UPS had expected that it would not run 1.6 billion kilometres with alternative-fuel vehicles until next year, but this milestone has been achieved more than a year earlier. Twelve per cent of the current UPS fleet currently runs on renewable gas and renewable diesel, which also includes electric or hybrid vehicles.
UPS vehicles have been running on alternative fuel since 2012, and at the time the Americans set the goal of driving 1 billion miles by the end of 2017. That goal has since been met, and when setting the targets, UPS vice president global energy and procurement Mike Whitlatch says he was already confident. He knew the goal would be met. "Instead, the question was: what is the best way to get started with alternative energy for UPS and for the environment?"
Constant search
UPS is constantly looking for the best mode of transport, the company says. For each route, it searches for the best fuel and the most suitable means of transport. For the final stage of the delivery route, in a busy city for example, bicycles are often used. Electric or hybrid vehicles are also frequently used.
Environmental zones
Many cities are introducing environmental zones or so-called zero-emission zones, forcing logistics companies to look for other ways of delivering. UPS wants to cut costs while reducing its environmental impact. In seven years, UPS invested more than US$750 million in new technologies.
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