This was not the topic I had planned to write about today. I was all set to comment on the data released this week by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (its Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.0 percent in October from its September level, but it’s down 0.6 percent from October 2007), and I was also going to highlight a report issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that forecasts a $2.5 billion loss for the air transport industry next year (IATA expects cargo traffic to decline 5 percent next year, following a drop of 1.5 percent in 2008). But today is Friday, and I don’t want to depress myself and all of you as we head into the weekend, so I’m focusing today’s piece on something more positive.
This morning I came across the news that Ryder launched its RydeGreen Hybrid straight truck. This new offering follows last year’s introduction of the company’s RydeGreen tractors and trailers. The truck reportedly can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent in standard in-city pick-up and delivery situations. Ryder lease customers can order these trucks now and a limited supply will be available for rent at select Ryder rental locations in January.
Earlier this week, I commented on Ryder’s participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project. This is yet another example of the investments Ryder is making to minimize its carbon footprint. It’s also an example of how Ryder views “green” as a business opportunity. The billion dollar question on the consumer side is whether you and I will pay more for environmentally-friendly products. A similar question exists on the commercial side. It’ll be interesting to see how many companies order these vehicles next year, especially in this economic environment.
UPS is another logistics company that’s been investing in “green” vehicles. Back in October, the company announced that it had purchased hydraulic hybrid vehicles. According to the press release, “The [hydraulic hybrid] technology originally developed in a federal laboratory of the Environmental Protection Agency, stores energy by compressing hydraulic fluid under pressure in a large chamber. UPS was the only company in its industry asked to road-test the technology two years ago and now becomes the first delivery company to place an order for hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV).“ Based on the road tests, the HHV prototypes were up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than conventional diesel delivery trucks, and UPS believes it can achieve similar fuel economy improvements and a 30 percent reduction in CO2 in daily, real-world use.
Finally, in late November, ZAP (a manufacturer of 100 percent electric, plug-in vehicles) introduced its four-wheel, 800-lb payload ZAP Truck XL. I first came across Zap at the beginning of the year when the company announced that they were working with the Coca-Cola Company on a project to use 30 of its compact trucks for a new beverage distribution system in Montevideo, Uruguay. The “sweet spot” for these types of vehicles is local distribution in heavily congested areas or where roads are not well-suited for large trucks, which is the case in many developing countries.
So, there you have it. The transportation industry is going “green” one vehicle at a time. I’ll be tracking how much traction (no pun intended) these vehicles get in the industry next year, and if other transportation companies follow in the footsteps of Ryder and UPS. In the meantime, have a great weekend. Don’t read or listen to the news. Go for a nice walk, and see if you can spot any of these “green” trucks on the road.
