Safeway installs savings on refrigerated trailers
In recent years, Canada Safeway has introduced numerous programs to improve the energy efficiency of its trucking fleet. Bit by bit, they've had a big impact on fuel savings and environmental performance.
"Safeway wants to save as much fuel as we can to reduce costs and our impact on the environment," says Dave Glanfield, the company's Alberta superintendent of transportation and fleet maintenance. "Some of these initiatives might only save 0.1 or 0.2 per cent of fuel use. But it all adds up."
Safeway is dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of its refrigerated trailers.
Smaller savings are expected from flow-through mud flaps and air tabs?plastic scoops that deflect air around the truck and trailer and reduce buffeting. Other programs include using low-resistance rolling tires, automatic tire-inflation systems, highway speed gauges and computerized routing programs.
"Safeway likes to be a leader in the industry," says Glanfield. "We do a lot of testing on a lot of products. Some work and some don't."
The company, with a fleet of nearly 300 trailers in Alberta, also focuses on improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of its reefers. This includes improving the insulation of the reefers and plugging them in at Safeway warehouses, instead of burning diesel, to keep their contents properly chilled. The system automatically turns the refrigeration on or off as needed.
Canada Safeway encourages everyone from supervisors to drivers and warehouse employees to come up with suggestions for improving the trucking operation's energy efficiency. "The air tabs were a suggestion I had to see if they would reduce buffeting," says Glanfield.
