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This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

Posted May 25, 2011 9:28 AM

From Gizmodo:

See that iconic UPS truck above? It looks like your standard cargo truck, but it's actually made of plastic. It's also fuel efficient and recyclable. Body panels for these new UPS trucks will be made of ABS plastic instead of sheet aluminum. This plastic shell will lighten a typical vehicle by a whopping 1,000 pounds. A lighter truck can be outfitted with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine. UPS estimates it can boost its fuel efficiency by 40% and can save over 84 million gallons of fuel each year. Their soaring fuel costs will go down and we get to breathe some cleaner air. Best of all, the ABS plastic could be scavenged from retired trucks and recycled into other products.

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#1

Re: This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

05/25/2011 10:56 AM

"Best of all, the ABS plastic could be scavenged from retired trucks and recycled into other products."

As opposed to aluminum?

An impressive weight savings, 1,000 pounds. That, and the subsequent fuel savings, is most likely best of all.

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Guru

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#4
In reply to #1

Re: This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

05/26/2011 8:08 AM

So is this an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint?

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Guru

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#2

Re: This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

05/25/2011 11:07 AM

Is plastic (in the thickness needed for appropriate strength) really lighter than aluminum?

Will I be able to cut doors in the side of the truck with my pocket knife?

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

05/25/2011 3:02 PM

Maybe brown ABS is pocket knife proof.

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#5

Re: This is UPS's Next Generation Truck. And it's Plastic.

05/26/2011 8:47 AM

So they save 84 million gallons of gas... think that means we save on the FSC?

UPS is making an effort to reduce the carbon footprint... as a consumer you can add an additional 5 cents to $1 to each package sent to help erase the footprint your package makes.

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