New Partnerships Arise to Increase Sustainability Capabilities Throughout Trucking

We recently reported on Albertsons Cos. working with Volvo Trucks North America to complete the first ever zero-emission grocery chain delivery in the country when Albertsons used a Volvo VNR Electric truck to distribute goods to its hub in Irvine, California.

To do so, Albertsons also obtained Advanced Energy Machines electric-power transport refrigeration units, as well as its VNR Electric trucks through Volvo Financial Services.

These efforts come as part of the Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions (LIGHTS) Project, an effort to create a strong ecosystem introducing electric trucks and battery-electric equipment widely into the North American transportation industry. The LIGHTS project is a partnership between VTNA, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and a dozen other groups.

“Albertsons is providing a great example of how this type of technology can reduce emissions and provide a sustainable zero-emissions goods delivery option,” said South Coast AQMD governing board member, Lisa A. Bartlett.

Through Volvo Gold Contract service, Volvo LIGHTS project collaborator TEC Equipment will offer contracted repairs and maintenance for these vehicles at its Fontana, California location.

“Clean up on aisle everywhere,” said Volvo Trucks North America in a tweet. “Albertsons Companies is leading the way with the nation’s first 100% zero-emission refrigerated grocery delivery deploying two Volvo VNR Electric trucks, the first in their fleet.”

As part of California Climate Investments, the California Air Resources Board launched the Volvo LIGHTS project into fruition as a statewide effort. This initiative added billions of cap-and-trade dollars to help push for the reduction of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country, as well as to boost the health of the public, the environment, and the economy.

As of now, 1,400 Class 8 trucks are operated by Albertsons across the country and are all certified as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay program. Albertsons’ Southern California fleet consists entirely of VTNA-manufactured trucks and serves 335 store locations between the Central Coast and the Mexican border.

Also partnering in a plan for emissions-reduction are Penske Corporation and Shell Oil Co., who are now working together in a new effort to boost sustainability and decarbonization.

“NEWS: Shell and Penske announce strategic collaboration to help drive decarbonization and sustainability across sectors,” said Team Penske recently in a tweet.

Customers of the companies’ supply chains will now be granted access to a new integrated solution to lower carbon emissions, including within key supply chain aspects such as sustainable transportation routes, vehicle and fleet technologies, and warehouse facilities.

“Shell and Penske have a long history of working together across truck leasing, logistics, automotive retail, and motorsports,” explained Shell’s downstream director, Huibert Vigeveno. “Customers have many choices to make when navigating the challenges and opportunities of decarbonization. Our strategic collaboration will allow us to offer customers more options and integrated solutions for a smoother transition.”

This isn’t the first time Penske has worked with Shell, as Shell has previously delivered dealer site energy savings to Penske and is currently providing fast charging capabilities for Penske’s heavy-duty electric trucks. Additionally, Penske has, in the past, offered benefits in regards to optimization for Shell’s lubricant supply chain through outside logistics program services.

“Over 10 years ago, Shell and Penske [Corporation’s] Team Penske began a business-to-business, technical, and motorsports collaboration,” said Roger Penske, CEO of Penske Logistics. “Now, by combining Shell’s energy solutions with Penske Logistics and technology expertise, the companies aim to help customers achieve their sustainability goals faster and at a lower cost.”

Additionally, in collaborative efforts to reduce the NTT IndyCar Series’ overall Carbon footprint, Penske has upgraded many facilities to have more environmentally-friendly capabilities since acquiring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year. Shell Oil Co.’s subsidiary, Pennzoil-Quaker State Co., is now working with Penske to lower the race facility’s carbon footprint, and the groups are also certifying events as meeting green standards alongside the Council for Responsible Sport.