Meijer Unveils All-Clean Diesel Fleet

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer said today that it operates one of the largest all-clean diesel fleets in North America.

As part of its ongoing green initiatives, the retailer’s fleet utilized innovative technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 60 percent since it first began implementing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 near-zero emissions standards three years ago.

“This is an extremely rewarding achievement that truly speaks to our commitment to the environment,” said Rick Keyes, executive VP of supply chain operations and manufacturing. “Not only are we integrating cutting-edge technology into our business, we’re also working under the philosophy that to be a good company, we must be a good neighbor.”

The Meijer fleet was the first in North America to implement the federal clean emissions standards that feature near-zero emissions technology, and today the retailer’s fleet of 170 semi-trucks meets or exceeds those requirements.

As a result of that commitment, the Meijer fleet realized a 47 percent reduction in particulate matter; a 55 percent reduction in -- or 525 U.S. tons of -- nitrogen oxide; a 3 percent reduction in -- or 9,300 U.S. tons of -- carbon dioxide; and a 5 percent increase in fuel economy, saving 105,570 gallons of fuel each year. In five years, that equals a savings of 527,850 gallons of fuel -- or 52,785 barrels of oil.

“I’m very pleased to say that Meijer is able to cut that down and continue to be environmentally conscious,” said David Hoover, director of outbound logistics. “The impact is tremendous because the Meijer fleet makes deliveries to our stores 26 times each week.”

Meijer operates 203 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.