U.S. Gain will open a new compressed natural gas fueling station in Hodgkins, IL, a Chicago suburb. The station will serve U.S. Gain partner Midwest Cargo Systems, Inc, which provides intermodal and dedicated operations in the area with a fleet of over 100 dry vans and refrigerated trailers and 50 tri-axle chassis.
Midwest has contracted to receive 10 Class 8 CNG tractors through a lease with Ryder.
The station will be located at 9750 West 75th Street, Hodgkins, IL, a half mile south of the intersection of I-294 and I-55. Construction is scheduled to begin mid-March 2015.
“We evaluated the many benefits of converting to CNG and embraced the ideal of being environmental leaders within the transportation community,” said Robert W. Cunningham, president of Midwest Cargo. “When we look back to our origins, some 80 years ago, we’re reminded of how my grandfather, Jim, started out delivering ice with a horse and wagon and as my father, Bob, grew the company, he continued transitioning to cutting-edge vehicle technology. Tom and I feel that by converting to CNG, we are continuing their innovative path.”
“Midwest Cargo is another great example of a company making the decision to transition to CNG,” said Bill Renz, general manager for U.S. Gain. “Even with the recent drop in diesel fuel prices, CNG still provides significant savings. We’re not only meeting a growing need in the industry, but we’re building our national network which allows more fleets to leverage the savings and environmental benefits of CNG.”
This is first time Midwest Cargo will be operating trucks that use CNG.