Run on Less – Messy Middle Showcases Multiple Powertrain Solutions

Trucks powered by diesel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, natural gas, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell are participating in the real-world demonstration to decarbonize Class 8 long-haul trucking.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — September 8, 2025 — The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) began tracking the activity of 13 fleets during Run on Less – Messy Middle on September 8.

“We’ve finally arrived at go day,” says Mike Roeth, NACFE’s executive director. “We’ve been busy preparing for the Run all year starting with our Bootcamp series followed by visits to all participating fleets. And now we are ready to see what these 13 trucks can do delivering real freight on real routes to real customers. The way these different technologies perform for differing use cases and business models is one of the most important questions for North American trucking fleets and the companies and organizations that support them.

“If you are not sure which technology will work best in your fleet or if you previously rejected a powertrain solution, now is a good time to re-evaluate your choices. The Run is a great way to see the trucks in action so you can make informed decisions based on the current state of each of the technologies,” Roeth added.

The Run will feature the following fleets operating Class 8 trucks in long-haul applications on a variety of fuels.

• 4Gen out of Rialto, California, operating a Volvo VNR day cab electric tractor.
• Albert Transport out of Laredo, Texas operating a highly efficient 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor with a Detroit DD 15 engine running on diesel.
• Frito-Lay out of Topeka, Kansas operating a Volvo VNL day cab tractor with an Optimus Technologies system using B99 biodiesel.
• JoyRide Logistics out of Phoenix, Arizona, operating a battery electric Windrose sleeper tractor.
• Kleysen Group Ltd. out of Edmonton, Alberta operating a Kenworth T880 sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15N using natural gas.
• Mesilla Valley Transportation out of Las Cruces, New Mexico operating an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 engine running on diesel.
• Nevoya out of Colton, California operating a battery electric Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractor.
• Penske Logistics out of Lancaster, Texas operating a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.
• Pilot Travel Centers out of Rialto, CA operating a Hyundai XCEINT hydrogen fuel cell day cab tractor.
• Schneider out of Phoenix, AZ, operating an International LT with an International S13 engine running often on renewable diesel.
• Saia operating out of Stockton, CA with a battery electric Tesla Semi day cab tractor.
• UPS out of Salt Lake City, Utah operating a Kenworth T680 day cab tractor with a Cummins X15N engine using natural gas.
• Wegmans operating out of Rochester, NY with a Peterbilt 567 day cab with a Cummins X15N engine using natural gas.

In preparation for the Run, the NACFE team visited all 13 fleets and interviewed 105 people about their experiences with these various powertrains. Fleet profiles are posted on the Run on Less website, and the metrics tab is showing data from the trucks as they go about their normal days.

The Run is made possible through sponsorships with Cummins and Shell as title sponsors as well as a host of companies that are event and supporter sponsors.