I've always admired the UPS way of continuously and effectively improving their processes and equipment to find new and innovative ways to squeeze additional profits from a their business. 'Brown' is not the most glamourous company, but they continue to impress me with their forward thinking improvements such as this one.
Good point. If it is possible, then all of them should use it. The fact it will be done here is a big plus for our own workforce. Lets hope they do it.
Hopefully, these new truck designs can migrate their way to other delivery services like FedEx. If it does, I hope that the Fuel Surcharge that now is part of the shipping costs start to reduce.
Very often, roads in developing countries, such as India or Nigeria, are consistently in various states of disrepair. Lighter vehicles lead to fewer potholes and damage to roads. Here in California, there have been debates to make parts of I5, in Los Angeles, semi-truck free in order to lessen the cost of constant repair due to heavy trucks.
If the cargo weight remains the same but the vehicle weight is lighter, it's a small step in the right direction.
And, if the new UPS vehicles are manufactured locally, even better. Other companies could benefit from the technology.
40% fuel savings after 900 pounds reduction in weight is remarkable. Really makes you rethink the whole alternative fuel programs. If that is indeed the case, then congratulations to UPS, but even more so to the Truck Maker, UtiliMaster. The list of items that underwent experimental material updates is lengthy, and they should be recognized for that engineering effort.
Now, I wonder if they are locked to an exclusive with UPS to distribute the vehicles --- or, are able to market their new success to other freight companies, DHL, FEDEX, etc-? It all depends on who paid for the light-weight materials research. Ann Thryft mentioned some bit of insight to that query ,,,,,,
@NadineJ: Why do you think these trucks would be better for developing countries? I'm not disagreeing with you, but I'm not sure I understand your reasoning.
A 40 percent savings is significant and impressive. It's hard to believe that plastics and composites are that much lighter than aluminum. Any word on the durability and crash resistance with the new materials?
Agreed that these are very good for US urban markets but also good for international cities with older roads. The mass retail expansion from the west into India, for example, will require more international shipments. I wouldn't want to be on a road in Mumbai along side one of the current UPS trucks.
Now, they need to update the uniforms and logo. I'm inspired!
Beth, thanks for that input about other mass transit and delivery projects using new materials. UPS is certainly not alone: the company building these trucks, Utilimaster, has made similar delivery vehicles for other companies, including Federal Express.
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