October 3, 2025. Nortrans, a recognized leader in sustainable freight solutions, has launched one of Canada’s first commercially deployed Kenworth T880 natural gas trucks powered by the Cummins X15N engine. Unlike pilot projects that remain limited to testing, this vehicle is already hauling full-weight loads from Revelstoke, B.C. to Oroville, WA for long-time partner Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd.
Unlike test-only pilots, the Nortrans truck operates daily in real-world conditions across mountainous terrain. It carries the same heavy payloads as diesel-powered units while producing far fewer emissions. Compared with conventional diesel trucks, this natural gas-powered unit offers a practical solution for industries such as forestry, building materials, and steel and aluminum.
What sets this initiative apart is the ability to match diesel-class torque and reliability while emitting significantly fewer pollutants. Equipped with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine and an Eaton 18-speed Endurant transmission, the truck delivers commercial-grade performance with lower environmental impact.
According to FortisBC, natural gas vehicles compared to diesel produce:
- Up to 95 percent fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Up to 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Virtually no particulate matter
This natural gas truck proves that lower carbon heavy-duty transport is not only possible but also more sustainable than traditional alternatives.
The success of natural gas trucks depends on reliable fueling. Compared to only a few years ago, infrastructure is expanding quickly. FortisBC and Clean Energy B.C. are adding more public stations along key corridors including Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Calgary, and Edmonton.
“At FortisBC, we have been working with fleet operators for more than 15 years to move away from diesel and toward lower carbon fuels such as compressed natural gas,” said Della Bond, Account Manager, Low Carbon Transportation at FortisBC. “This new CNG truck represents another step forward, helping operators lower emissions and reduce fuel costs while maintaining the reliability they require.”