24 Freightliner CNG Trucks Added to DeKalb County Fleet

Freightliner Trucks announces that DeKalb County, GA, has ordered 24 Freightliner Business Class M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. The county will use the CNG trucks for sanitation and maintenance applications.

DeKalb County – considered one of the greenest counties in America – will power the new trucks using its methane gas-to-energy process. The program, which was launched in 2011, converts landfill waste to useable natural gas. By converting the waste to energy, DeKalb County produces enough electricity to run 2,500 homes and will produce enough natural gas to run 600 trucks.

To support the gas-to-energy program, DeKalb County is also building two fueling stations – enhancing the natural gas infrastructure for both passenger cars and trucks.

“We take environmental responsibility very seriously, and we are very proud of all our green initiatives,” says Robert Gordon, fleet service superintendent, DeKalb County fleet management division. “That’s why, when we decided to take the next step and green our fleet, we turned to Freightliner Trucks.”

According to Gordon, Freightliner Trucks provides the right solution for DeKalb County’s exacting needs.

“Freightliner Trucks has the proven expertise in developing reliable natural gas solutions, and we were also impressed with the M2 line of products,” says Gordon.

Designed for a broad range of regional haul and vocational applications, the Freightliner M2 112 CNG not only saves significantly on fuel costs, but is less harmful to the environment, with near-zero emissions.

The Freightliner M2 112 CNG is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G 8.9 liter natural gas engine, one of the most economical and dependable engines on the road. Featuring a maintenance-free three way catalyst, and no diesel particulate filter or regeneration required, the ISL G also lowers overall cost of operations.    

Freightliner Trucks’ commitment to green technologies is part of Daimler AG’s global Shaping Future Transportation initiative. Launched in 2007, the initiative focuses on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption.

Gordon noted that in addition to the truck’s environmental benefits, the M2 112’s roomy and comfortable cab, with easily accessible controls, is ideal for the three-man routes DeKalb County runs. The 2,500 square-inch windshield provides enhanced visibility and the truck’s 55-degree wheel cut and set-back front axle results in excellent maneuverability.

“From the very beginning, the Freightliner team exceeded all of our expectations. We worked closely with Peach State Freightliner and a team of engineers to pre-build our trucks – down to placing every single nut and bolt – so we know exactly what we’ll get before the first truck rolls off the line,” says Gordon. “We’re expecting a high-quality product, and with Freightliner Trucks, we know we will be ready to go.”

DeKalb County will take delivery of its new M2 112 CNG trucks in late 2011.