NACFE Launches Real-World Tracking of 13 Fleets in Run on Less – Messy Middle Challenge

Tracking the Future of Truck Fleet Technologies

As of September 8, 2025, a significant experiment in North American freight efficiency got underway: the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) began monitoring the daily activities of 13 trucking fleets participating in the Run on Less – Messy Middle initiative. This real-world data collection aims to shed light on how various advanced powertrain technologies perform under typical operational conditions.

Diverse Fleet Technologies in Action

One key participant, Kleysen Group from Edmonton, is piloting a Kenworth T880 sleeper tractor powered by a Cummins X15N engine running on natural gas, representing a step towards cleaner fuel alternatives for heavy-duty trucking.

Mike Roeth, NACFE’s executive director, emphasized the strategic importance of this run: “This is the moment to see how different truck technologies perform across real routes, business models, and use cases, answering critical questions for fleets and supporting organizations.” He encourages fleets uncertain about which technology to adopt—or those who had dismissed some powertrain options in the past—to reconsider based on these findings.

Participating Fleets and Their Powertrains

The lineup reveals an impressive range of Class 8 trucks employing various propulsion systems, fuels, and energy sources designed for long-haul efficiency:

Insights from Fleet Preparations

Prior to launching this extensive run, NACFE held a series of visits and interviews with over 100 personnel across all 13 fleets. These exchanges delved into firsthand experiences with the various powertrain technologies, unraveling operational challenges, efficiencies, and the practical realities behind the innovation headlines.

Real-time data and fleet profiles are made accessible through NACFE’s Run on Less platform, offering ongoing transparency around performance metrics as trucks navigate their standard daily routes.

What’s at Stake for the Logistics Sector?

For logistics providers and freight operators, the results of this initiative carry weighty implications. The transportation industry is at a crossroads where decisions about investing in new truck technologies must balance environmental impact, operational costs, reliability, and infrastructure readiness. This Run on Less project serves as a data goldmine, showcasing how clean-energy trucks stack up against traditional diesel in everyday hauling—and what that means for the future of freight delivery.

Key Takeaways for Fleet Managers and Operators

• Comprehensive real-world testing: Fleets gain insight from trucks operating in routine conditions rather than controlled experiments, providing a clearer picture of performance and challenges.
• Varied powertrain snapshot: The inclusion of electric, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen fuel cell, and renewable diesel trucks spans the spectrum of low-carbon options ready to scale.
• Data-driven decisions: Access to measurements and fleet feedback empowers managers to choose technology fitting their routes, cargo types, and operational models.
• Potential cost efficiencies: Understanding fuel savings, maintenance demands, and vehicle uptime can influence logistics cost structures considerably.

Why Personal Experience Still Rules the Road

While third-party reviews and industry feedback provide valuable pointers, nothing compares to witnessing these trucks in action within a company’s unique operational environment. That’s the true “test drive” for freight and logistics pros when deciding on future fleet upgrades or expansions.

GetTransport.com understands the importance of reliable and cost-effective transport solutions. Whether it’s office relocations, home moves, cargo delivery, or shipping bulky freight like vehicles and furniture, the platform offers access to global, affordable options, helping businesses and individuals streamline their logistics without breaking the bank.

With transparent pricing, versatile options, and extensive reach, customers can confidently select services that fit their exact shipment needs, avoiding unwanted surprises or inflated costs. Book the smartest and most efficient cargo transport through GetTransport.com and experience logistics made hassle-free.

Impact on Global Logistics and What Lies Ahead

Though the direct global logistics impact of Run on Less – Messy Middle might be niche, focused on innovative trucking technologies, it nevertheless charts a course for sustainable freight transportation possibilities. Keeping a close eye on such developments ensures that platforms like GetTransport.com stay ahead of industry trends, continuously offering customers up-to-date, reliable solutions tailored to an evolving market.

Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Summary

The NACFE Run on Less – Messy Middle initiative provides a timely and essential window into how a variety of Class 8 trucks powered by diverse, cleaner fuels perform across real-world operations. By tracking 13 fleets running vehicles powered by natural gas, battery electric systems, hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, and renewable diesel, it equips freight and logistics operators with crucial insights to inform sustainable fleet investments.

Beyond just technical performance, the project highlights how firsthand knowledge plays a vital role alongside data and feedback in choosing the right transport solutions. Combining such insights with platforms like GetTransport.com enhances operational flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability in the movement of cargo, parcels, bulky items, and entire relocations. This blend of innovation and service convenience paves the way for logistics that are both modern and efficient globally.