Paper Transport began testing two Kenworth natural gas trucks in 2012 and this spring the company became one of Kenworth’s first customers to run CNG-powered Kenworth T660s with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine, according to the company.

The company plans to replace 25% of its diesel-powered units in its 400-truck fleet with trucks running on compressed natural gas by the end of this year.

Paper Transport started in 1990 by hauling corrugated cardboard, paper wrapping, paper rolls, toilet paper and other paper products for a major paper producer in the state of Wisconsin to warehouses and distribution centers throughout the Midwest and southeastern United States. Since then, the regional over-the-road truckload carrier has expanded its operation to include hauling building products, furniture and products for a major beverage company throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Paper Transport’s first order of 10 natural gas-powered Kenworth T660s, delivered in the spring, came equipped with the 350-horsepower Cummins Westport ISX12 G and Kenworth 62-inch AeroCab sleepers. The company also specified Agility Fuel Systems tanks, one with 75 diesel gallon equivalent of CNG capacity mounted to the back of the cab, and the second a 40 DGE tank mounted to the driver side.

With its second order of 10 CNG-powered Kenworth T660s, which the company will put into service in October, Paper Transport chose to equip the trucks with the new, bigger 400-horsepower Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine and a 72-inch AeroCab sleeper. Paper Transport also chose more fuel capacity with Agility Fuel Systems’ tanks offering 100 DGE of CNG capacity for the back-of-cab and 40 DGE of CNG capacity for the side-mounted tank. This fuel capacity gives the trucks a 600-mile range on a single fueling.

The Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine requires a single fuel source and can run on either CNG or LNG (liquefied natural gas), both of which are cost-effective, low-carbon and low-emission fuels. Kenworth offers the ISX12 G with power ratings of up to 400 horsepower and 1,450 pounds-feet of torque for the T800 short hood with a 116.5-inch BBC and the T660.