After an evaluation period, UPS placed an order for 1,000 Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) MT-45/55 walk-in vans. In addition to supplying the engine to FCCC with propane autogas fuel systems installed, PI also implemented Second Stage Manufacturing (SSM) at a facility adjacent to the OEM’s Gaffney, South Carolina plant to integrate other propane autogas package components into the FCCC chassis.

“We developed programming for the engine control module that optimizes the package for increased power while reducing tailpipe emissions,” explained Powertrain Integration Vice President of Engineering, Ed Garda. “In addition, SSM allowed us to complete the UPS program in just over one year from the test builds.”
Now that the UPS vehicles are deployed, Powertrain Integration provides engine technical and warranty support through its PI-Power program and a network of authorized service providers. “Although UPS performs much of its own maintenance and repair,” related Brad Shantry, operations manager at PI, “we regularly assist truck centers with our 6.0-liter engines in UPS vehicles.”

UPS already operates one of the largest private alternative fuel and advanced technology fleets in the U.S., which includes all-electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, CNG, LNG, propane, and biomethane powered vehicles. When its latest deployments are completed, the company anticipates its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet will log more than 350 million miles per year in support of its goal of driving one billion miles on alternative fuels by the end of 2017.

“UPS’s investment in a large scale alternative energy fleet has enabled the company to avoid using more than 34 million gallons of conventional fuels since 2000,” UPS’ Nichols said. “This new activity will displace approximately 54 million gallons of diesel and gasoline annually.”