HORSHAM, Pa. – Bimbo Bakeries USA is delivering its bread and baked goods in vehicles fueled by emissions-reducing, domestically produced propane autogas. The company’s 84 new Ford F-59 trucks, equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel technology, operate in three of BBU’s major markets.
“Bimbo Bakeries USA introduced propane autogas vehicles into our Chicago, Denver and Washington, D.C., regions to help accomplish our corporate environmental goals while lowering our bottom line,” said Gary Maresca, senior director of fleet services for BBU. “This initiative is the latest in our company’s continued effort to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Each new propane autogas fueled delivery truck will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 192,000 pounds compared to gasoline. That equals 16.1 million fewer pounds over the lifetime of the fleet.
Along with environmental benefits, BBU selected propane autogas trucks for their low up-front costs, minimal impact to operations, and stability of fuel costs.
In January, 30 units began operating from the company’s Chicago-area location, and 27 units began operating from its Denver-area office. The remaining 27 units that will serve the Washington, D.C., region will begin making deliveries this month. These alternative fueled trucks work as route vehicles delivering BBU products, such as Thomas’, Oroweat, Entenmann’s and Sara Lee, to retail locations.
“Bimbo Bakeries seamlessly integrated our fuel system technology into three of its key markets,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “We helped train their technicians on the specifics of servicing our propane autogas Ford F-59 trucks. These professionals are already familiar with Ford products and value the factory warranty that stands behind each ROUSH CleanTech vehicle.”
BBU installed on-site fueling stations at each location, eliminating the need to refill at retail stations. Maresca expects to see a reduction in operational costs as a result of the lower fuel prices as well as maintenance savings due to the cleaner-burning properties of the fuel.
Currently, BBU pays about $1.30 per gallon of propane autogas compared to $1.80 for gasoline. This cost rolls in the expense of the refueling infrastructure. BBU tapped incentives in both Colorado and Maryland to minimize the initial costs associated with alternative fuel technologies.
“Whenever an established industry leader like Bimbo Bakeries USA chooses to operate a large fleet of delivery vehicles with propane autogas over other fuel options, it’s a big deal,” said Tucker Perkins, Propane Education & Research Council’s chief business development officer. “Propane autogas vehicles are proven to reduce emissions and offer the lowest total cost of ownership of any fuel option for fleets and we’re thrilled that Bimbo Bakeries USA recognizes that.”
BBU unveiled their propane autogas fleet today in PERC’s booth at The Work Truck Show.
About Bimbo Bakeries USA: Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 22,000 U.S. associates operates more than 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann’s®, Freihofer’s®, Heiners ®, Marinela®, Mrs Baird’s®, Nature’s Harvest®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann®, Thomas’®, and Tia Rosa.® BBU is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world’s largest baking company with operations in 22 countries.
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.
Source: Bimbo Bakeries USA
