STEVEN'S SAUSAGE

A NORTH CAROLINA CLEAN TRANSPORTATION SUCCESS STORY

Opened 1948

Locations Smithfield, NC

Primary Business Hog/pork products

Employees 100

2013 Sales Over $12 Million

 

Company Spotlight

Stevens Sausage plans to utilize the conversion to propane to become almost entirely independent of gasoline and diesel. In order to further develop business in N.C., Stevens Sausage is strategically cutting costs. To support this effort the company has focused on converting their fleet to run on propane. The fleet consists of 13 vehicles and their propane conversions are nearly complete.

Stevens Sausage began operating in Johnston County in 1948. What started as a family business has become a $12 million company delivering to more than 10 states east of the Mississippi. They currently employ over 100 people in North Carolina delivering food to grocery stores, restaurants, and directly to consumers. In order to continue this success, Stevens Sausage has looked for innovative ways to propel their company ahead of the competition. This has led them to their recent conversions to propane. Since converting, they’ve used around 5000 gallons of propane or about 450-600 gallons per week. This has led the company to an approximate 20 cents per mile savings. These savings have motivated Stevens Sausage to convert more of their fleet to propane.

"You’ve got to decrease your operating costs in order to stay in business. Cutting your fuel costs in half is a good way to do that." ~Tim Stevens Proprietor, Stevens Sausage

Outlook

They have a strong base of sales within NC and are working to grow their business in the state. Converting their fleet to run on propane is saving Stevens Sausage money that they can invest in their business.

From previously converted F650s, Stevens Sausage saw a reduction in fuel costs by more than half. This reduced cost has proven the effectiveness of converting to propane, therefore making it a promising option for all vehicles in the fleet.

Moreover, their drivers prefer the new propane trucks over the old diesels. The engines are quieter and the vehicles have plenty of power. This makes these trucks an overall win for Stevens Sausage.

Clean Fuels Advanced Technology Project 2013-2015

The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project is currently in a third phase of support from the N.C. Department of Transportation with $6.2 million in federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funding.

CFAT is focused on reducing transportation related emissions in the 24 North Carolina counties that have air quality concerns and are listed as non-attainment or maintenance status for national air quality standards. The 2013 to 2015 project is funded by the N.C. Department of Transportation and covers three broad areas: education and outreach, project funding, and recognition of exemplary activities. The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center has teamed up with the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments and Kerr-Tar Council of Governments on education and outreach activities throughout the state. These partners are available to speak about clean transportation technologies and practices at local events.

Contact:

North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7409, Raleigh, NC 27695 | 919-513-7831 | www.cleantransportation.org | Feb. 2015

NC Clean Energy Technology Center Clean Transportation Program cleantransporation@ncsu.edu

The Ford F-650 has a 70-gallon tank and a range of over 300 miles.