Frito-Lay's First EV Shipment for Greener Supply Chain
PepsiCo, Inc.
Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) has recently disclosed the completion of its inaugural third-party shipment via an electric vehicle in collaboration with Schneider National Inc., a top-tier provider of transportation, intermodal, and logistics services.
PepsiCo has never before executed a third-party transportation shipment utilising an electric vehicle (EV), making this a momentous occasion for the company. This collaboration has allowed FLNA, along with its popular snack products, to secure the distinction of being the first to utilise Schneider's Freightliner eCascadias electric truck fleet for transport services.
David Allen, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of PepsiCo Foods North America, emphasised the significance of inter-industry cooperation in promoting a more ecologically friendly food system and realising Frito-Lay and PepsiCo Positive's objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
He expressed that Frito-Lay, being a company of immense proportions, continually seeks opportunities to effect positive change but cannot do so independently. Working alongside Schneider has enabled Frito-Lay to advance its goal of diminishing value chain emissions and facilitating a more sustainable method of transporting its snack products.
The implementation of electric vehicles for the initial transport routes is projected to reduce emissions by over 70% compared to diesel trucks. This decrease in emissions is tantamount to eradicating over 180,000 miles travelled by gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles. The primary utilisation of Schneider's expanding Freightliner eCascadia fleet will include intermodal inbound and outbound dray moves in southern California, including transportation to Frito-Lay's Rancho Cucamonga distribution centre.
Rob Reich, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Schneider, expressed excitement regarding the introduction of the company's new fleet of almost 100 battery-electric trucks, which enable customers such as Frito-Lay to benefit from a cleaner mode of freight transportation while sharing the same environmental responsibility objectives.
Reich acknowledged Schneider's long-standing commitment to enhancing sustainability and expressed pride in the company's ability to positively influence its customers' operations in this regard. By working in collaboration, they have successfully reduced the carbon footprint of shipments in southern California, making a positive impact.
PepsiCo and Frito-Lay's objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 is driven by PepsiCo Positive (pep+), which emphasises the integration of sustainability as a central component of the company's growth and value-creation strategies that operate within the limits of the planet's resources.
Third-party transportation and distribution contribute to 20% of PepsiCo's emissions footprint, making collaboration with its partners in this area crucial. Frito-Lay's collaboration with Schneider sets the foundation for extending the use of low- or zero-emission vehicles throughout its third-party transportation network.
In addition to its third-party transportation and distribution footprint, Frito-Lay is making considerable strides in enhancing its company-owned fleet. For example, the company recently converted its major manufacturing facility situated in Modesto, California, as the first to implement alternative fuel vehicles site-wide. Frito-Lay also introduced 40 100% electric, zero-emissions route trucks in 2022 to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
For additional information about pep+ and advancements toward achieving net-zero objectives, please visit PepsiCo.com/PepsiCoPositive.
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Source: PepsiCo
