Continuing our 10 Year Anniversary series, here we focus on our Food Connects fleet!
In the bustling food distribution world, an efficient and reliable fleet ensures that fresh produce and local products reach their destinations on time. Food Connects has experienced a remarkable journey with its fleet, evolving from humble beginnings to a robust collection of vehicles. Join us as we delve into the history of the Food Connects fleet and explore the exciting developments that lie ahead.
The Freightliner: A Pioneer on Wheels
The Food Connects fleet embarked on its journey by acquiring the first vehicle it ever owned, the Freightliner. Capable of holding an impressive ten pallets, this mighty truck played a crucial role in the early days of the Food Hub. Tracy Lake, the organization's first full-time driver, dedicated countless hours to maneuvering the Freightliner, even utilizing it as a sorting and staging area before the advent of adequate warehouse space. It was a workhorse that laid the foundation for the fleet's growth.
Before the arrival of the Freightliner, the Food Connects team relied on the generosity of Harlow Farm, borrowing a truck to meet their transportation needs. This temporary arrangement led to memorable and exhilarating experiences, highlighting the determination and resourcefulness of the organization during its formative years.
Mercedes Sprinters: Compact but Essential
Food Connects introduced two Mercedes Sprinters into its fleet to accommodate evolving demands. Although these vans can only hold two pallets each, they are valuable assets, helping us navigate dirt roads when the Freightliner could not. The acquisition of a van in 2018 represented a noteworthy milestone for the Food Hub, marking the organization's first purchase of a brand-new vehicle. A year later, in 2019, another van joined the fleet. In the spring of 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Hub experienced a significant and rapid surge in sales, prompting a substantial expansion. By May 2020, it became evident that acquiring an additional truck was imperative.
Cab Over Box Trucks: Expanding Capacities
Responding to the need for increased capacity, Food Connects acquired two cab-over box trucks with flat fronts—a Hino 195h and an Isuzu. Purchased during the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Isuzu truck provided immediate relief when it was most needed. The subsequent acquisition of the Hino in September 2021 further strengthened the fleet, offering enhanced storage capabilities and reducing CO2 emissions. Hino's innovative dual reefer system, featuring separate frozen and cooler compartments, ensures optimum temperature control for perishable goods. The Hino, the newest addition to the fleet, can hold eight pallets, while the Isuzu accommodates six.
The Trusty Passat: A Versatile Support Vehicle
Beyond the heavy-duty trucks and vans, the Food Connects fleet includes a reliable Passat, affectionately called the "rescue vehicle." Donated to Food Connects before the arrival of current team members, this 2003 Passat has proven its worth over the years. It serves multiple purposes, from vehicle rescues and sales calls to supporting FTS events and facilitating truck repairs. While showing signs of age, the Passat remains an indispensable asset within the fleet.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The Food Connects fleet primarily relies on diesel vehicles to operate cost-effectively. With an average fuel consumption of 12.11 miles per gallon, the fleet travels over 100,000 miles annually, consuming 8,471 gallons of diesel. Maintaining and repairing the fleet demands a significant investment, with approximately $20,000 allocated annually for maintenance and repairs. Despite these expenses, the organization remains committed to prioritizing fuel efficiency and longevity by opting for diesel vehicles with better mileage and durability.
Embracing the Future: The Arrival of a New Freightliner
As Food Connects continues to grow, it recognizes the need for further expansion and improvement of its fleet. In anticipation of this, we have arranged to lease a brand-new 2024 Freightliner M2, slated to arrive in early 2024. This cutting-edge vehicle boasts a 20-foot box, providing ample space for transporting goods. The decision to lease represents a significant milestone for Food Connects, marking the first time the organization has pursued this financing option. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and alleviate the burden on the fleet, ensuring that all vehicles remain in optimal condition and contributing to the fleet's overall efficiency.
Each vehicle played a crucial role in overcoming transportation challenges and meeting the increasing demands of the Food Hub. As Food Connects eagerly awaits the arrival of the new Freightliner, the organization embraces the future with an unwavering commitment to fuel efficiency, maintenance, and sustainability. Our modern fleet utilizes numerous temperature sensors, onboard GPS, and multiple refrigerated compartments to ensure food safety at all times while transporting in different temperature zones, as well as providing efficient routing and real-time driver communication. With our focus on sustainability and environmental impact, our newest truck employs hybrid technology, mating an electric motor to an efficient diesel engine–lowering our fuel costs while also minimizing our carbon footprint.
With a fleet that continues to expand and adapt, Food Connects is well-equipped to serve its community, connecting local farmers and producers with consumers while upholding its mission of promoting a healthy and sustainable food system.
Help us keep our fleet on the road with a donation to Food Connects!