September 2008, Work Truck - Feature
FedEx Implements Green Fleet Initiative
By Joe Bohn
FedEx Boasts a ‘Green’ History
Meanwhile, FedEx has had a long history of such environmental efforts.
The company first began teaming with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in 2000 on an ambitious project to make the standard delivery truck more environmentally friendly, just as passenger hybrid cars were beginning to grow in popularity.
Its work with EDF was a collaborative effort. The process began by clearly defining its goals for the vehicle:
- Improve environmental performance.
- Maintain or improve operational performance and cost competitiveness.
- Increase market share for clean delivery vehicles.
A request for proposal was issued to the industry, and FedEx and EDF selected Eaton Corp. and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. to build the FedEx hybrid-electric truck. One year later, the first available commercial hybrid delivery truck was placed into service on FedEx routes.
"The majority of the hybrids we’re using, those we’ve been using the longest, are Freightliner Custom Chassis models, equipped with Eaton hybrid powertrains," says Jackson.
"We never stipulated who the suppliers would be. Eaton selected Freightliner because they manufactured an ideal chassis for pickup and delivery.
"We’re looking for the most viable, appropriate solutions to meeting our sustainability goals, and we’re open to any company that can meet them. That’s why we’ve sought to work with so many different companies and employ diverse designs and technologies," Jackson explains.
FedEx’s role in spurring hybrid truck advancements has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Harvard University, and WestStart-CALSTART.
More than 30 companies have now integrated hybrid truck technology into their fleets and that number is expected to grow significantly.
"I’m optimistic we’re trending in the right direction. The industry just needs to accelerate production and volumes and get the costs down," says Jackson.
Meanwhile, FedEx is continuing its leadership role by encouraging more companies to purchase and develop clean-technology trucks.
Its vehicle experts continue to participate in various industry conferences and gatherings to educate companies about the benefits of cleaner truck technology.
It also championed the need for a smaller engine for application in hybrid vehicles following the 2007 EPA federal engine standard to replace the existing larger, less efficient engine.
In addition, the company has been an advocate for government incentives at the national, state, and local levels to offset the higher capital costs of cleaner vehicles during market development. WT