Baltimore-based baked goods provider adds clean-operating, cost-effective propane autogas delivery trucks.

BALTIMORE — H&S Bakery has launched a fleet of clean-operating alternatively fueled vehicles. Over the next two years, the company has set a goal of operating about 10% of its current 600-vehicle fleet with propane autogas.

“We want our customers and community to know that we are investing in them and working hard to meet our sustainability goals,” said Chuck Paterakis, vice-president of transportation and logistics for H&S Bakery. “With propane autogas, we’re doing just that with a domestically produced fuel that lowers emissions across our delivery area.”

H&S Bakery said it received funding under a Maryland Clean Cities Coalition grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to develop the autogas fleet, which the company said will reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 60%, nitrogen oxide by 20% and greenhouse gases by up to 25% compared to gasoline. Each of H&S Bakery’s Roush CleanTech Ford F-59 trucks will eliminate about 117,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions from the company’s carbon footprint during their lifetime, the company added.

To accommodate the fleet, H&S Bakery has installed a private refueling station that includes an 18,000-gallon underground propane tank. The station is located outside of H&S Bakery’s new eco-friendly distribution center.

“Propane autogas provides an economic, environmental and competitive advantage for America’s industry leaders like H&S Bakery,” said Todd Mouw, vice-president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech, the manufacturer of the autogas fuel system. “With the adoption of autogas, H&S reduces fuel and maintenance costs, and helps lessen Maryland’s reliance on imported oil.”