DHL Supply Chain & Diageo: Powering Sustainable Logistics
DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America already have a longstanding partnership focused on sustainability, beginning in 2015 with the deployment of the first-ever Class 8 Orange EV yard trucks in the US.
Their latest project involves incorporating two fuel cell electric trucks, powered with hydrogen, into their US fleet.
These Class 8 trucks, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, will be deployed and fuelled with a HYLA modular refueler at the Diageo campus in Plainfield, Illinois, marking a significant milestone for the state.
"We’re thrilled to integrate Nikola's hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our US fleet,” comments Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain.
“As a global logistics company with the goal of decarbonising its business, we’ve integrated sustainability as a fourth strategic bottom line named ‘Green Logistics of Choice’ in our newly announced Strategy 2030.
“The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is one of many initiatives that demonstrates how we’re putting action behind our words.”
Decarbonising logistics
DHL Supply Chain has been actively working to develop innovative solutions that help decarbonise its customers’ logistics operations.
Among them is Diageo North America, for which it has been a trusted contract logistics partner for more than 20 years.
The aforementioned hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks are part of a broader sustainable supply chain strategy that has included use of battery EVs, optimising vehicle usage and routes, shifting to a multimodal approach and increased use of US EPA SmartWay partner carriers.
These efforts have resulted in year-over-year reductions in carbon dioxide emissions for both Diageo and DHL.
“We’re extremely excited to be a part of this partnership, delivering the first set of heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to Illinois, home to our largest manufacturing hub in North America,” continues Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo.
“This initiative is part of our continued work to decarbonise our footprint in Plainfield, making our operations more efficient and sustainable.”
An efficient alternative to diesel
Nikola's hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks offer a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered transportation, producing no tailpipe emissions and contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The vehicles utilise fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering the electric motors and providing up to 500 miles in range on a single fill.
Replacing two diesel trucks with fuel cell EVs is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 80% over the course of a year, in addition to nitrogen oxide emissions.
The trucks also offer significant improvements in driver comfort and safety by reducing noise and vibrations, leading to less driver fatigue, while enhancing visibility with advanced camera support.
“We’re proud to work alongside visionary partners like DHL and Diageo in driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation,” adds Steve Girsky, President and CEO at Nikola.
“Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission and we’re honoured to provide the HYLA hydrogen as well as the hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that power this shared goal.”
Sustainability partnership keeps on growing
Diageo’s presence in Plainfield has expanded significantly over the years, playing a strategic role in its regional operations.
The hub plays host to manufacturing, bottling and warehousing facilities and is instrumental in producing products from some of the company’s most iconic brands, including Captain Morgan and Smirnoff.
Since DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America formed a more sustainability-focused partnership almost a decade ago, the EV fleet in Plainfield has grown significantly, with more than 10 EV yard trucks now operating on the campus.
Close to 100 are being used at DHL Supply Chain facilities across North America.
By transferring their learnings from the initial EV yard truck deployment to on-road applications, DHL and Diageo aim to continue leading the way in sustainable logistics and transportation.
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