Chicago-based Alpha Baking Co. Inc., a national bakery products distributor and home to the iconic S. Rosen’s brand, has selected Penske Truck Leasing to serve as its commercial truck fleet maintenance service provider for its 2013 ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 bread delivery trucks operating in the Chicago area. The trucks are fueled by clean-burning, domestically produced, affordable propane autogas.

Alpha Baking is introducing the 22 propane autogas trucks to reduce emissions, while continuing to meet its operational performance needs and factory warranty without a decrease in engine horsepower or torque. The new alternative-fuel vehicles, which will emit about 2 million fewer pounds of carbon dioxide over their lifetime, were officially put into service June 12 during a commemoration ceremony with the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition at Alpha Baking’s North Aurora truck depot.

“After much research and testing, the time has arrived for Alpha Baking to integrate propane autogas equipment into our fleet,” says Bob McGuire, Alpha vice president and director of logistics. “The technology is here, and it is affordable.

“We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. First, these propane-powered bread delivery trucks will emit fewer emissions, and our company has been extremely progressive in doing the right thing for the environment. Second, propane is produced here in the U.S. and is therefore good for our economy. Lastly, this strategy reduces our dependency on foreign oil.”

Penske Truck Leasing currently provides full-service truck leasing and maintenance to Alpha Baking’s traditionally fueled truck fleet and will now assume maintenance of these new alternative-fuel vehicles.