A Smoother Ride for Permian Basin Sand

New Dune Express system reduces road traffic and emissions while speeding up frac sand deliveries in the Permian Basin

25 Mar 2025

Oilfield supply chains are not known for elegance. Yet in the Permian Basin, Atlas Energy Solutions has found a way to make sand deliveries both faster and cleaner. It's new Dune Express, a 42-mile electric conveyor, replaces fleets of diesel trucks with a quieter and lower-emission alternative.

The numbers are striking. The system can transport up to 13 million tons of frac sand a year, eliminating thousands of truck trips each day. The result is less congestion, fewer accidents and improved air quality. Local communities are already noticing the difference.

The conveyor arrives at a timely moment. Rising demand for hydraulic fracturing has strained the region’s ageing road network and pushed up transport costs. By offering faster and more predictable sand deliveries, Atlas reduces the risk of costly project delays. “This changes the supply chain model in the Permian,” says one analyst.

Digital systems add to the appeal. Remote monitoring and automation make the conveyor less prone to disruption than conventional transport. Atlas says the fixed infrastructure improves operational efficiency while lowering environmental impact.

Some smaller operators may be wary of the upfront costs. But Atlas’s bet on large-scale logistics appears to be paying off, prompting speculation that others will follow. With more investment, the oilfield sector could shift towards cleaner and more reliable infrastructure.

For now, the Dune Express is moving more than just sand. It is shifting expectations of what oilfield logistics can look like.