FedEx transitions from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at three UK depots, boosting sustainability efforts.
- The logistics giant will convert over 170 trucks to biofuel, ensuring a significant reduction in carbon footprints.
- A partnership with Crown Oil will see FedEx procure four million litres of HVO annually for a two-year period.
- This move is aligned with FedEx’s long-term aim of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
- HVO will also replace diesel for tugs used at these sites, where electrification isn’t feasible.
FedEx, a major player in the courier and shipping industry, is making a substantial shift from traditional diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at three of its depots in the UK. Over 170 trucks across the Parkhouse, Marston Gate, and Atherstone sites will be running on this alternative fuel. This change is expected to deliver a minimum 80% reduction in certified lifecycle carbon emissions compared to standard diesel, marking a significant advancement in FedEx’s environmental strategy.
The corporation has entered into a two-year agreement with Crown Oil to supply at least four million litres of HVO per annum for this endeavour. This considerable investment underscores FedEx’s commitment to sustainable practices and its desire to enhance its eco-friendly footprint within the logistics sector.
James Richards, Senior Manager of UK Road Network Operations for FedEx, expressed excitement over the initiative, highlighting the UK’s pivotal role in scaling the use of HVO within FedEx’s operations. “We’ve been trialling our use of this fuel for eight months already,” Richards stated, “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 transition to HVO is not exclusive to the linehaul fleets; it extends to the 16 tugs at the same locations, which facilitate trailer movements. FedEx acknowledges HVO as a favourable alternative where electrification isn’t yet practical. Such moves illustrate the company’s strategic approach to sustainability, experimenting with HVO in the UK and the Netherlands before committing to this widespread adoption.
FedEx’s decision is part of a broader vision to realise carbon-neutral operations by 2040, a goal that reflects the increasing pressure on global logistics companies to mitigate their environmental impact. The pioneering use of HVO positions FedEx at the forefront of environmentally conscious logistics operations in Europe.
FedEx’s transition to biofuel at UK depots marks a cornerstone in its environmental strategy, aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
