New trailer could boost size of Fairbanks LNG deliveries

ANCHORAGE — A state agency will evaluate a new semi-truck trailer that could carry larger loads of liquefied natural gas from a plant at Point MacKenzie to Fairbanks.

Western Cascade Trucking Equipment in Tukwila, Washington, helped design the five-axle trailer that can carry up to 13,000 gallons of LNG, the most allowed by Alaska law, at 265 degrees below zero. The capacity would be an increase from trailers now carrying up to 11,000 gallons.

“We built this trailer specifically for the Alaska market and we think it will lower the cost per gallon on the transportation side,” said Pat Malara, president of Western Cascade Trucking.

Western Cascade is marketing the trailer for its owner, Tennessee-based Heil Trailer International.

The launch was delayed for weeks because a barge carrying the trailer faced 40-foot seas in the Gulf of Alaska and waited out a storm in a cove, Malara, said.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will review the trailer’s performance for a possible role in the Interior Energy Project. AIDEA owns the Titan LNG plant and Fairbanks Natural Gas, which delivers liquefied gas to about 1,100 Fairbanks customers.

The trailer will be tested on the more than 300-mile run from Point MacKenzie to Fairbanks, said AIDEA spokesman Karsten Rodvik. It also will be tested between the North Slope and Fairbanks, a route that includes the rugged Dalton Highway.

AIDEA is evaluating proposals from companies seeking to win state financial help to haul LNG to Fairbanks from Point MacKenzie or the North Slope. Moving LNG by rail from Point MacKenzie is also a possibility.

Dan Britton, chief executive of Fairbanks Natural Gas, said the company has two LNG trailers designed to carry 13,000 gallons. They carry 11,000 gallons at most to stay within weight distribution rules for axles, he said.

Eleven thousand gallons of LNG on average provides heat to 33 to 50 Fairbanks homes in a winter month.

More in News

Max Webster stands with Lemon Creek Correctional Center staff in front of new control tower on Tuesday, July 9, 2025. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
A towering accomplishment for new Eagle Scout

Max Webster honored at Firearms Training Center Control Tower ribbon-cutting ceremony

Andy Engstrom (left) uses bitcoin to buy lemonade and cookies from business owner Denali Schijvens (right) on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska’s 1st Bitcoin conference held in Juneau

State leaders discuss integrating Bitcoin in Alaska energy, investment and universities

Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, delivers his keynote address to approximately 40 people, most of whom are from out of state, at the end of the Bitcoin Alaska conference on Sunday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Begich and Bitcoin fly to Juneau after passage of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Protesters seek town hall with representative; he delivers keynote address at ticketed conference

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A pink peony blooms in Chris Urata’s garden on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Master Gardeners Tour showcases excellence in landscaping

Annual fundraising event features gardens on 11 properties

Seven- and 8-year-olds compete in the watermelon-eating contest at Savviko Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas picnic marks the beginning of 4th of July celebrations

Community members enjoy barbecue, watermelon eating contest

Shannon Crossley, who helped build the Treadwell disc golf course, wears the Douglas grand marshal’s sash as she rides in the parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
History of Douglas continues through Independence Day celebrations

Juneau Disc Golf Club honored as Douglas Fourth of July grand marshal

Juneau Ati-Atihan marches towards downtown Juneau in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade. The group was named best of parade. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Independence Day parade soars through downtown

Candy took flight at this year’s downtown Juneau parade, ‘Juneau’s Winged Heroes’

People watch the fireworks after midnight on Friday, July 4<ins>, </ins><ins>2025</ins>. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau blasts into Independence Day with annual firework display

A century old tradition, decades of expertise and a year of preparation culminates in a treasured show

Most Read