Shell has relied on Ryder for logistics solutions for more than 10 years. As Shell’s logistics provider, Ryder currently manages road transportation for Shell’s freight hauling activities across its US exploration and production (E&P) activities, including a dedicated fleet that directly supports its Gulf of Mexico operations.

The new 15 LNG fueled vehicles will replace Ryder diesel-powered vehicles in the existing fleet and will be serviced out of Ryder’s Lafayette, La. facility, which is being engineered to meet the unique compliance requirements for natural gas. As part of this initiative, Ryder has signed a five-year fuel agreement with Shell which will provide LNG fuel for the dedicated natural gas fleet.

The Shell sea port and cross state routes are an application ideally suited for natural gas vehicles. Ryder worked with Shell to develop a customized truck specification that was weight-sensitive to maximize freight revenue, while assuring durability and operability in the field.

Ryder Dedicated Transportation Solutions has more than 200 customers in the oil and gas sector. Ryder is also the leader in natural gas vehicle solutions for the commercial transportation industry, with more than 50 million miles of experience, 18 natural gas vehicle maintenance facilities, and more than 6,000 natural gas vehicle trained maintenance and support personnel.

Ryder has deployed CNG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vehicles into the fleets of Ryder customers in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Quebec, Canada. The Company operates Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) fuel stations at its Fontana and Orange, Calif., service locations.

The natural gas vehicles are being made available through Ryder’s participation in the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP), funded by the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) initiatives and administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).