Frito-Lay North America completed its first-ever third-party shipment using an electric vehicle. This is the first shipment of this type for PepsiCo, parent of Frito-Lay, and establishes the subsidiary as the first to contract transport on Schneider's electric truck fleet of Freightliner eCascadias.
"Today's milestone shipment underscores the importance of cross-industry collaboration in building a more sustainable food system and achieving Frito-Lay and PepsiCo Positive's goal of net-zero emissions by 2040," said David Allen, VP and chief sustainability officer, PepsiCo Foods North America, in a statement. "By working with Schneider, we are taking an important step forward in our efforts to reduce value chain emissions and move our snack products in a more sustainable way."
According to Frito-Lay's research, an emissions reduction of more than 70 percent is expected this year from the initial electric vehicle routes, compared to the same shipments on diesel trucks. Initial shipments on the fleet will be throughout southern California, including service to Frito-Lay's Rancho Cucamonga distribution center.
"As we roll out our fleet of almost 100 new battery electric trucks, we're thrilled to offer a cleaner mode of freight transportation to valued customers like Frito-Lay, who share our goal of operating in ways that are environmentally responsible," said Rob Reich, EVP and chief administrative officer of Schneider, in a statement.
Frito-Lay and PepsiCo's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 is guided by PepsiCo Positive, a goal that puts sustainability at the center of how the company will create growth and value. Frito-Lay's partnership with Schneider lays the groundwork for an expansion of low- or zero-emissions vehicle use within its third-party transportation footprint, according to Frito-Lay.
Frito-Lay is also investing in its company-owned fleet. Recently, the company implemented site-wide alternative fuel vehicles in its manufacturing facility in Modesto, California. To serve the company's hometown market of Dallas-Fort Worth, Frito-Lay also introduced 40 electric, zero-emissions route trucks in 2022.
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