One year earlier than expected, UPS has driven over 1 billion miles using its various alternative fueled fleet. It’s “Rolling Laboratory” included more than 7,200 vehicles ranging from pedal power and electric-assisted bicycles, to electric and hybrid vehicles to natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane and renewable diesel. The “fuel” option is tailored for the geography from dense urban areas to rural countryside.

“We had a big sustainability goal as we set out to make the most of our rolling laboratory by driving 1 billion clean miles in alternative fuel vehicles – that’s the equivalent of well over 4,000 trips to the moon,” said David Abney, Chairman and CEO, UPS. “While attaining this goal is new, our commitment to seeking out alternative fuels actually dates back to the 1930s when UPS tested electric vehicles. With more than 100,000 drivers logging more than 3 billion miles per year, our future depends on our ability to meet the growing demand for global trade while reducing our impact on the environment.”

The move to sustainable delivery options kicked off in earnest in 2012 with a goal of driving 1 billion miles with alternative fuels by the end of 2017. With approximately 12 percent of its fleet converted to alternative powered vehicles, UPS hit that goal more than one year early.

“The question wasn’t should we make alternative fuels work?” said Mike Whitlatch, UPS’s vice president of global energy and procurement. “Instead, it was ’What’s the best way to make alternative fuels work for UPS, and for the environment?’ After more than a decade of focus, we are now driving more than 1 million miles globally each business day in our alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet.”

Abney added, “Many congested cities around the world are implementing zero tailpipe emissions zones, and UPS is keeping ahead of the curve by investing in advanced technologies and creating the commercial delivery fleet of the future.”

By the end of 2016, UPS will have invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally since 2009. That continued investment, combined with supportive government policies, and a collaborative set of partners has helped to expand development and utilization of alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure throughout the world.