Trucking Fleet
We have one of the largest private trucking fleets in the world, and our trucks rely on diesel for fuel. As a responsible company, we've a responsibility to reduce the emissions released by our trucks, and search for innovative ways to help reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels. Our goal is to make our fleet 100 percent more energy efficient by 2015. Fuel efficiency innovations will keep 26 billion pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air between now and 2020. Our initiatives have the power to spark industry-wide fuel efficiency changes. Experimental trucksOur 2007-generation truck contributes to cleaner air in our communities, big cost savings for our customers, and industry-wide innovations in truck design. Many new partnerships were formed to innovate and improve our trucking performance. These partnerships have resulted in a truck designed with forward-thinking aerodynamics, transmission, tires, a high-efficiency auxiliary power unit and emissions controls. We are excited to place it into service, and we will to continue to make substantial improvements beyond this first generation of new trucks. Find out more about the innovative elements of the truck below. Trailer side skirtsThese wind skirts under the trailer significantly reduce wind resistance and airflow around the trailer. This is a big fuel economy benefit. Super single tiresWe combined the two wheels you normally see on a rear axle into a single wheel that is not quite as wide as the sum of two wheels. The result is a smoother ride and better fuel economy from the reduced surface area and improved tire wall stiffness. Aerodynamic tractor packageMaking the tractor more aerodynamic radically reduces fuel use. Approximately two-thirds of all gallons currently burnt by trucks can be attributed to overcoming aerodynamic resistance. Tag axleReduced weight means increased efficiency. By eliminating internal drive train, this type of rear axle is lighter and requires less fuel consumption. Auxiliary Power UnitThis APU eliminates the use of the tractor's main engine for keeping our drivers warm or cool at night. Instead, this very small diesel engine does the job at optimum efficiency. This saves a substantial amount of fuel. When it Comes to Clean Air, We Won't Sit Idly ByAs part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we recently joined the Blue Skyways Collaborative, an initiative started by an environmental nonprofit group and the Environmental Protection Agency. The collaborative brings together companies, local municipalities and organizations who are working to reduce air pollution along Interstate 35, which runs from Mexico to Canada. The initiative works to promote new projects and innovations for diesel engines to help lessen pollution — whether it is through the use of alternate fuel sources or renewable energy technologies. To participate, an organization must go above and beyond current environmental regulations. We earned a spot in the collaborative by installing auxiliary power units on our trucking fleet to prevent engine idling. This reduction of energy use results in cleaner air. It also saves us money, so we can continue to keep our prices low and pass those savings on to our customers.
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