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The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year for retailers looking to boost year-end sales. It’s also the most wonderful time of year for shoppers who are ready to splurge on limited edition gift sets for their family and friends and make those big purchases that have been on the backburner all year. Stores and shipping companies anticipate this and are working overtime to ensure the most in-demand holiday products are stocked.
During this jolly time of year, it’s not uncommon for delivery companies like the United States Postal Service (USPS) and FedEx to add more routes and put more vehicles on the roadways to ensure on-time deliveries. What’s often not talked about–and we don’t mean to be a Grinch on the matter–is the environmental impact this has on our planet and in our communities. With sustainability top-of-mind for so many Americans, it’s important to ensure products are being delivered in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
According to a report from Coresight Research, Holiday 2024: The Last Mile–Trends and Challenges as we Enter the Holiday Shopping Season, 75% of consumers will use regular delivery services, 34% will use same-day delivery, and 32% will order online and pick up at the store. With this in mind, last mile delivery services play a critical role in reducing emissions.
UPS and FedEx have strategically diversified their fleets over the years to ensure they are reducing their carbon footprint. More recently, investments have been made in battery electric and propane-powered delivery trucks. These companies recognize a need to shift away from diesel, which is known to emit ground level air pollution that is unhealthy to breathe.
Propane autogas runs significantly cleaner than diesel and prices are stable because it is produced domestically. (Courtesy: Roush)
Propane emits zero methane, very low nitrogen oxides, and almost no particulate matter. It produces 25% to 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel in transportation applications. Renewable propane, made from cooking waste, plant seed oil, and other renewable sources, is even cleaner than conventional propane, and is a drop-in fuel that can easily replace conventional propane without costly infrastructure changes for refueling.
McAbee Trucking has been a USPS contractor for over 50 years and was the first USPS contractor to switch to propane-powered trucks. McAbee Trucking CEO Lisa McAbee has continued to grow the company’s propane fleet because the trucks are clean, reliable, and affordable when compared to other options. According to our research at the Propane Education & Research Council, each propane autogas engine is 90% cleaner than EPA standards and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions compared with diesel. McAbee says the transition is important for the health of her drivers who are no longer breathing in diesel’s harmful emissions. She provided the following statement to Roush CleanTech, which creates propane fuel systems: “As a business owner, I continually look for ways to add safety, improve day-to-day operations, advocate for environmental preservation and save money. Our new propane fleet vehicles accomplish all these goals. Propane autogas is really a great fit for the size and duty cycle of the trucks we use in our business.”
McAbee has purchased several propane autogas-fueled Ford F-750 delivery trucks for USPS parcel delivery routes. (Courtesy: McAbee)
If we expect our delivery services to reduce their carbon footprint, then it’s only fair that we think about ways we can reduce waste this holiday season. Even small actions can make a difference. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans produce 25% more trash during the holiday season than any other time of year. Gift wrap, decorations, travel, and food consumption all contribute to added waste during the holidays. View EPA tips on how to reduce your own carbon footprint this holiday season.
Together, we can enjoy the holidays while prioritizing sustainability. We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.
