The low price of natural gas, thanks to the glut the United States is experiencing, is inspiring some industries to take a second look at natural gas.

The trucking industry, long reliant on foreign oil, is now looking toward utilizing domestic natural gas to power its fleet, according to the New York Times.

Natural gas engines

According to the New York Times, Cummins, a leading engine manufacturer, is shipping new engines that run on natural gas. Why? Because there’s demand from some major American companies.

Read it:

“This month, Cummins, a leading engine manufacturer, began shipping big, new engines that make long runs on natural gas possible. A skeletal network of refueling stations at dozens of truck stops stands ready. Major shippers like Procter & Gamble, mindful of both fuel costs and green credentials, are turning to companies with natural gas trucks in their fleets.”

U.P.S has also taken notice of liquified natural gas. The company plans on using 800 L.G.N. vehicles by the end of 2014. The company currently has 112 L.G.N vehicles in its fleet.

What does it mean for consumers?

Using natural gas for shipping could help lower shipping costs for many companies. Utilizing domestic sources of energy also helps to insulate American industry and consumers from foreign oil, a product that can increase greatly in price depending on the geopolitical climate of The Middle East.

One can argue that the price of natural gas may increase with increased demand, but for the time being, natural gas remains a cheaper alternative to oil.

» Via: The New York Times › Trucking Industry Is Set to Expand Its Use of Natural Gas