The prospect for widespread deployment of autonomous beverage delivery trucks is still very much a futuristic one. But there have been significant developments in the past couple of years that bring that future a little bit closer.
Now offering two premium performance versions of its Vector trailer refrigeration system, Carrier Transicold says it is delivering ultra-high efficiencies and significantly reduced emissions for regulatory compliance and improved sustainability.
It seems that last year’s oppressively high fuel prices are behind us, at least for the near-term. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center projects 2023 and 2024 fuel averages below 2022 levels.
Distribution operations looking to ease their way into the electric vehicle (EV) realm, increasingly can do so through leasing, as more and more leasing companies are adding the zero-emissions trucks into their portfolios of offerings for their delivery fleet customers.
Electric vehicles seem to take up most of the oxygen in the room any time someone mentions alternative fuels, but there are other options. Among those is propane autogas, which has a number of advantages going for it.
As operations work to maximize productivity at every turn, experts note that by integrating technology like telematics or operator assist solutions, facilities can reduce labor costs, while boosting productivity.
Distributors are able to dip their toe into the zero-emissions waters with a range of offerings in the realm of electric light-duty vehicles, which are especially effective in urban markets.
Beverage wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and manufacturers are seeing how digital solutions can enhance operations to deliver a positive engagement with today’s consumers.
As beverage distributors witness heightened consumer expectations for accuracy, efficiency and delivery speed, cart and hand truck solutions meet the laborious challenges today’s delivery personnel face.