2Sustain

As I’m sure you’re aware, oil prices are still on the rise, and unfortunately, analysts say that trend isn’t likely to reverse itself any time soon.

As consumers begrudgingly pat their empty pockets at the pump, businesses, particularly in the shipping sector, also are wondering how best to adapt.

Some are trying to lay blame or even pass the buck by forcing additional surcharges and costs. Others are taking a more proactive approach, advocating for alternative energy fixes or other innovative technology solutions.

In his recent blog post Three Strategies for Reducing Fuel Costs in 2012, Derek Singleton outlines a handful of these new ideas. As Singleton points out, even though rising fuel costs have caused more that a few headaches for shippers and carriers, these problems also have inspired valuable scrutiny of processes and procedures. As a result, shippers are learning that careful planning and the use of predictive technologies–such as distribution business software–can minimize the impact fuel costs have on the bottom line.

If you’re managing a fleet, Singleton suggests you cope with rising fuel costs by using three general strategies. He advises you: (more…)

Earlier this month, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America announced the addition of ten new trucks to its growing all-electric fleet – a move that pushes the company closer to its goal of becoming the most fuel-efficient commercial fleet in the country.

Frito-Lay is working with Smith Electric Vehicles, the nation’s top manufacturer of battery-electric commercial trucks and a leader in the development of commercial electric trucks designed to operate at peak effectiveness in urban environments. All told, Frito-Lay says it plans to deploy 176 all-electric vehicles in the US and Canada this year.

Some benefits of these trucks include: (more…)

Aramark Uniform Service (AUS) is the first commercial uniform provider to introduce hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) into its fleet.

As part of its commitment to protecting and improving the environment, AUS has already begun the rollout of 25 hybrid stepvans. By spring of this year, the company plans to have 78 HEVs deployed in service routes throughout 28 states.

“Our team continues to proactively introduce environmentally sound practices in all of our operations,” said Brad Drummond, President of Aramark Uniform Services. ”The addition of hybrid technology to our fleet services will complement all of our programs designed to reduce our environmental impact.”

The HEVs use the combination of an energy-efficient diesel engine and a battery-driven electric motor. Compared to a standard diesel model, each hybrid: (more…)

Late last month, United Airlines completed the first flight by a U.S. commercial airline using natural gas synthetic jet fuel.

Specifically, this was  an “engineering validation” flight conducted using a certified synthetic jet fuel (RenJet) produced by Rentech, Inc. and approved for commercial use. RenJet was used in a 40/60 mix with conventional Jet A fuel in one of two engines on an Airbus 319 aircraft.

RenJet is derived from natural gas and converted to liquid fuel, and it’s considered a “drop-in” fuel –which means that it can be used in existing engines with no modifications required. (more…)

Most Americans feel sustainable infrastructure developments are important investment, according to a new America THINKS survey from HNTB Corporation.

The survey polled a random nationwide sample of 1,064 Americans from April 1-7, 2010, and found that: (more…)