FedEx and UPS have recently begun adopting hybrid delivery trucks into their fleet to test technological waters (examples for FedEx and UPS). Both companies have an interest as fuel is large portion of their operating expense. Fuel efficiency improvements would go straight to the bottom line. A case study out of the Stanford Graduate School Of Business written by David Hoyt tells the more than 7 year path to develope the vehicles and get them moving packages. It's an interesting tale of a good collaboration between FedEx, Environmental Defense, and Eaton Corporation.

The most surprising part of the story was how the collaboration started

In early 2000, Environmental Defense contacted FedEx to see if it was interested in working together on a new project that would speed development of improved technologies for delivery vehicles. Environmental Defense had observed the development of cleaner and more efficient passenger vehicles, and noted that while there were important opportunities for improvements in commercial delivery fleets, development of cleaner and more efficient delivery vehicles was lagging. Delivery fleets were significant sources of pollution, and partnering with an industry leader offered the opportunity to achieve significant improvement.

Yes, that's right. Environmental Defense went to FedEx back in 2000 and said "Hey, lets do something to cut your fuel usage. It'll save you money and help the environment." What followed was a careful and conscious effort to specify and develop a more fuel efficient delivery truck that cut emissions while decreasing operating costs. This follows Environmental Defense's partnership model

Each partnership’s goals, timelines and groundrules are captured in a partnership agreement that sets our plan for achieving measurable environmental results. We seek out projects that will have significant environmental benefits and result in corporate competitive advantages such as cost savings, enhanced branding, risk management or improved access to capital.

After reading the full case study, I've developed a deeper appreciation for how much had to happen to get the hybrid delivery trucks rolling as well as Environmental Defense's partnership model. Check out the case study for all the details.