AmeriPride Advances Alternative Fuels Program with 20 New Propane Trucks
Nationwide textile rental company plans to increase Ford fleet equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems
TOPEKA, Kan. (March 4, 2015) — After a successful alternative fuels pilot, AmeriPride Services, one of the largest textile rental and supply companies in North America, is expanding its program to include additional propane autogas fueled trucks.In addition to the five ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-59 delivery trucks in Topeka, the uniform and linen company is adding 20 more in Northern California later this year. AmeriPride announced their program expansion plans at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis today.
“We’ve been extensively testing fuels and vehicles to find the right area and application that gives us the best environmental and economical benefits,” said Banny Allison, fleet services manager for AmeriPride. “Propane autogas reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has easy, cost-efficient fueling infrastructure. Because of our success in Kansas, we are implementing the same propane autogas vehicles in the Sacramento and Fresno areas.”
Each of AmeriPride’s propane autogas trucks will emit about 95,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime. Propane autogas is a low carbon fuel that reduces greenhouse gases by up to 25 percent, carbon monoxide by up to 60 percent, nitrogen oxide by 20 percent and virtually eliminates particulate matter when compared to conventional fuels. The alternative fuel is a non-contaminant of soil, air and water.
To fuel its vehicles, AmeriPride installed a private autogas station with 1,000-gallon tank at their Topeka facility. Infrastructure for propane autogas is less expensive than any other alternative fuel, partly due to fewer requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency due to its clean fuel properties. Propane autogas already has a robust infrastructure, with thousands of public stations across the nation.
Currently, the company pays $1.55 per gallon for propane autogas that, historically, has cost up to 50 percent less than diesel.
“AmeriPride has long been a champion for supporting the environment and the communities they serve,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Emissions-reducing, domestically produced propane autogas has met their criteria and now they are ready to expand into different markets with reliable Ford F-59 workhorses.”
As Ford’s only Qualified Vehicle Modifier for propane autogas, ROUSH CleanTech vehicles retain the same quality Ford performance characteristics. The vehicles also meet Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certification requirements.
AmeriPride has received recognition for its environmental initiatives. In 2014, it earned Clean Green certification for its production facilities and won the Top 50 Green Fleet award for its use of alternatively fueled vehicles.
About AmeriPride: Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., AmeriPride Services is recognized as one of the largest uniform rental and linen supply companies in North America. Operating more than 115 production facilities and service centers throughout the United States and Canada, AmeriPride provides linen and towels, uniforms, floor mats, restroom and cleaning products to nearly 150,000 customers every week. Founded in 1889 by George and Frank Steiner, the privately held company is still owned and managed by the Steiner family. Commitment to the customer, personalized service and innovation has sustained the company for 125 years. Additional company information can be found online at www.ameripride.com.
About ROUSH CleanTech:ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Mich. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
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