FedEx goes for green trucking

FedEx is seeking to develop a super-green new generation of trucks to reduce its huge volume of greenhouse gas emissions. As the world’s biggest express transport company, FedEx currently has 45,000 trucks serving 2.5 million regular customers around the world. Now it has invited vehicle manufacturers to submit proposals for the design and development of a delivery truck with 50% greater fuel efficiency and 90% lower emissions. The green models will be required to work just as well as the existing FedEx fleet - and cost about the same over their lifetime.

FedEx is working in partnership with the US-based Alliance for Environmental Innovation (AEI), whose environmental scientists and economists will scrutinise the proposals. AEI project manager Elizabeth Sturken says the most likely competition winner would be based on diesel-electric hybrid technology, which captures and reuses the energy normally lost by a vehicle when braking.

The aim is obvious: minimising the release of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. The Future Vehicle Project has a four-year timetable, beginning this spring with the development of a detailed performance specification. One or more prototypes will be built and tested, followed by several preproduction trucks, before FedEx Express purchases a full production line of new generation vehicles around 2005. If the standards are met, they would place FedEx well ahead of other major transportation companies - and US regulatory requirements. “Seeking out the FedEx Express truck of the future today will keep us efficient, future-focused and environmentally progressive,” said Mitch Jackson, FedEx director of environmental management.

21 May 2001

Polly Ghazi