ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Vedder Transport is the latest to get on the natural gas bandwagon, placing an order for 50 Peterbilt trucks powered by Westport’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) system.

The order has been placed in concert with a planned refueling station that Terasen Gas has committed to building in Abbotsford in 2011.

The trucks will be Peterbilt Model 386s with the Westport HD system under the hood. Vedder Transport specializes in the delivery of food grade products in bulk liquid or dry state, offering truckload and LTL services throughout Canada and between Canada and the US. The LNG-powered trucks will be used on routes within Southern B.C., primarily serving the bulk food grade industry, the company announced.

“This is a significant order for LNG trucks in Western Canada,” said Clark Quintin, president of Westport’s HD division. “It further demonstrates that natural gas is rapidly becoming a mainstream fuel solution for the trucking industry in Canada. With the Province’s 33% carbon reduction target by 2020, substantial commitment from Vedder Transport and Terasen Gas to operate LNG trucks is helping the province achieve this target.”

“At Vedder, we are committed to protecting the environment for future generations. Adding natural gas trucks to our fleet will help us reduce transportation-related emissions, ultimately improving air quality while reducing fuel management expenses,” added Fred Zweep, president of the Vedder Transportation Group.

The Westport HD system consists of the GX 15-litre engine with Westport’s fuel injectors, LNG fuel tanks and integrated cryogenic fuel pumps as well as the associated electronic components.