Walmart Canada has expanded its fleet to include its first 60-foot multi-temperature refrigerated trailer—also the first of its kind for Walmart in North America. This is a custom-built solution that allows the retailer to ship more freight to stores in a single trip, resulting in improved supply chain efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
“Introducing this 60-foot, custom-built, multi-temperature refrigerated trailer into our fleet is [the] latest example of how Walmart Canada is continually innovating within supply chain and pushing boundaries in the industry,” explains Patricio Dallan, senior vice president, supply chain, Walmart Canada. “When Walmart makes a change, it has a ripple effect. In this case, we’re introducing a new custom solution to the Canadian market that helps to reduce our total number of trips and emissions. We’re incredibly proud of this milestone.”
In 2012, Walmart initiated a pilot program with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to introduce 60-foot trailers to Ontario’s roads. This Special Vehicle Configuration Permit pilot was successful and helped to open the door for organizations across the province to improve productivity by reducing the number of trips required to move lighter, bulkier cargo.
Walmart is targeting zero emissions globally by 2040 without the use of offsets and has committed to an alternatively-powered fleet in Canada by 2028.
“This is a truly custom solution, purpose-built for Walmart Canada to help us bring innovation to the industry and work towards reaching our regeneration goals,” shares Brian Sookhai, senior manager, transportation innovation and planning, Walmart Canada. “Working closely with Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, we manufactured this trailer that allows for multi-temperature control and more capacity than ever before. This allows us to ship products at a variety of temperatures and make fewer overall trips, reducing our carbon emissions by having fewer trucks on the road.”