Major Canadian express operator Purolator has added 200 hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to itsfleet throughout the country nearly doubling its size.
Purolator said it has the largest fleet of hybrid electric vehicles for a logistics company inNorth America. Since 2005, the replacement of conventional curbside delivery vehicles by hybridelectric vehicles has allowed the company to position itself at the forefront of environmentalsustainability in Canada, with reductions of more than 2,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and645,000 litres of fuel.
Tom Schmitt, President and CEO of Purolator, said: “As our company turns 50, Purolator is proudto continue to lead the industry towards green alternatives. In 2005, Purolator was the firstlogistics company in Canada to introduce hybrid electric vehicles. Today, we have the largest fleetin North America.”
“The addition of 200 hybrid electric vehicles is the next step to fulfilling our commitment toprotect and preserve the environment we all live in,” Schmitt added.
Among the many Purolator locations receiving new hybrid electric vehicles, 43 will be added tothe fleet in Halifax and Dartmouth, Atlantic Canada, making Purolator’s fleet operating in the cityof Halifax 100% hybrid electric. An additional 60 HEVs will be added in Guelph, SouthwesternOntario, while 19 will be added in Niagara, and finally, 79 in the Greater Toronto Area.
The addition of new hybrid electric vehicles in its fleet is the result of Purolator’scommitment towards green initiatives. It has implemented leading environmentally friendlyinitiatives, including a strict no-idling rule for its drivers, a route optimisation programme thatreduces overall distances travelled by vehicles, and environmentally responsible packaging.
Purolator uses Canada’s largest dedicated air express fleet and has an extensive service networkwith more than 123 operations locations, over 140 shipping centres, more than 550 authorisedshipping agents and more than 350 drop boxes. It employs 11,300 staff including more than 3,500couriers.
