As sustainability continues to be a pressing concern across the retail industry, and the country in general, Wegmans is shifting the focus of its transportation strategy and setting its sights on diesel elimination rather than diesel efficiency. The retailer plans to optimize alternative fuels, electrification, and collaborative partnerships with technology suppliers to achieve a diesel-free fleet.
“With three fully-electric class 8 truck pilots planned for next year, we’re excited about what the future holds, and hopeful that as more and more of these technologies become available, we’ll be able to fit them into our operations,” says Matt Harris, Wegmans Sustainability Manager for Energy and Fleet Technology.
Currently, Wegmans has 175 trucks, 16 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors, with another 49 on order, according to a press release. Through the use of the CNG trucks, the retailer will be able to change its footprint in Rochester, New York, from 80 percent diesel to 80 percent natural gas—eliminating nearly 800,000 gallons of diesel a year.
To continue making its operations more sustainable, the company is also exploring new technologies to help achieve its goal of having a fleet that is net carbon zero, or net carbon negative if possible. Last month, the retailer explored Hyliion’s Hypertruck ERX, its next generation electric powertrain that’s recharged by an onboard natural gas generator, giving it the potential to be a net carbon negative vehicle.
With innovative new strategies in place to improve the sustainability of its supply chain, what moves will we see from Wegmans next? Keep reading Deli Market News to find out.
