L. L. Bean Delivers With Biodiesel
Last Updated: 06/19/2009
L.L. Bean was the first major Maine-based company to test biodiesel in its distribution fleet, and now boasts a growing fleet of heavy-duty vehicles that operate exclusively on B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel, 80% diesel. Tractor rigs move merchandise between various warehouse and store locations while shuttle buses take customers from the retail store to various Outdoor Discovery School locations operated by the company. Fuel comes from an onsite 800-gallon, skid-mounted tank installed by Frontier Energy, Maine's only full-service supplier of B100 and blended biofuels.
L.L. Bean is committed to environmental stewardship and has made the purchase of B20-capable vehicles a key part of its purchasing policy. In the past two years, the fleet has grown from 8 to 13 tractor rigs and from 8 to 17 shuttles, and now uses approximately 20,000 gallons of B20 annually. The company reports no problems with B20, even during intense winter seasons.
The company also supports other environmental outreach programs. L.L. Bean donated $1 million in 2002 to support Acadia National Park's free, propane-powered bus system as part of its support for protecting the environment. The propane buses have been so well accepted that the company made an additional $1 million donation to finance additional vehicles. L.L.Bean's financial support for Acadia underscores the company's ongoing commitment to responsible recreation, conservation, and preservation. "We hope others will join L.L.Bean in supporting America's national parks," said company CEO Chris McCormick.
While propane was not workable for L.L.Bean's own on-road fleet due to fueling logistics, the company has found that B20 fits its needs perfectly. For additional information about L.L. Bean's use of biodiesel, contact Carolyn Beem at cbeem@llbean.com cbeem@llbean.com
