JCPenney moves toward more sustainable trucking

PLANO, Texas and CONCORD, Calif. JCPenney and PDS Trucking, a subsidiary of Pacer Distribution Services, announced the delivery of more than 20 new Kenworth T-800 tractors that will replace aging diesel trucks currently in use by independent owner-operators in Pacer’s port network.

“We’re committed to clearing the air around the ports by putting clean trucks on the road as quickly as we can,” said Marie Lacertosa, senior vp and director of logistics for JCPenney. “This fleet conversion demonstrates that the private sector is capable of implementing sustainable, long-term solutions to port environmental issues that also preserve jobs and maintain the efficient flow of goods.”

As members of the Committee for Responsible Trucking, JCPenney and Pacer have committed to sponsoring the fleet conversion to support the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports’ 2012 air quality goals. The companies expect the fleet hauling JCPenney merchandise to meet the ports’ emissions goals by early 2009, well ahead of the ports’ deadlines, while also helping to preserve the livelihoods of independent owner-operators in the port trucking community.