LOS ANGELES, Cal. — FedEx Express has received a Blue Sky Award for its use of hybrid delivery trucks.

The presentation took place today at the WestStart-CALSTART transportation technologies consortium in California. Hyrbid truck-maker (and FedEx partner) Environmental Defense was also presented with the award.

“Environmental Defense is honoured to accept the Blue Sky Award with our partners FedEx Express,” said Elizabeth Sturcken who manages corporate partnerships for Environmental Defense. “A revolution in the trucking industry is underway. With these trucks FedEx is leading the pack. Environmental Defense now challenges all fleet owners to adopt clean trucks to reduce air pollution, oil dependency and climate change impacts.”

Environmental Defense and FedEx Express began working together in March, 2000 to develop a low-emission, fuel-efficient delivery vehicle. The trucks use an Eaton drivetrain and decrease particulate emissions by 96 per cent. The trucks also travel 57 per cent farther on a gallon of fuel.

FedEx Express implemented 18 hybrid vehicles into its fleet in 2004. It’s in the process of introducing more hybrid vehicles to its fleet.

“With the high cost of fuel we could all feel a panic at the pump today,” said Sturcken. “And while drivers could choose to drive less, delivery fleets don’t have that option. Fortunately solutions like the ones demonstrated by FedEx Express could lead to real savings at the pump and for the environment.”