McAbee Trucking, which says it was the first USPS-contracted fleet in the U.S. to operate vehicles with propane autogas, announced it's expanding with 20 more propane-powered trucks.

This will take the the fleet from seven to 27. Owner Lisa McAbee made the announcement during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of McAbee’s own propane autogas refueling station.

“I want my legacy to be lowering my carbon footprint for my grandchildren so we can save our environment as quickly as possible," said McAbee. “Propane autogas is the way to accomplish that goal. And because it’s affordable, I’ve actually saved money by investing in propane autogas instead of other energy sources.”

The fleet runs multiple mail routes for the U.S. Postal Service between Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. McAbee adopted propane autogas nearly two years ago. Since then, several other USPS-contracted fleets around the nation have followed her lead and transitioned to the clean energy source.

“McAbee Trucking is demonstrating that propane autogas is clean energy for everyone, including the USPS,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council. “Considering the number of miles these trucks drive every day, this is a big step toward cleaner air to breathe and a healthier community for all Carolinians. Lisa is showing the world that propane autogas is a vital part of the low emissions solution we need for a cleaner future.”

Medium- and heavy-duty propane-powered vehicles provide a lower carbon footprint solution in most U.S. states when compared to MD-HD electric vehicles charged from the electrical grid, according to PERC. In addition, these vehicles provide a lower overall carbon footprint solution in every state except Vermont, where electricity is generated by Canadian hydroelectric power plants.

“Propane is available right here, right now, and provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to fleets across the U.S.," said Stuart Weidie, PERC chairman and CEO of Blossman Gas, the fueling partner of McAbee Trucking, in a release.