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.

Trucks

Our 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. These trucks are in 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 skirts

We are testing wind skirts under the trailer to see if they will significantly reduce wind resistance and airflow around the trailer. This is a big fuel economy benefit.

Fuel-efficient dual tires

These tires are the same size as traditional tires but are designed to decrease rolling resistance. Decreasing rolling resistance can improve fuel efficiency.

Aerodynamic tractor package

Making 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 axle

Reduced weight means increased efficiency. By eliminating internal drive train, this type of rear axle is lighter and requires less fuel consumption.

Auxiliary Power Unit

This 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 By

As 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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