Schwan’s Home Delivery Service Deploys 600 Autogas Vehicles

Schwan’s Home Service Inc. (Marshall, Minn.) is continuing its decades-long commitment to clean-burning propane autogas vehicles. The company has deployed 200 ROUSH CleanTech E-450 cutaways and has plans to lease an additional 400 by the end of this year.

“Propane-powered vehicles have played a key role in Schwan’s product delivery for more than 40 years,” said Danielle Stariha, senior manager of fleet and procurement at Schwan’s Home Service. “Total costs of ownership for propane autogas are much lower than traditional fuels and other alternative technologies, which is why we are continually implementing the newest propane technology.”

Schwan’s, which has one of the larger privately held fleets in the U.S., will take delivery of its first 200 Ford E-450 cutaway vehicles this month. Each frozen food delivery truck is equipped with a 6.8-liter, V-10 engine and a ROUSH CleanTech autogas fuel system. Implementing alternative fuels is one way that Schwan’s helps meet its corporate environmental objectives. Each Ford E-450 autogas truck emits about 91,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime than a gasoline-fueled vehicle. Autogas is a low-carbon fuel that reduces greenhouse gases by up to 25%, carbon monoxide by up to 60%, and nitrogen oxide by 20% compared to gasoline.

“Schwan’s longtime investment in propane autogas is a testament to the staying power of this economical and domestically produced transportation fuel,” said Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “And, we are bringing Schwan’s the cleanest-operating propane technology on the market.”

Schwan’s is also concerned about the comfort of its drivers, who are behind the wheel delivering frozen food products to its residential and business customers. “Propane-powered vehicles are much quieter than equivalent diesel-powered vehicles, which leads to higher driver satisfaction,” said Ron Moore, vice president of warehouse and fleet operations at Schwan’s Home Service. “We deliver across the U.S., in various climates, conditions, and terrains, and our drivers are excited about the ROUSH CleanTech-powered E-450 chassis.”

Schwan’s unveiled its new autogas vehicles in early May at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, Calif. Schwan’s Home Service Inc., a subsidiary of Schwan’s Co., markets and distributes more than 300 frozen foods through home-delivery and mail-order services. Product lines include the company’s signature ice cream, pizza, premium meats and seafood, ethnic specialties, breakfast items, and desserts. Schwan’s has more than 400 sales and distribution centers across the continental U.S.