NACFE issued the first of five reports on the data from the latest program, September’s Messy Middle Run on Less event, on Jan. 28. (NACFE)
February 5, 2026 12:48 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- NACFE’s initial Messy Middle findings show improvements across natural gas, battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains.
- Fueling and charging infrastructure remains insufficient for wide fleet adoption despite technology gains.
- Fleets in the study operated diverse equipment ranging from diesel and biodiesel to natural gas, battery-electric and hydrogen trucks.
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s initial findings from its latest initiative show powertrains across a broad spectrum of technologies are improving, offering increased cost cutting for carriers.
NACFE issued the first of five reports on the data from the latest program, September’s Messy Middle Run on Less event, on Jan. 28.
The next three reports will focus on operations, emissions and total cost of ownership, respectively, before a final findings report is issued.
“All the powertrain technologies are improving and revealing new benefits,” NACFE said. “However, challenges persist, especially with fueling/charging infrastructure, weight and cost.”
The latest natural gas-powered trucks satisfy the needs of diesel truck owners with more power, torque, range and fill times, the report found.
Three gas-fueled tractors took part in the Messy Middle, the first such powertrains to contribute to a NACFE program since 2019’s Run on Less Regional Haul demonstration.
All three utilized a Cummins X15N engine. The engines ran in a Kenworth T680 sleeper, Kenworth T880 sleeper and a Peterbilt 360 day cab tractor.
Serial production of the X15 began in September 2024, and observers see it as a major step forward for the compressed natural gas and renewable natural gas options open to fleets looking to decrease their emissions.
(NACFE)
Daimler Truck North America’s Freightliner unit began offering the X15N as an option for the best-selling tractor in North America — the Cascadia — in May.
Meanwhile, battery-electric truck range, weight and cost are becoming more competitive with diesel trucks in similar duty cycles, NACFE found based on the data.
Four battery-electric tractors participated in the Messy Middle program.
While gas and battery-electric refueling infrastructure is growing, and obviously more scattered than that for established diesel trucks, it remains well below what is needed for wide scale adoption by fleets, NACFE noted.
Fleet owners, their customers and the public continue to value sustainability efforts but are still looking for good returns on their investments, NACFE said.
NACFE started using the messy middle term in 2018, describing the time it is taking for trucking to transition from primarily diesel power to a zero-emission future.
The goal of the latest initiative — NACFE’s fifth Run on Less program — was to explore various alternative fueling options and investigate the need for infrastructure changes to accommodate alternative-fuel vehicles.
Transport Topics reporters Eugene Mulero and Keiron Greenhalgh examine the critical trends that will define freight transportation in the year ahead. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
Participants comprised Albert Transport, Frito-Lay, 4Gen, JoyRide Logistics, Kleysen Group, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Nevoya, Penske Logistics, Pilot Travel Centers, Saia, Schneider, UPS and Wegmans.
Laredo, Texas-based Albert Transport operated a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor with a Detroit DD15 engine running on diesel. Frito-Lay’s Topeka, Kan., depot ran a Volvo VNL sleeper tractor with an Optimus Technologies system using B99 biodiesel. Mesilla Valley Transportation operated an International LT sleeper tractor with a Cummins X15 2027 NOx engine running on diesel out of Las Cruces, N.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Kleysen Group’s Edmonton, Alberta, operation ran the Kenworth T880. UPS’ Salt Lake City service center operated the T680. A Wegmans distribution center in Rochester, N.Y., contributed data from the Peterbilt 360.
4Gen Logistics’ Rialto, Calif., operations tested a Volvo VNR day cab electric tractor. JoyRide ran a battery-electric Windrose day cab tractor. Truckload carrier Nevoya operated a battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractor out of Colton, Calif. Saia’s Stockton, Calif., service center ran a battery-electric Tesla Semi day cab tractor.
Pilot Travel Centers and Penske Logistics operated Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel cell electric day cab tractors through their Bloomington, Calif., and Katy, Texas, locations, respectively.
The previous Run on Less program focused on battery-electric tractors operating out of depots, with the 2023 data on the Tesla Semi a highlight.
