U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA-420-F-14-004 | www.epa.gov/smartway

“FedEx Express is proud to have assisted EPA in the development of 

SmartWay. SmartWay has raised the awareness of fleet operators 

about their options to increase fuel efficiency and to provide support 

in implementing improvements in surface transportation. As a Charter 

Partner, FedEx participation in SmartWay has provided a public forum 

to highlight our success in significantly improving fleet efficiency, while continuing to provide the 

outstanding service for which FedEx is known.”

Mitch Jackson, FedEx Corporation

Staff VP Environmental Affairs and Sustainability

Significant Environmental Accomplishments

FedEx Express first set a goal to improve the fuel efficiency of its FedEx Express vehicles back in 

2008. Using 2005 baseline data, FedEx Express reports a 27% improvement in fuel economy 

across its U.S. fleet through fiscal year 2013 (FY13). FedEx also set a goal to reduce carbon 

dioxide emissions intensity in global aviation. Through FY13, FedEx reports it has 

achieved a reduction of 18% from its 2005 baseline.

How FedEx Express Does It

FedEx Express follows a three-tiered strategy to improve the fuel efficiency of its ground fleets: 

Reduce, Replace and Revolutionize. This holistic approach to fleet management allows it to 

develop technologies for the future, maximize the efficiency of the fleets it operates today, and 

has saved 95 million gallons of fuel as of FY13, according to FedEx . The company’s progress 

towards its fuel efficiency goal for the vehicle fleet is the result of several initiatives:

•	 By the end of FY13, FedEx Express reports it increased the size of its advanced alter

native-energy vehicle fleet to include over 550 hybrid-electric vehicles and electric 

vehicles. These vehicles have traveled more than 15 million miles in revenue service. 

The FedExExpress fleet also includes 100 CNG and LPG vehicles.

•	 FedEx Express has accelerated its efforts in fuel conservation through the purchase 

of vehicles with right-sized engines like the Sprinter vans manufactured by 

Mercedes-Benz. FedEx currently has more than 10,000 such vehicles in service, 

comprising more than 35 percent of its U.S. pick-up and delivery fleet. 

Each Sprinter-type van is about 70 to 100 percent more fuel-efficient than the 

original truck it replaces.

Company Profile

Based in Memphis, TN, 

FedEx Express has provided 

time-definite express 

delivery services for over 

40 years. FedEx Express is 

a global leader in express 

distribution, providing 

rapid, reliable, time-definite 

delivery to more than 220 

countries and territories, 

connecting markets that 

comprise more than 90 

percent of the world’s gross 

domestic product within 

one to three business 

days. Extraordinary 

air route authorities 

and transportation 

infrastructure, combined 

with leading-edge 

information technologies, 

make FedEx Express the 

world’s largest express 

transportation company, 

providing fast and reliable 

services for shipments each 

business day.

For more information, visit 

news.fedex.com .

SmartWay Charter Partner FedEx Express

Saves Fuel, Improves Sustainability

•	 Since 2011, FedEx Express has incorporated almost 2,300 composite-body 

Reach vehicles into its global fleet. The lower weight design, along with the 

engine, allows for a 35 percent reduction in fuel usage over most conventional walk-in vans. 

•	 Matching the correct vehicle or aircraft to the right route; maximizing 

efficiency.

•	 Instituting operational procedures to reduce fuel use and incorporating education on these procedures into its training programs.

10 CharterPartnerFeature

FedEx is committed to the SmartWay goals of improving fuel 

efficiency and reducing the intensity of its greenhouse gas emissions. 

The results, over the course of our participation in the SmartWay 

Program, are tangible savings related to fuel expenses and improved 

sustainability for both FedEx and our customers.