That's Logistics...No That's Biodiesel!
United Parcel Service gets serious about using green fuels as a biodiesel blend starts going into truck tanks this month in the company's Louisville, Ky., hub.
Compiled by staff
Published: May 24, 2011
The old line was "what can Brown do for you?" Today, the UPS slogan is "That's Logistics" and either way, this major freight and parcel mover is making the move to biodiesel for its fleet starting with its Louisville, Ky., hub this month. In a press statement from the National Biodiesel Board, Scott Wicker, UPS chief sustainability officer, notes: "There is a finite amount of petroleum-based fuel available from our planet so it is important that UPS and other companies invest in ways to use alternative fuels and technologies, including biodiesel. This project helps us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels with the added benefit that it will also reduce air pollution and carbon emissions."
UPS recently installed a biodiesel fuel tank and fueling station at its Worldport facility. It will allow fueling operators to blend specified percentages of biodiesel on the fly, starting with 5% biodiesel (B5) and working up to 20% biodiesel (B20). This is no small operation processing 416,000 packages an hour, is as big as 80 football fields and turns 100 aircraft a day. Anyone who has stayed in a hotel near the Louisville airport knows about that Worldport.
The 30,000-gallong biodiesel tank and station fuels nearly 200 vehicles and diesel-fueled equipment, most of which help load packages on and off the planes.
Joe Jobe, CEO, NBB, says the UPS switch is monumental. "For a giant like UPS to use biodiesel is not only an outstanding vote of confidence for biodiesel but an example of how America's first advanced biofuel will fuel the drive towards genuine corporate sustainability."
Since biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent can be used in any diesel engine without modifications, it is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to clean up heavy duty equipment.
"Biodiesel supports green jobs and domestic energy security here and nationally, and we commend UPS for making biodiesel a part of its commitment to sustainability," said Melissa Howell, executive director of the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition.
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Tagged: biodiesel, sustainability
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