Steering a Fleet Toward Fuel Efficiency: How WCCLS Improved Courier Operations
WCCLS provides delivery service between 16 member libraries so that you can pick up and return items at the location nearest you. Courier service saved patrons an estimated $1.5 million in gas money last year, according to the WCCLS data team. Fewer cars on the road also means less emissions; without courier services, an estimated 8.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide would have been released into the air if patrons had to drive to and from the owning library to pick up and return materials.
“In a nutshell, we pick up books, drop them off, and repeat,” says Lee Evans, the Materials Movement Supervisor. “How we do that really matters,” Lee, along with his team of 6, are responsible for moving 2.5 million library items around Washington County each year.
Lee helped optimize the routes so that all deliveries start in the early morning and finish by 11:30 am, before the hottest time of day. The new routes require only 3 vehicles, which reduced the amount of fuel by 25%.
Another improvement that made these delivery routes possible is the addition of two electric vehicles. In 2023, an electric Ford full-size van was added to the fleet. Its versatility enables the Courier team to continue routes when one of the trucks is undergoing maintenance, and also doubles as an outreach vehicle.
By 2025, it became clear that there was a need for a dedicated vehicle for outreach events, so a hybrid Chrysler minivan was introduced to the fleet. It operates on both gas and electricity to reduce its carbon footprint; with a range exceeding 520 miles, the electric vehicle transports WCCLS staff to community events throughout Washington County!
"The County's support in sourcing the right vehicles and keeping our fleet well maintained has been instrumental in improving reliability and advancing our fuel efficiency goals," adds PJ Bentley, WCCLS Operations Manager.
If you liked this post, read 7 Ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at the Library.
WCCLS is committed to continuously improving our sustainability efforts to ensure that we are able to connect people with life-changing library services for many years to come. In the video below, ride along with our courier team on one of their morning routes.
