Covenant Logistics became the first for-hire fleet to deliver freight using the near-zero carbon emission alternative fuel, 100% Biodiesel (B100). This milestone marks a significant step forward in providing shippers with a viable, cost-effective decarbonization strategy that extends beyond the traditional zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) approach, which is often pushed as the only strategy worth pursuing.
Utilizing a solution from Optimus Technologies, Inc., Covenant affordably upfitted three Class 8 diesel trucks to provide near-zero carbon emission movement of freight without sacrificing performance, maintenance issues, or fuel economy. While this solution has been available for several years, Optimus’s success has been limited to private fleets who made large investments in on-site fueling tanks and coordination of fuel delivery. With the support of public fueling stations, the growing availability of this alternative fuel will provide a new option for any fleet looking to make a significant reduction on their Scope 3 decarbonization strategies.
“For long-haul carriers like Covenant, the current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) solutions simply don’t align with our demanding duty cycle, which exceeds 400 miles per day,” said Matt McLelland, Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Logistics. “However, we can’t let the pursuit of perfection hinder meaningful progress. The B100 solution offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to the ZEV options we’ve explored—delivering significant emissions reductions while requiring minimal asset investment”.
Covenant Logistics is proud to be the first for-hire trucking company to run a load on B100 and to purchase the fuel commercially at the pump. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrates Covenant’s leadership in sustainable freight movement, providing an affordable, scalable option that maximizes cost savings while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
