Tops Markets Converts Distribution Fleet to Natural Gas

Tops Friendly Markets announced a partnership with Ryder to replace its existing 55 tractors with ones that are compatible with compressed natural gas (CNG). In addition, Tops selected Saratoga Springs, NY-based American Natural Gas (ANG) as their provider for CNG after an extensive RFP process. Pending town approval, as a part of the agreement, ANG will develop a CNG fueling facility on-site at the Tops distribution center, located at 5873 Genesee Street in Lancaster, NY. The facility will provide CNG fuel to Tops’ new fleet of tractors, all of which are expected to be delivered in mid-2015. “At Tops Friendly Markets, our priorities are to have a reliable fleet of well-maintained vehicles to ensure our stores receive deliveries on time,” said Ron Ferri, Senior Vice President of Distribution and Logistics at Tops Friendly Markets. “With Ryder’s natural gas vehicles, we have the confidence that we can get the service and performance we need from our new natural gas fleet, while operating more cost-efficiently and environmentally friendly.” Ryder is the leader in natural gas vehicle solutions for the commercial transportation industry, with more than 27 million miles of experience, 14 natural gas vehicle maintenance facilities, and 260 natural gas vehicle trained technicians. Tops chose ANG as its fuel provider, taking into account the company’s expertise in designing systems that are durable and reliable for cold weather climates. "ANG is proud to partner with Tops to help fuel their CNG strategy with a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty CNG fueling station,” said Drew West, CEO of American Natural Gas. “Our focus on client satisfaction and operational expertise has helped position our team where we are today.” Tops has also contracted with Wendel, a full service architecture and engineering firm which specializes in CNG, to serve as strategic advisor to Tops throughout the procurement, design and construction process of the fueling facility. Wendel is assisting ANG and Tops with obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the Town of Lancaster. With the conversion to clean-burning natural gas, Tops Markets will be conserving over 1,200,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. As a part of Tops mission to reduce its overall carbon footprint, this change is in addition to a switch from the distribution center’s metal halide bulbs to energy efficient LED lighting bulbs in 2014. Assisted with funding from NYSERDA, this $1.1 million project reduced Tops energy lighting consumption by 66 percent. Additional benefits of Tops’ conversion to CNG vehicles include: ·A 50% reduction in annual fuel costs ·A reduction in Tops’ overall carbon footprint ·A reduction of greenhouse gas emissions including 6,276,421 lbs of CO2 annually ·CNG engines are significantly quieter than their diesel counterparts, providing an overall reduction in noise generated by the fleet The anticipated station launch is planned for late May, 2015.