The Official Blog of Penske Transportation Solutions

sustainability

As an industry leader, we have a passion for progress. We are guided by a deep sense of responsibility to our customers, associates, and communities and are committed to continually challenging ourselves and our partners to exceed expectations.

Consistent with our core values, we focus on safe, responsible operations and delivering practical and sustainable solutions that reduce waste, emissions and preserve precious resources as we work toward the decarbonization of our industry.

We are committed to moving the world forward in a way that is good for people and our planet.

Vehicle Decarbonization

Penske E-Transit Cargo Van

We have been operating alternative fuel vehicles for more than 30 years, and now have one of the largest and most diverse electric vehicle test fleets in the industry. We are reducing the environmental impact of the Penske fleet in the following ways:


Sustainable Facilities

Penske is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our locations—from the way our buildings consume energy to the way we power our essential equipment. Here are just some of our strategies:

  • Building and operating North America’s first heavy-duty electric vehicle charging network
  • Increasing the amount of energy consumption from renewable sources verses non-renewable sources year over year
  • Growing our number of LEED-certified buildings featuring sustainable design, construction and operation
  • Identifying carbon mitigation actions at customer distribution centers managed by Penske
  • Implementing focused recycling initiatives across virtually all waste streams, including tires, oil, filters, antifreeze, batteries, scrap metals and more.
  • Using new water conservation technologies and practices in our vehicle washing operations
  • Utilizing lower VOC emission paint in our collision repair centers
  • Equipping consumer rental customers for more sustainable moves

LEED-Certified Facilities

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is a framework for identifying, implementing, and measuring green building and neighborhood design, construction, operations and maintenance. LEED is a voluntary, market-driven, consensus-based tool that serves as a guideline and assessment mechanism. LEED rating systems address commercial, institutional, and residential buildings and neighborhood developments. Learn more about our LEED-certified facilities.

Awards and Partnerships

Penske has participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership since 2008. We are a seven-time EPA SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award winner, six-time EPA SmartWay Excellence Award winner, EPA SmartWay 2022 High Performer for the Logistics and Carrier categories.

As one of more than 1,300 partner organizations voluntarily using billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually, we proudly participate in and support the EPA's Green Power Partnership.

We are also a founding sponsor of the annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, a no-cost report that serves as the leading source of information on sustainable technology decisions being made by America’s on-road fleets.

Additional recognitions for sustainability efforts include:

  • US EPA – Clean Air Excellence Award
  • Food Logistics Magazine Top Green Provider
  • Supply and Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award
  • Inbound Logistics Magazines Green Supply Chain Partner

Access Related Reports

READING, Pa., October 30, 2023 – Penske Truck Leasing customer Balford Farms, a food distribution services and dairy products company headquartered in Burlington, New Jersey, is adding the first-ever electric truck to its fleet. The Orange EV yard tractor will support the company's warehouse and distribution center, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will reduce Balford's carbon footprint by over 15 tons annually.

Balford’s environmental sustainability journey started over a decade ago with the installation of solar panels at their Burlington warehouse and distribution center.

“We’re thrilled about this opportunity to bring innovation into our truck fleet and expand upon our recent sustainability commitments and successes,” said Larry Walker, CEO of Balford Farms. “This new electric truck exemplifies our ongoing promise towards being an environmentally responsible leader in the food distribution industry while delivering efficiency and safety to our workplace, and the very best service to our customers.”

Balford specializes in providing warehousing and distribution services to quick service restaurant chains. Balford also markets and distributes their own Rosenberger’s dairy brand to customers throughout the Northeast U.S.

Penske Truck Leasing customer Balford Farms, a food distribution services and dairy products company headquartered in Burlington, New Jersey, is adding the first-ever electric truck to its fleet. The Orange EV yard tractor will support the company's warehouse and distribution center, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will reduce Balford's carbon footprint by over 15 tons annually.

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Penske Truck Leasing has added Xos, Inc. battery-electric trucks to its fleet. Penske will deploy the trucks with multiple customers in various industries. The Xos Stepvan is a Class 6 vehicle purpose-built for commercial applications.


“We are very pleased to build on our growing portfolio of all-electric vehicles with the addition of the Xos Stepvan,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning for Penske Truck Leasing.

The Stepvan can travel up to 150 miles on a single charge, features a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds, and comes in available body sizes of 16’ or 18’. Depending on charger specifications, the vehicle charge time with DC fast charging ranges from 110 to 120 minutes. Additional specifications include a 178-inch wheelbase, 347 kW maximum horsepower, and max torque of 1,737 ft-lbs.

“We’re proud to partner with Penske on their journey to a fully electric fleet operation,” said Dakota Semler, chief executive officer at Los Angeles-based Xos. “Penske and Xos share similar core values around our commitment to customers and a dedication to excellence, so our partnership is a natural fit. We look forward to building our relationship for years to come.”

By “Move Ahead” Staff

READING, Pa., October 26, 2023 – Penske Truck Leasing has added Xos, Inc. battery-electric trucks to its fleet. Penske will deploy the trucks with multiple customers in various industries. The Xos Stepvan is a Class 6 vehicle purpose-built for commercial applications.

"We are very pleased to build on our growing portfolio of all-electric vehicles with the addition of the Xos Stepvan,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning for Penske Truck Leasing.

The Stepvan can travel up to 150 miles on a single charge, features a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds, and comes in available body sizes of 16’ or 18’. Depending on charger specifications, the vehicle charge time with DC fast charging ranges from 110 to 120 minutes. Additional specifications include a 178-inch wheelbase, 347 kW maximum horsepower, and max torque of 1,737 ft-lbs.

“We’re proud to partner with Penske on their journey to a fully electric fleet operation,” said Dakota Semler, chief executive officer at Los Angeles-based Xos. “Penske and Xos share similar core values around our commitment to customers and a dedication to excellence, so our partnership is a natural fit. We look forward to building our relationship for years to come.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program has named Penske Logistics a 2023 High Performer among mixed truck carriers in the carbon recognition category. Less than 10% of eligible fleets qualify for this designation.

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From plastic knickknacks to foam stress balls, conferences and trade shows are known for their freebies. Unfortunately, many of these items are often made from eco-unfriendly, single-use materials.

As a presenting sponsor of the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo — the world’s leading sustainable transportation conference — Penske devised a new, earth-conscious approach to conference giveaways.

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Penske Transportation Solutions was recognized in Los Angeles by the Climate Registry for its work with electric trucks. Penske was honored with an Innovative Partnership Certificate at the 2023 Climate Leadership Awards for being a part of the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet.

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In the fourth annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, commercial transportation fleets continue to report a resounding trend — their use of clean fuels and advanced vehicle technologies is rapidly accelerating.

Report author and leading clean technology consulting firm, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), unveiled the findings at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California.

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Wesco International, a global distribution and supply chain services provider, is experiencing success with operating a pilot program with Ford E-Transit electric vehicles, provided by Penske Truck Leasing. The units are being used in three major markets as part of the company’s overall electrification and sustainability strategy. Wesco is leveraging these E-Transits in Atlanta, Orlando and Phoenix.

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Penske Truck Leasing and Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) commemorated the delivery of two battery electric production model Freightliner eCascadia semi-trucks. The delivery of these heavy-duty electric vehicles is a significant milestone for both companies and marks the culmination of a period of co-creation, refinement and field-testing that kicked off nearly five years ago.

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Penske Truck Leasing announced it has expanded its use of renewable diesel in California through a preferred supplier agreement with Shell Oil Products U.S. The move is a continuing effort by Penske to help reduce emissions across its truck rental, heavy-duty truck leasing and logistics fleet operations.

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Penske Logistics has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as a High Performer in a pair of clean transportation categories. Penske earned the listing in the Truck Carrier Carbon Metrics and Logistics Freight Management categories.

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Sonepar has selected Penske Truck Leasing to provide its new light-duty electric fleet. Penske Truck Leasing is in the process of delivering nine Ford E-Transit all-electric cargo vans to support the initiative.

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Penske has earned placement on this year’s 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list by Inbound Logistics magazine. Editors selected companies “going above and beyond to prioritize green initiatives and help global supply chains become more sustainable. These companies are dedicated to developing and implementing best practices that leave a positive footprint on the world.”

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Penske Logistics will take part later this month in a brand-new event being hosted by the National Retail Federation, the Supply Chain 360 conference and expo, taking place June 20-21 in Cleveland. Penske will be an exhibitor and speak on a panel.

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