FedEx Makes Major Transition to Biofuels for Linehaul Trucks in the UK

Federal Express Corporation, a global leader in the transportation and logistics industry, has taken a significant step toward sustainability by transitioning to biofuels for its linehaul trucks across three UK sites. This move is part of FedEx's ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving its long-term goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040. Through a two-year agreement with fuel supplier Crown Oil, FedEx has secured an annual purchase of at least four million litres of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to fuel its fleet.

Key Locations and Fleet

The switch to biofuel will impact over 170 FedEx trucks, all of which are tractor-trailer combinations. These trucks will now refuel with HVO at three strategic FedEx locations in the UK: Parkhouse, Marston Gate, and Atherstone. The breakdown includes 80 trucks at Parkhouse, 54 at Marston Gate, and 38 at Atherstone. This change is set to make a substantial difference in the company’s carbon footprint, particularly in terms of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) emissions.

FedEx’s move towards using HVO comes after an eight-month trial period in the UK, which began in October 2023, alongside a similar pilot project in the Netherlands. During these trials, FedEx evaluated the practicality and performance of HVO as a ‘drop-in’ alternative to diesel, meaning it can be used as a direct replacement in existing engines without the need for modifications. The trial demonstrated that HVO was a viable solution for reducing emissions, leading to the company’s decision to scale up its use across the UK.

Environmental Impact of HVO

HVO is a second-generation biofuel produced from renewable sources such as waste vegetable oils and fats. It offers substantial environmental benefits, including a reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions by at least 80% compared to conventional diesel. These significant reductions make HVO an attractive option for companies like FedEx, which operate extensive transportation networks that are otherwise highly reliant on fossil fuels.

By transitioning to HVO, FedEx expects to cut down emissions from its fleet while maintaining the reliability of its services. According to James Richards, Senior Manager of Road Network Operations for FedEx in the UK, the company’s use of HVO will allow its fleet to drive approximately 36,000 miles each week on biofuel, reducing emissions on a large scale. Richards commented, “This decision is another step towards our long-term goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040.”

Broader Applications of HVO

In addition to its use in linehaul trucks, HVO will also be adopted in select ground service equipment at FedEx’s UK sites. Specifically, 16 tugs, which are used to reposition trailers, will begin running on HVO as a diesel alternative. While many pieces of ground service equipment can already be electrified, certain machines are not yet practical to operate on electric power, making HVO an ideal interim solution.

FedEx’s approach reflects the growing trend of companies seeking diverse methods to reduce their carbon footprints. While electrification remains a key component of FedEx’s long-term sustainability strategy, biofuels like HVO offer an immediate and scalable way to cut emissions, especially in areas where electric vehicle (EV) technology is still developing.

Long-Term Sustainability Goals

FedEx’s decision to adopt HVO as a biofuel alternative is part of its broader global environmental strategy. The company has set an ambitious target of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, and transitioning from diesel to renewable fuels is a crucial part of that plan. As one of the world’s largest logistics companies, FedEx is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in the face of growing public and regulatory scrutiny around corporate emissions.

By scaling up the use of HVO, FedEx is not only working toward its sustainability targets but also setting an example for the logistics industry. The successful implementation of biofuels in its UK operations could pave the way for similar initiatives across other markets, helping to reduce emissions in FedEx’s global network.

Future Outlook

While the transition to HVO is currently limited to three sites in the UK, the success of this initiative could lead to broader adoption of biofuels across FedEx’s European and global operations. As more businesses and governments focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alternative fuels like HVO are likely to play an increasingly important role in the logistics sector.

James Richards expressed optimism about the future of HVO at FedEx, stating, “We’re excited to share that the UK is the first country where we’re able to scale the use of HVO in our operations, in what we hope will be a permanent operational change.”

FedEx’s shift to biofuels represents a meaningful step forward in the company’s sustainability journey, demonstrating that immediate and impactful measures can be taken while longer-term solutions, like electrification, continue to evolve. Through this initiative, FedEx is showing that the path to a greener future is not only possible but also practical for large-scale logistics operations.