Houston gets mobile CNG fueling, letting truck fleets refuel without permanent stations

Commercial fleet operators could soon have a simpler way to switch from diesel to natural gas without investing in permanent fueling stations. A new managed mobile compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling service will deliver fuel directly to fleet depots, allowing operators to refuel on-site while avoiding the cost and time associated with building fixed infrastructure. The launch comes alongside a new CNG supply hub in Houston, Texas, which will support customers across the Gulf Coast. The facility has already secured a two-year agreement to fuel about 100 Class 8 natural gas trucks for a global logistics company, giving the site contracted demand before operations begin in the third quarter of 2026. Station-free fleet fueling Unlike conventional fueling stations, the new service delivers CNG and renewable natural gas (RNG) directly to customer facilities. Fleet operators do not need pipeline access or permanent fueling equipment. Instead, the provider manages gas sourcing, compression, transportation, storage, and dispensing through a single service. The model targets fleets operating at least 10 natural gas trucks or those planning conversions of similar size. Operators can scale fueling capacity as additional vehicles enter service without making significant upfront infrastructure investments. For many commercial fleets, access to fueling has remained one of the biggest obstacles to adopting natural gas vehicles. Company executives believe bringing fuel directly to fleet yards could remove that barrier. “Fleet operators increasingly seek the operating economics of natural gas trucks, but access to fueling can be a barrier to adoption,” said Dan Messina, Vice President of Growth and Strategy. He added that the mobile service allows fleets to adopt natural gas vehicles “faster and with greater flexibility.” Houston hub expands reach Houston serves as the backbone of the new fueling program. The supply hub will initially support the 100-truck logistics fleet while also supplying industrial customers, utilities, transportation operators, energy infrastructure projects, and data centers across the Gulf Coast. According to Certarus President Dale Winger, Houston remains an important market because of its growing energy demand and customer base. He said the new hub will improve service for existing customers while creating opportunities to reach new industries that require dependable mobile gas delivery. Natural gas demand has increased among sectors where pipeline connections remain limited or temporary supply is needed. Mobile delivery gives customers access to fuel without waiting for new pipeline infrastructure. Heavy-duty trucking focus The company expects the new service to help fleets lower diesel consumption, reduce operating costs, and minimize driver downtime through on-site fueling. Eliminating trips to public fueling stations could also improve route efficiency for commercial trucking operations. The platform relies on an existing North American network that includes what the company says is the continent’s largest fleet of CNG transport trailers, portable compression equipment, integrated gas supply assets, and proprietary pressure reduction systems. Certarus is also converting its own tractor fleet to natural gas, allowing it to gain operational experience with the same vehicle platforms used by commercial customers. That practical knowledge could help refine the mobile fueling model as more heavy-duty fleets evaluate alternatives to diesel across the United States.