FedEx’s bid to Reduce Linehaul Emissions with HVO
FedEx is no stranger to embarking on bold transformations with a view to ensuring the logistics sector enters a more sustainable future.
A prime example came earlier in 2024 when FedEx Express successfully executed the first-ever cross-border package delivery from Malaysia to Singapore using an electric vehicle (EV).
Now, the world’s largest express transportation firm is building on its existing efforts by transitioning to using biofuels in linehaul trucks at three UK sites.
More than 170 trucks – all tractor-trailer combinations – will now refuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across FedEx sites in Parkhouse (80 tractors), Marston Gate (54 tractors) and Atherstone (38 tractors).
Thanks to a two-year agreement with its supplier, Crown Oil, FedEx has secured the annual purchase of at least four million litres of the fuel.
“FedEx operates an expansive road network across the region,” comments James Richards, Senior Manager for Road Network Operations in the UK at FedEx.
“We’re excited to share that the UK is the first country where we’re able to scale the use of HVO in our operations, in what we hope will be a permanent operational change.”
Swapping diesel for HVO
Switching to HVO is one of many methods to have been considered by FedEx to reduce the emissions associated with operating a network of heavy goods vehicles.
It’s anticipated the organisation will achieve certified lifecycle carbon emissions savings of at least 80% compared to diesel.
FedEx Express began trialling the use of 100% HVO fuel as a direct replacement, or ‘drop-in’ alternative, to diesel, in its UK linehaul truck network in October 2023.
This earlier trial, in conjunction with a similar pilot in the Netherlands, allowed FedEx to evaluate the practicalities of refuelling with alternative fuels and highlighted HVO as a preferred route to help the business transition from diesel to biofuels across its European road network.
As well as helping to reduce emissions, HVO can be used in place of diesel in select pieces of ground service equipment. Under this agreement, 16 tugs – used at the same aforementioned three sites to reposition accompanying trailers – will begin routine use of HVO as a drop-in fuel.
While some pieces of ground service equipment are already commonly procured as battery electric, HVO offers a favourable alternative to diesel where electrification of certain ground service equipment may not yet be practical.
James adds: “We’ve been trialling our use of this fuel for eight months already and, with this purchase agreement, we’re increasing our consumption sufficiently for our fleet to drive approximately 36,000 miles each week on alternative fuel.
“This decision is another step towards our long-term goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040.”
The FedEx sustainability strategy
FedEx adopts a tailored approach to efficient and responsible resource management of both its air and ground operations across the globe.
This forms part of the wider FedEx sustainability strategy, which focuses on the three Rs: reduce, replace and revolutionise. Specific efforts include fuel savings initiatives, investments in renewable energy and the implementation of sustainable packaging solutions.
What’s more, the organisation recently launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool called FedEx Sustainability Insights, which gives customers access to historical emissions information on their shipments within the FedEx network.
Customers can harness this data to help make more informed decisions on their future shipping strategy to reduce their overall impact on their surroundings.
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