WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, and Fleet Owner, a Penton publication for executives of commercial trucking fleets, named Saddle Creek Transportation the “2014 Green Fleet of the Year” at the Alternative Clean Transportation Expo on May 7 in Long Beach, Calif.

Saddle Creek Transportation, the trucking arm of Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a regional contract carrier in the U.S. for major consumer goods manufacturers and retailers, was selected for the annual award for mounting a full-scale program to develop both tractors and fueling stations that make compressed natural gas (CNG) a practical alternative for a large portion of its operation.

Since taking delivery of its first 40 CNG tractors in 2012, the Lakeland, Fla.-based company has accumulated 20 million miles in OTR Class 8 heavy-haul operations, achieving an estimated reduction of 55,000 pounds in carbon emissions. Today, the company runs 150 CNG trucks and will take delivery of another 50 before the end of the year.

“We are in the business of moving our customer’s products,” Mike DelBovo, president of Saddle Creek Transportation, told Fleet Owner magazine. “We strive to do that at the lowest sustained cost and in the most environmentally conscious way. We have found that it is more than just the CNG tractors that makes a difference. Our efforts encompass everything from improving the design of the tractor to utilizing lighter, higher capacity trailers with auto inflating tires, all the way to designing more efficient CNG fueling stations.”

Saddle Creek began researching natural gas in 2011 as part of corporate green initiatives that also aligned with similar initiatives of its largest customers. In addition, long-term sustainability in terms of fuel availability and cost stability were factors in the decision to launch CNG as an alternative fuel.

“We’ve learned that sustainability requires a complex approach, but we’re going to continue prudent investment (in CNG) because this is a true solution for us, not an experiment,” DelBovo said.

Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters, said the award is designed to recognize companies that use green technologies to reduce energy consumption at every level, including truck fleets.

“Saddle Creek Transportation is demonstrating that alternative fuels like compressed natural gas have great potential for improving operating costs and environmental sustainability,” Harvey said. “Saddle Creek has also trained all of its drivers with the newest CNG technology, making them the perfect choice as our eighth annual Green Fleet of the Year winner.”

As part of the award, WIX will conduct a comprehensive fleet assessment designed to reduce business costs for Saddle Creek Transportation and also supply the company with its heavy duty oil filters designed for over-the-road applications.

About Saddle Creek Logistics Services
Saddle Creek is a third-party logistics company providing warehousing, transportation, packaging and fulfillment services. Saddle Creek leverages its broad array of capabilities to deliver integrated solutions that support customers' business objectives. For more information, visit www.sclogistics.com.

About WIX Filters
Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter @WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters.

About Affinia Group Inc.
Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles.  With approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia.  For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.