SURPRISE, Ariz., March 24, 2009 – The appearance of hybrid diesel-electric Peterbilt 335s at Crescent Crown’s newest distribution center in Surprise, Ariz., should come as no surprise.
“One of the most exciting pieces to our green initiatives is the implementation of hybrid delivery vehicles,” said James R. (Bubba) Moffett, President of Crescent Crown Distributing. “Our new distribution center represents a significant investment in our company’s continuing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. And the hybrid trucks we are leasing from PacLease are a critical part of that strategy.”
The 280,000 square foot facility is expected to deliver more than 6 million cases a year and the facility features many “green initiatives” to conserve energy and natural resources, including a low-watt motion activated lighting system, energy-efficient computer-controlled AC system, and an irrigation system using reclaimed water.
“We have just placed in operation three Peterbilt 335 hybrids, leased through PacLease – one in New Orleans, and the other two right here in the Phoenix and Surprise area,” said Moffett. “We’re excited about being one of the first beer distributors in the country running hybrids and we encourage others to look at the technology as a way to lessen their carbon footprint.”
Crescent Crown Distributing unveiled the hybrid trucks and the company’s newest distribution center at an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The March 14 ceremony was attended by Surprise and El Mirage political leaders, including Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt, and Crescent Crown employees, families and invited guests. All the attendees toured the facility and the two hybrid diesel-electric Peterbilt hybrids leased through Rush Truck Leasing, the local PacLease franchise.
According to Rich Marchant, vice president of operations for Crescent Crown Distributing, the hybrids are performing well and garnering a lot of attention. “We’ve had them out delivering for two weeks now and they’re performing flawlessly. And the fuel savings and subsequent reduction in emissions are very real – we’re anticipating around a 35 percent reduction in our fuel bill with these trucks. And, down the road, that can make quite an impact as we typically buy more than 310,000 gallons per year for our delivery trucks.”
For Mike Preston, one of the hybrid drivers, not a day goes by that he’s not asked questions about the hybrid. “People are curious about how our hybrids operate and how much fuel they save,” said Preston. “I tell them we’re trying to set the standard when it comes to leading-edge technology and fuel efficiency. We want others to follow suit.”
When it comes to refueling, Preston said he normally has to stop twice a week for re-fueling the hybrid, whereas in his previous truck he was stopping three to four times. “It’s clear we’re saving money in fuel,” he said.
“And, once fuel prices go back up, we’ll really be seeing savings,” added Marchant. “We know affordable fuel prices are short-lived – it’s only a matter of time before we see resumed pressures on diesel. We really see hybrids as the future when it comes to pick up and delivery operations. And, there’s a natural niche with beverage distributors — we intend to invest in more hybrids down the road.”
A Peterbilt hybrid reduces vehicle exhaust emissions of hydrocarbon by as much as 60 percent, carbon monoxide by about 50 percent, and nitrogen oxide by more than 40 percent. The truck uses an electric motor that works with the mechanical diesel engine to supply supplemental torque. The system stores energy during stopping through regenerative braking and then uses it for acceleration.
According to Marchant, the initial move toward hybrid technology was made easy thanks to service support through PacLease. “They know these trucks and the technology and are equipped to make sure everything is running properly,” said Marchant. “Plus, they have safeguards in place with substitute vehicles should we need them. PacLease takes the worry out of moving toward the hybrids and we feel confident our level of service to our customers will continue to be outstanding with on-time deliveries.”
PacLease provides customized full-service leasing programs and truck rentals for customers in a wide variety of industries. To learn more about PacLease programs contact a local PacLease location or visit www.paclease.com.
About PacLease and PACCAR
PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease) is one of the fastest-growing, most innovative commercial truck leasing companies in the transportation industry. PacLease has independent and company-owned full-service leasing locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany. PacLease provides customized full-service lease, rental and contract maintenance programs designed to meet the specific needs of customers. A combination of reliable, custom-built trucks and complete service offerings allows customers to maximize the value of their transportation resources.
PACCAR Leasing is a part of the financial services group of PACCAR Inc, a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, symbol PCAR, and its homepage can be found at www.paccar.com.
About Crescent Crown Distributing
New Orleans-based Crescent Crown Distributing is the distributor for Miller Brewing Co., Coors Brewing Co., Heineken USA, Crown Imports, Pabst Brewing Co. and several other beverage companies. Crescent Crown sells and delivers more than 26 million cases annually throughout Arizona and Louisiana. For more information, visit www.ccdaz.com or www.crescentcrown.com.