Bimbo Bakeries propane vehicle, Sara Lee truck
The propane-fueled trucks work as route vehicles delivering B.B.U. products, such as Sara Lee, to retail locations.

HORSHAM, PA. — Bimbo Bakeries USA has introduced a fleet of vehicles fueled by emissions-reducing, domestically produced propane autogas. The company’s 84 new Ford F-59 trucks, equipped with Roush CleanTech fuel technology, will operate in three of B.B.U.’s major markets.

Gary Maresca, Bimbo Bakeries
Gary Maresca, senior director of fleet services for B.B.U.

“Bimbo Bakeries USA introduced propane autogas vehicles into our Chicago, Denver and Washington, D.C., regions to help accomplish our corporate environmental goals while lowering our bottom line,” said Gary Maresca, senior director of fleet services for B.B.U. “This initiative is the latest in our company’s continued effort to reduce our carbon footprint.”

B.B.U. said each new propane autogas fueled delivery truck will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 192,000 lbs compared to gasoline, which equals 16.1 million fewer lbs over the lifetime of the fleet. Additionally, the new propane autogas trucks are expected to provide lower up-front costs, minimal impact to operations and stability of fuel costs.

B.B.U. said it began operating 30 units in January from the company’s Chicago-area location, and 27 units began operating from its Denver-area office. The remaining 27 units that will serve the Washington region will begin making deliveries this month, the company said. The trucks work as route vehicles delivering B.B.U. products, such as Thomas’, Oroweat, Entenmann’s and Sara Lee, to retail locations.

Todd Mouw, Roush CleanTech
Todd Mouw, v.p. of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech

“Bimbo Bakeries seamlessly integrated our fuel system technology into three of its key markets,” said Todd Mouw, vice-president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech. “We helped train their technicians on the specifics of servicing our propane autogas Ford F-59 trucks. These professionals are already familiar with Ford products and value the factory warranty that stands behind each Roush CleanTech vehicle.”

B.B.U. has installed on-site fueling stations at each location, eliminating the need to refill at retail stations. Mr. Maresca said he expects to see a reduction in operational costs as a result of the lower fuel prices as well as maintenance savings due to the cleaner-burning properties of the fuel. He said B.B.U. pays about $1.30 per gallon of propane autogas compared with $1.80 for gasoline.

B.B.U. joins the growing list of baking companies turning to alternative fuel vehicles. Alpha Baking, Franz Bakery and H&S Bakery all operate alternative fuel vehicle fleets.