UPS Grows Green Fleet with Liquid Propane

Mississagua, June 01, 2009

167 new vehicles converted to propane, designed to withstand cold

UPS Canada has committed to investing in the growth of its fleet of alternative fuel vehicles with the introduction of 167 new liquid propane-fuelled trucks.

The once gasoline-fueled vehicles have been retrofitted with advanced liquid propane injection technology that will result in a significant reduction in ozone-forming emissions. The first truck has been converted and the remaining 166 vehicles will be converted and released onto Canadian roads on a monthly basis throughout 2009 beginning in July.

"Though the recession has impacted every industry, UPS believes it is important to continue to explore greener avenues by investing in technology that reduces carbon emissions and lowers our overall environmental footprint," said UPS Canada Vice President of Automotive Steve Clark. "This addition to our fleet is a testament to UPS's commitment to environmental sustainability."

The addition of these liquid propane vehicles brings UPS Canada's total alternative fuel fleet to 765. The new liquid propane technology, developed in the United States, will allow the new vehicles to realize comparable fuel economy to their original gasoline systems, providing a minimum range of 300 kilometres per tank.

Propane is non-toxic and low in carbon and reactive hydrocarbon emissions, as well as low in sulphide. It is also more readily accessible in Canada than anywhere else in the world.

The cost of manufacturing the liquid propane vehicles is 14 per cent higher than diesel-powered trucks and 25 per cent higher than conventional gasoline trucks.

However, the use of propane fuel can extend engine life, reduce the need for frequent servicing and is also 47 per cent more cost effective than diesel.

"Being environmentally friendly and economical, these new liquid propane vehicles are better suited than most other alternative fuel vehicles to withstand Canada's often frigid winter temperatures," added Clark.

The liquid propane vehicles will be dispersed throughout the country, including 130 in Ontario, 13 in Quebec, 14 in British Columbia and 10 in Alberta.

Globally, UPS operates 1,819 alternative-fuel vehicles - the most in the transportation industry - which include fuel technologies such as compressed and liquefied natural gas, electric, hybrid electric and propane vehicles. The company also operates 20,000 low-emission conventional vehicles and has been advancing alternative fuel technologies since the 1930s.

UPS pursues a wide range of socially responsible and sustainable business practices designed to reduce impact on the environment and improve communities around the world. UPS is included in the Dow Jones and FTSE4Good Sustainability Indexes, which evaluate corporations based on economic, environmental and social criteria. Learn more about UPS's responsible business practices at www.responsibility.ups.com.