluating new technologies, such as alternative fuels. Ryder has helped us find an alternative fuel that is not only cleaner and better for the environment, but we also expect to see real fuel cost savings over time. Our trust from working with Ryder for 40 years ensures us that the CNG vehicles will meet the needs of our drivers and the loads we carry daily," continued Clements.
"We are proud to be such a long-standing partner and thank Golden Eagle for trusting us with their business for 40 years," said Robert Sanchez, President of Global Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder. "We are committed to continuing to provide Golden Eagle with innovative transportation solutions, such as natural gas vehicles, which not only help them achieve their sustainability goals, but also enable them to realize meaningful cost-saving and efficiency benefits."
The Tucson fleet conversion is the first part of a bigger CNG plan that Golden Eagle is embarking on over the next several years. Over time, Golden Eagle will convert all fleet vehicles to CNG in their six branch operations throughout the state. Then light-duty passenger vehicles will be changed over to CNG in each branch. To service their CNG fleet, Golden Eagle is working toward opening their own CNG fuel stations in Tucson and then at several other branch locations including Casa Grande and Buckeye. In spring 2011, Golden Eagle purchased an acre of land adjacent to its headquarters property in Tucson. That land will be used for a CNG fueling station.
Environmental awareness is part of the business plan at Golden Eagle. Golden Eagle was named Arizona's Greenest Workplace in 2010 by Mrs. Green's World, an environmental website that promotes global sustainability. GED was recognized for its recycling and energy efficiency initiatives, employee carpooling, and for its green transportation program. In 2010, Golden Eagle recycled over 4 tons of aluminum, over 62 tons of glass and over 420 cubic yards of cardboard, plastic and paper. Last year, Golden Eagle installed new lights in the Tucson warehouse that will save 656,000 kilowatts per year. Improvements last year in the HVAC controls resulted in electric usage dropping 8.7% and natural gas usage dropping 60%.
