Saddle Creek Logistics Services says its "Great American Green Ride" is the first cross-country journey by a for-hire, compressed natural gas (CNG) truck. The truck departed from Saddle Creek's Lakeland, Fla., headquarters on Friday, Feb. 14, for a trip to San Diego and back. On the way, it made deliveries for Procter & Gamble and Lowe's. While in San Diego, it was displayed at Saddle Creek's booth at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Retail Supply Chain Conference.

"In the course of this 5,800-mile round trip, the truck will reduce its carbon emissions by 7,656 pounds—more than a pound a mile," Saddle Creek Transportation President Mike DelBovo said before the truck set out from Florida.

The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution Class 8 rig is part of Saddle Creek's fleet of more than 140 CNG tractors. The truck can travel up to 600 miles on one fueling, the company said.