Driving Sustainability with Honickman Companies' Cleaner Fleet

In an era where sustainability is paramount, The Honickman Companies stand out not just for their business prowess but for their commitment to environmental responsibility. Their strategic initiatives are transforming the landscape of beverage distribution while prioritizing community welfare. This article delves into their multifaceted approach to sustainability, examining how they are building a cleaner fleet and what that means for the future of their operations.

With a workforce exceeding 2,700 employees and operations that span five distinct companies, The Honickman Companies are a significant player in the beverage industry. Their ongoing commitment to sustainability is evident as they expand their initiatives to include energy-efficient transportation methods and community-focused projects.

The Honickman Companies: A Leader in Beverage Distribution

Headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey, The Honickman Companies operate 17 sales and distribution centers that stretch from Westchester County in New York to North Carolina. This extensive network allows them to produce, sell, and distribute millions of cases of non-alcoholic beverages annually. Their impressive portfolio includes partnerships with renowned brands such as PepsiCo, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and Danone.

Their fleet is a crucial component of their operations, comprising thousands of vehicles and equipment assets. The company employs a dedicated team of technicians across eight in-house service shops to maintain this extensive fleet, which includes:

• Light-duty delivery vehicles
• Heavy-duty trucks and tractors
• Material handling equipment
• Custom beverage transport units

By supporting a variety of clients—including supermarkets, stadiums, restaurants, and local stores—the Honickman Companies play a vital role in the beverage distribution ecosystem in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Propane as a Sustainable Fuel Choice

In line with their sustainability goals, The Honickman Companies have made significant investments in alternative fuel vehicles. Over the past seven years, they have incorporated more than 40 propane-powered delivery trucks into their fleet. These trucks, built on Ford F-750 chassis and equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel systems, represent a crucial step towards reducing their carbon footprint.

The propane-powered trucks are not only environmentally friendly but also economically advantageous. Bill Ardis, Vice President of Fleet Services & MEM, explains, “The goal is to decisively minimize our environmental footprint by reducing emissions.” The strategic implementation involves:

• On-site refueling with above-ground propane storage
• Custom 10-bay beverage bodies designed for efficient transport
• Utilization of non-CDL drivers due to lower GVW ratings

This shift towards propane is driven by the dual necessity of operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, allowing the company to adapt to market conditions while maintaining a sustainable approach.

Financial Benefits and Long-Term Sustainability

From a financial perspective, the switch to propane vehicles has yielded substantial savings for The Honickman Companies. Ardis noted, “The acquisition cost is nearly equivalent to diesel, but we’re seeing significantly lower fuel costs.” The company estimates that propane is saving them approximately $150,000 annually in fuel costs compared to traditional diesel on a Diesel Gallon Equivalent basis.

Furthermore, early indicators suggest that propane vehicles may offer lower total costs of ownership compared to their diesel counterparts. Key financial aspects include:

• Reduced maintenance costs due to simpler engine designs
• Lower fuel costs contributing to overall savings
• Minimized expenses related to diesel particulate filter systems

As they continue to operate their initial propane units, the company remains optimistic about the long-term performance and reliability of these vehicles.

Innovative Fleet Management Through Technology

To enhance productivity and operational efficiency, The Honickman Companies have integrated the Maintenance Connection CMMS platform from Accruent into their fleet management practices. This modernized system allows for efficient tracking of service intervals, labor allocation, and parts inventory management. Ardis shared, “Our technicians appreciate the improved structure, and we’re seeing better accountability across the board.”

The implementation of this technology facilitates:

• Standardized service through OEM programs
• Enhanced parts inventory management for cost efficiency
• Seamless integration with Samsara telematics for real-time data analytics

By 2027, The Honickman Companies aim to achieve a detailed understanding of cost-per-mile, cost-per-hour, and cost-per-vehicle metrics. This level of insight will empower them to make more informed purchasing decisions and optimize their asset lifecycle management.

The Future of Electrification and Sustainable Practices

While propane has proven to be a suitable option for their Class 6 delivery vehicles, The Honickman Companies are not resting on their laurels. They are actively exploring electrification options for their heavy-duty fleet. Ardis emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We’ve continued researching electric trucks, grant opportunities, and charging infrastructure.”

The company is committed to developing a viable electrification timeline within the next few years, which will include:

• Assessing the feasibility of electric trucks for their operational needs
• Exploring grants and financial incentives for electrification
• Establishing a charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles

These advancements align with the company’s broader mission to serve communities responsibly, ensuring that their operations contribute positively to both the environment and the local economy.

Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility

The Honickman Companies’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond their fleet. They actively engage in community service and support local partnerships that aim to create a lasting impact. Their initiatives not only enhance their corporate identity but also foster goodwill within the communities they serve.

• Participating in local volunteer initiatives
• Supporting educational programs on sustainability
• Collaborating with local organizations for environmental projects

This holistic approach to sustainability—encompassing both operational practices and community involvement—ensures that The Honickman Companies remain a responsible and impactful leader within the beverage industry.

In conclusion, The Honickman Companies exemplify how a commitment to sustainability can drive business innovation and community engagement. Through their investments in alternative fuels, advanced fleet management technologies, and active community involvement, they are paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future in beverage distribution.

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