NFI, a supply chain solutions provider, is partnering with Volvo Trucks and California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions (LIGHTS) project.
As part of the partnership, NFI said it will operate Volvo Trucks’ all-electric truck demonstrators in Southern California in 2019, which Volvo plans to commercialize in North America in 2020.
The Volvo LIGHTS project is part of a statewide initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment. With a variety of smart technologies in place to monitor truck performance and maximize vehicle uptime, including remote diagnostics and geofencing, the project is estimated to eliminate 3.57 tons of air pollutants and 3,020 tons of greenhouse gases annually.
“Social responsibility is extremely important to us and we are continuously exploring and implementing new, innovative ways to create more sustainable operations for both NFI and our customers,” said Sid Brown, CEO of NFI.
“We’re excited to partner with an organization whose values align with ours and who shares a commitment to creating a cleaner community across California.”
Along with its partnership with Volvo Trucks, NFI implemented various clean technologies to further its green initiatives across its dedicated and drayage fleet of over 4,000 tractors and 9,000 trailers, the company said. In addition to operating electric trucks in early 2019, NFI is testing electric yard horse demonstration units, as well as Near Zero compressed natural gas trucks fueled with renewable natural gas.
The company also is exploring the viability of Class 8 battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Additionally, NFI currently uses battery powered Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), as well as aerodynamic components to aid in decreasing fuel usage.
To support ongoing sustainability, NFI said it continuously administers testing that focuses on key performance indicators like miles per gallon and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) eight SmartWay emissions metrics. NFI was awarded the EPA SmartWay Partner award three times and identified as a SmartWay High Performer in recognition of its efforts.
