Editor's note:This article is the first of four reports from NACFE's "Run on Less – Messy Middle" demonstration series, focusing on practical findings in decarbonization and fuel efficiency improvements.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is bringing significant cost savings to a New Jersey waste collection fleet. The fleet recently stated that its CNG costs averaged$1.92 per diesel gallon equivalent（Source）。

"We take gas directly from the natural gas transmission pipeline," said Matthew DeNafo, president of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), told Trucking Dive. "The biggest benefit is the stability of gas prices."

ACUA has used this cheaper alternative fuel since 2010, and according to its press release, has cumulatively prevented more than11,746 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalentfrom entering the atmosphere.

As diesel prices surged in March and averaged again in early April and May at$5.64 per gallon（Source), the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) "Run on Less – Messy Middle" case study shows that fleets, even with traditional diesel configurations, can save money by optimizing procurement costs and improving efficiency.

Real-world operational assessment

The most recent "Run on Less – Messy Middle" event was held in September 2025, evaluating 13 fleets under real routes and normal operating conditions, covering multiple powertrains including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. NACFE released itsexecutive summary and 274-page report（report link). (The Atlantic County Utilities Authority did not participate in the study.)

The demonstration showed that optimized modern diesel equipment can typically achieve10 to 12 miles per gallonon flat or gently rolling terrain, and8 to 10 miles per gallonin heavy mountainous areas. This contrasts sharply with the industry average of6.852 miles per gallon（Source) from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) 2024 Operational Costs report.

But the report also notes that compressed natural gas and renewable natural gas vehicles are "the most mature alternative fuel technology currently deployed at scale commercially." Their performance is comparable to diesel trucks, and the Cummins X15N 15-liter natural gas engine used in all CNG operations in the study also expands market space in long-haul applications.

CNG tractors demonstrate capability with double and triple trailers

Across three different operating environments showcasing CNG trucks, the theoretical ranges of the Peterbilt 567, Kenworth T680, and Kenworth T880 are approximately800 milesand1,200 miles。

"Fleet feedback and the performance achieved by the new 15-liter natural gas engine indicate this is an excellent choice, comparable to equivalent diesel engines in demanding heavy-haul applications," NACFE said in the report.

CNG real-world performance data

NACFE said the demonstration aimed to show how the trucks actually perform, rather than predicted or manufacturer-claimed data, adding that fleets seeking decarbonization may be experiencing a process spanning decades, not relying on any single powertrain.

To evaluate the trucks, NACFE installed telematics devices on the vehicles. Test subjects included: triple-trailer combinations departing from UPS's Salt Lake City (Utah) hub—where more than half of linehaul tractors are CNG, operating in mountain basins; Kleysen Group's CNG tankers operating on Alberta prairie and foothill corridors, traveling approximately250 to 576 milesdaily; and one of Wegmans' 197 CNG tractors used for regional grocery delivery routes.

Notably, the fuel efficiency results showed:

  • Wegmans achieved5.3 miles per diesel gallon equivalenton flat ground, which dropped to "around 2.5 miles" in hilly terrain in upstate New York with steep grades and a 140,000-pound load.
  • Kleysen achieved approximately5.0 miles per diesel gallon equivalentat speeds over 60 mph, with a total combined weight of about 110,000 to 140,000 pounds, which NACFE said demonstrates "true heavy-duty highway transport."
  • UPS's triple-trailer CNG T680s traveled about 90% of their mileage at speeds over 60 mph, achieving approximately7.2 miles per diesel gallon equivalent。

"Natural gas has proven its winter reliability in New York time and time again... When pulling heavy doubles in hilly terrain, performance is comparable to diesel," said Matt Harris, fleet maintenance manager at Wegmans Food Markets, in the report.