Canadian operations and expertise helping to
drive forward innovative logistics solutions for one of the world's
largest logistics companies
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 20,
2023 /CNW/ - Just over two years after announcing its
global target of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, FedEx
Corp. (NYSE: FDX) is hard at work to deliver on that goal—thanks in
part to local efforts spearheaded by FedEx Express
Canada.
In 2020, FedEx Express Canada made its first move to electrify
its pickup and delivery fleet with the launch of an electric cargo
bike (e-bike) pilot in Toronto.
Fast-forward to today, the company boasts one of the largest fleets
of e-bikes of any country in the FedEx global network. It's also in
the process of building charging infrastructure across its Canadian
facilities, including the 80 charging stations that have already
been installed in preparation for the delivery of its first
electric delivery vans in the coming months.
To achieve the goal of carbon neutral operations
globally, the company has a target for the entire FedEx
parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet to be electric,
zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles by 2040. As part of that
effort, FedEx Express plans for 50%
of its global PUD vehicle purchases to
be electric by 2025, rising to 100% by 2030.
"At FedEx, we see things from a bird's-eye view, which gives us
insight into the impact we have on the world," said Dean Jamieson, vice president of operations at
FedEx Express Canada. "But we also look out from our front steps
and know that the work we do has a significant impact on our
communities, benefits the environment and provides a higher quality
of life for all Canadians."
Besides being a sound solution to reduce emissions from
last-mile delivery, the introduction of low emission e-bikes
has proven to be an innovative and environmentally friendly
addition to city streets, helping reduce traffic and noise
pollution. In total, the Canadian e-bike fleet has travelled more
than 50,000 kilometres – through rain, sun, and snow – averting 14
tonnes of CO₂. In true Canadian fashion, the bikes can operate
safely in winter conditions where bike lanes have been plowed of
snow. Bike couriers are outfitted with wet and winter weather gear,
and the bikes are equipped with snow tires to manage winter road
conditions safely.
On the aviation side, FedEx is looking at everything from the
use of alternative fuels, aircraft modernization, fuel-saving
programs, and carbon capture solutions. In Canada, FedEx recently completed the
transition of its fleet of B727 aircraft to B757s, which provide
20% more payload capacity and are up to 36% more fuel
efficient.
Canadian Expertise, Global Impacts
Because of FedEx Express Canada's success in bringing
sustainable logistics to market, the Canadian team has also been
collaborating on testing other solutions to reduce its footprint in
crowded urban centres, with the goal of helping to bring these
innovations worldwide. FedEx has been testing the BrightDrop Trace
Move, an electric cart, in Toronto
and New York. When used in high
density, vertical environments, these units have the potential to
help reduce traffic congestion, improve efficiency, and reduce
engine idling times for delivery vans and trucks. Couriers can stop
at multiple locations without the need to re-load or find parking
in already busy districts. The BrightDrop Trace Move units were
first piloted by FedEx in downtown Toronto in 2020 and testing will resume again
in the coming weeks.
FedEx is also working with organizations like the Pembina
Institute on initiatives to support Canada's clean energy transition, and
continues investing in charitable organizations like Tree Canada
and Ecotrust Canada to ensure sustainability-focused organizations
can continue their critical work in protecting and enhancing the
environment for generations to come.
"Earth Month is a powerful reminder that action needs to be
taken by individuals and organizations. We know that the future of
the planet is top of mind for a significant number of consumers,
who also believe that companies are responsible for protecting the
environment," said Jamieson. "Investments like these will help us
deliver lasting environmental benefits to our customers, our team
members, and our planet."
For more on sustainability at FedEx, please visit
fedex.ca/sustainability.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses
worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and
business services. With annual revenue of $93 billion, the company offers integrated
business solutions through operating companies competing
collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally as
one FedEx. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and
trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 530,000 employees
to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional
standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx
is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the
world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve
carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please
visit fedex.com/about.
SOURCE Federal Express Canada Corporation