DDA Transport of Londonderry, New Hampshire, has just added six propane-fueled straight trucks to its fleet, joining a growing number of USPS (United States Postal Service) mail contractors that trust propane vehicles to reliably deliver the mail across the country.
In our upcoming December 2023–January 2024 issue of Service Truck Magazine, we will also present the story of Nicholas Trucking, a USPS mail contractor who also went the propane route.
“As a supplier to the US Postal Service, we are continually striving to find ways to protect the environment through sustainability efforts,” explained Dwayne Andreasen, President of DDA Transport. “Our fuel consumption is our biggest environmental concern, so the ability to lower this impact through propane autogas helps us achieve our short- and long-term goals.”
With a fleet of over 160 vehicles, DDA Transport recognized the importance of reducing its carbon footprint but needed a solution that wouldn't burden them with infrastructure constraints or costly maintenance.
“Propane seemed to check all the boxes that we were searching for,” Andreasen noted.
His new vehicles are Ford trucks powered by ROUSH CleanTech’s innovative propane technology, propane autogas.
Propane autogas, a popular global alternative fuel, is a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-corrosive fuel. Made domestically, the fuel is readily abundant and cost-effective for fleet operators in the US.
All ROUSH CleanTech propane products are certified to the ultra-low NOx level of 0.02/bhp-hr, making them 90% cleaner than the strictest federal emissions standard.
With more than 37,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based ROUSH provides economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America.
DDA Transport anticipates saving $25,000 in fuel spending and up to an additional $15,000 in maintenance and uptime costs for each truck annually compared to their diesel models.
And, said Andreasen, the company plans to add more propane vehicles to its fleet.
For fueling, the company chose to work with Ferrellgas to install an onsite propane station.
“We need onsite fueling because our trucks run on very strict schedules and are typically running from the early morning hours until the late evening,” said Andreasen. “Ferrellgas not only provided the fuel but also worked out a cost-effective solution by incorporating a fueling station into a long-term fuel contract.”
DDA Transport’s delivery trucks travel between 75,000 and 90,000 miles per year.
“Operating in New England with frigid winters, we are looking forward to our propane trucks starting and running in the cold without fuel gel issues,” said Andreasen.
The company’s goal is to achieve a 50/50 mix of diesel and propane autogas within the next few years.