Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 1, 2021:
Volvo VNR Electric completes nation’s first zero-emission grocery delivery
Albertsons Companies, the second-largest grocery chain in the U.S., recently took delivery of two Volvo VNR Electric trucks at its Irvine, California, distribution center. The trucks are the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be deployed in Albertsons’ fleet.
Albertsons has also procured electric-powered reefer units from Advanced Energy Machines to pair with its VNR Electrics.
The combination of the units led to the first 100% zero-emission grocery delivery with a Class 8 truck in the U.S., which took place Friday, May 28, at an Albertsons store in Irvine.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Albertsons Cos. as they begin their journey toward fleet electrification and achieve this momentous accomplishment of a fully zero-emission grocery delivery,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “Albertsons’ commitment to corporate sustainability is demonstrated by the steps it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint in its stores and fleet. We are confident that the Volvo VNR Electrics Albertsons is deploying in Southern California will enable the company to not only reduce its emissions, but to make reliable daily deliveries to its grocery stores throughout the region.”
Albertsons operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks nationwide, all of which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards. The Southern California fleet, which is made up entirely of trucks manufactured by Volvo Trucks, covers 335 stores in the region, running from the Central Coast to the California-Mexico border.
Shell, Penske working together to reduce emissions
Shell Oil Company and Penske, building on more than a decade of working together, are now collaborating to address emissions across multiple touchpoints in their supply chains, from warehouse facilities and vehicle and fleet technologies to sustainable transportation routes.
“Over 10 years ago, Shell and Penske Corporation and Team Penske began a business to business, technical and motorsports collaboration. During that time, commercial enterprise has grown significantly between our organizations,” said Roger Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Corporation. “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, through their partnership, the companies also aim to help to reduce the carbon footprint of the NTT IndyCar Series.
Landstar names Safety Office of the Year
Landstar System has named Mohammad “Mo” Chatila, managing partner at Let’s Move It LLC, as its 2020 Landstar Safety Officer of the Year.
Chatila serves as the designated Landstar Safety Officer (LSO) at the independent agency owned by Yossef Chatila, in St. Augustine, Florida. He was selected as 2020 LSO of the Year for his outstanding support of the Landstar safety culture. The Let’s Move It agency has a spotless safety record and did not experience a single preventable accident in 2020. With more than 6 million Landstar business capacity owner (BCO) miles booked, Let’s Move It increased its revenue 22% in 2020 compared to 2019, all while improving the agency’s safety results.
Chatila, like the 11 other LSO of the Year finalists in 2020, leads an independent Landstar agency with an impeccable safety record and a staff that continuously looks for ways to improve.
