Member Spotlight: Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser has successfully transitioned 10 out of its total fleet of 70 trucks at the Goshen facility to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG).

This initial shift is just the beginning, as the company has established a strategic agreement to gradually increase the number of CNG trucks over the next five years.

Company representatives have proudly stated that Weyerhaeuser is an early adopter of this groundbreaking technology, positioning itself firmly at the forefront of the movement toward utilizing alternative fuels in heavy transportation.

“Ten trucks a year is kind of the plan,” explained Travis Ridgway, the Director of Harvest and Transportation for Weyerhaeuser. “With what we’ve seen so far, there wouldn’t be any reason that we wouldn’t continue to expand this, since we already have this infrastructure in place here.” Ridgway’s confidence in the plan underscores the company’s strategic foresight and the positive results they have observed thus far, suggesting a robust commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Furthermore, Ridgway emphasized that ongoing advancements in the technology behind these trucks are expected to enhance their operational range significantly, with aspirations to achieve nearly 400 miles per tank of CNG. Such improvements will not only facilitate the broader use of alternative fuel trucks but also enhance the overall efficiency of the fleet, allowing Weyerhaeuser to maintain its logistical effectiveness while minimizing its carbon footprint.

To support this initiative, the company has contracted with Portland-based Fix Infrastructure to develop the necessary fueling infrastructure and supply natural gas that is uniquely sourced from manure. This innovative approach not only provides a reliable fuel source but also contributes to waste reduction and environmental sustainability by transforming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into a usable energy resource.

Christian Cochran from Fix Infrastructure elaborated on the environmental benefits of this process, stating that the gas is essentially methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. “That doesn’t mean that there’s not any CO2 coming out of the tailpipe,” he acknowledged, “but when you go all of the way through the process, it is shown to have a certified negative carbon intensity.” This means that, despite some emissions, the overall impact of using this alternative fuel is significantly less harmful to the environment compared to traditional diesel, highlighting a crucial step towards achieving a more sustainable future in the transportation sector.

Photo by: Zac Ziegler/KLCC