advertisement

---

BNSF Railway Co. is using 10 natural gas hostler trucks to move containers at its Los Angeles intermodal terminal as part of a pilot program.

The Class I is testing the environmentally friendly vehicles — which can reduce air emissions about 90 percent compared with off-road diesel tractors — to determine if the railroad should use the trucks at select intermodal facilities. The pilot program is being funded through a state grant.

BNSF currently operates four liquefied natural gas-powered switchers and one battery-powered switcher at the L.A. terminal.

“BNSF is committed to lowering emissions and improving air quality in the Los Angles basin by testing environmentally friendly technology as it becomes available,” said Mark Stehly, assistant vice president of environment and research development, in a prepared statement.