Virtual pipelines are systems that deliver compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), or hydrogen by road using specialized trailers, rather than through fixed, underground pipeline infrastructure. These mobile fueling operations are essential for bringing clean energy to areas that lack traditional access. One of the most prominent companies that manages virtual pipelines is VoltaGrid. As demand for its services has grown, so too has the need for driver safety training.
Why VoltaGrid Needed Scalable Training
VoltaGrid operates a rapidly expanding fleet of CNG-powered tractors that haul virtual pipeline trailers filled with the energy equivalent of roughly 4,200 gallons of liquid fuel. With new drivers being hired weekly, VoltaGrid required a fast, scalable, and uniform training solution to ensure safety and industry compliance across all of its locations.
To meet these needs, it partnered with AFVi to develop a custom training program that addressed the unique challenges of its operations. This program not only fulfills all U.S. DOT PHMSA HAZMAT training requirements, but also incorporates company-specific fueling procedures, emergency protocols, and trailer configurations.
“As our fleet continues to grow, maintaining best-in-class safety performance is more critical than ever,” said VP of Transportation Joshua Edge. “AFVi’s customized training program has been instrumental in supporting our commitment to safety and operational excellence. Their tailored approach has helped ensure our drivers are well-prepared, allowing us to consistently exceed industry safety standards while aggressively growing our business.”
Why Virtual Pipelines Require Specialized Driver Training
Driving a natural gas-powered tractor pulling a trailer that is also filled with compressed natural gas is not like operating a standard diesel truck. The most common causes of all HAZMAT accidents — fatigue, distraction, speeding, and traffic violations — are also risk factors for virtual pipelines. In the event of an incident, a driver would be responsible for understanding not only how to manage their own vehicle’s fuel, but also the fuel that they’re carrying. For this reason, driver safety training must be comprehensive for those who operate NGVs on virtual pipelines.
Key Elements of the VoltaGrid-AFVi Training Program
AFVi’s customized training for VoltaGrid focuses on the areas critical to the safe operation of CNG tractors in virtual pipeline service.
- Understanding Fuel Properties
Drivers learn how CNG behaves under pressure, how to monitor fuel conditions, and how to recognize unsafe situations. - Safe Fueling Practices
Because CNG fueling involves high-pressure systems, operators must be trained to properly inspect and connect/disconnect fuel lines without risk. - Emergency Procedures
From system leaks to fire response, training ensures drivers can act decisively and reduce harm in high-risk scenarios. - Vehicle and Fuel System Inspections
Drivers are taught to identify potential fuel system damage and report it to maintenance before it becomes a hazard. - Industry Compliance
The program ensures adherence to PHMSA’s HAZMAT training requirements, and trains drivers how to inspect the unique CNG fuel system components to meet FMCSA inspection requirements. AFVi is also developing additional modules for VoltaGrid’s Phase II training on decanting and safe trailer offloading procedures.
Why AFVi?
VoltaGrid chose AFVi because of our unmatched knowledge of CNG, LNG, and RNG, as well as our ability to quickly develop and deliver high-quality, customized training. We’re the only ASE-accredited training provider in the alternative fuels industry, with decades of experience helping organizations meet safety and operational goals.
Our programs are flexible and scalable — available live in-person, live online, or through on-demand e-learning — and can be adapted for the unique vehicles and procedures of any virtual pipeline company.
Set the Standard With AFVi
Whether you’re managing a fleet like VoltaGrid’s, or beginning to explore virtual pipelines, AFVi offers the training solutions that your team needs to operate safely and confidently. Visit our training page or contact us today to learn how you can help your team lead the charge in alternative fuel transportation.
You can check out the original version of this press release on Newswire.
