Food shippers are balancing cost, on-time delivery, and ever-higher customer expectations for cleaner supply chains. The companies that win in this environment will treat sustainability as a key differentiator — not just a compliance checkbox. By prioritizing practical, scalable solutions, shippers can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, align with corporate social responsibility goals, and strengthen brand trust with retailers and consumers who increasingly demand environmentally responsible supply chains. One solution stands out for heavy-duty freight: renewable natural gas (RNG).
RNG is a low-carbon biogenic fuel produced from organic waste streams — think dairies, landfills, and wastewater facilities. By capturing methane gas that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and turning it into a fuel that displaces diesel in long-haul transport, shippers can be part of the solution: preventing potent emissions while moving freight. For food shippers, whose networks frequently run to and from agricultural regions, RNG offers a direct pathway to decarbonize the value chain and reduce dependency on fossil fuels without disrupting service.
Unlike technologies that are years away from broad commercial readiness, RNG is a ready-now solution. Carriers can fuel near-zero emission natural gas trucks today, delivering the same performance as diesel on duty cycle, torque, and range — at comparable cost — because the infrastructure is already in place across major corridors. When shippers select carriers that run on RNG, the resulting reductions can be counted toward Scope 3 goals, directly supporting enterprise climate commitments and customer scorecards. For many food brands, this offers a fast way to demonstrate progress on lower GHG emissions in transportation, one of the most visible components of their climate footprint.
Here’s where RNG’s climate logic is compelling. Methane from decomposing organic material is a powerful greenhouse gas. Capturing methane emissions at the source and using them to produce RNG prevents those emissions from entering the atmosphere and simultaneously displaces fossil diesel at the tailpipe. The result is a strong, scalable lever for shippers to accelerate decarbonization while keeping freight moving. Importantly, capture of methane emissions in the U.S. is on the rise, and that gas is increasingly used to produce RNG — meaning supply is growing as more projects come online. Shippers can then use RNG as heavy-duty truck fuel to lower emissions and decrease fossil fuel use, at no additional cost relative to diesel service when working with carriers who have already adopted the technology.
Sustainability is essential, but performance still rules. RNG trucking delivers on both. Because natural gas engines burn clean, they avoid many of the complex aftertreatment systems that can sideline diesel trucks if maintenance falls behind. That translates to dependability on the road — a critical advantage in temperature-controlled food logistics where missed delivery windows can jeopardize shelf life and service levels. On the cost side, the relative price stability of natural gas has historically insulated fleets from some of diesel’s volatility, helping carriers protect service and pass value through to shippers. For food shippers navigating tight margins and strict OTIF metrics, that combination — cleaner and predictable — drives tangible network resilience.
Major carriers and national shippers are already expanding RNG usage across regions with air-quality challenges, citing both environmental and operational benefits. Those decisions send a credible market signal to food shippers: RNG has moved beyond pilots into everyday linehaul. As more fleets transition, food brands and retailers that specify RNG-capable carriers can unlock Scope 3 reductions today while future-proofing against tightening emissions requirements. In short, RNG is not a science project; it’s a mature lever for immediate progress.
Sustainability is quickly becoming a key differentiator in transportation procurement. RNG gives food shippers a ready-now solution to cut emissions, strengthen brand reputation, and keep costs predictable — without compromising performance or coverage. By working with carriers that run on RNG, you’ll capture methane, support a circular economy, and report real progress on lower GHG emissions and Scope 3 goals. In a market that rewards credible climate action and reliable delivery, RNG helps you do both — today.
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