Building Eco-Friendly Logistics Infrastructure Using SK LPG Filling Stations
Cooperation to Enhance Welfare for 1-Ton Truck Owners
Yoon Byung-seok, CEO of SK Gas (left), Park Chan-bok, Chairman of the Korea Integrated Logistics Association (center), and Shin Young-soo, Chairman of the Parcel Delivery Committee (right) are taking a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony for the joint establishment of an eco-friendly LPG 1-ton truck logistics ecosystem in the parcel delivery industry. Photo by SK Gas
On the 23rd, SK Gas announced that it signed a business agreement with the courier industry at the Korea Integrated Logistics Association located in Insadong to jointly establish an eco-friendly LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) 1-ton truck logistics ecosystem.
Through this business agreement, SK Gas and the courier industry agreed to mutually cooperate on ▲building eco-friendly logistics infrastructure ▲coexistence with the courier industry ▲contributing to air quality improvement by converting to eco-friendly LPG 1-ton trucks.
As the number one company in the domestic LPG industry, SK Gas plans to create eco-friendly logistics infrastructure by utilizing nationwide SK Gas filling station sites and nearby courier terminals to promote the development of the logistics association and enhance the benefits of the courier industry through cooperation with the courier sector.
Additionally, efforts will be made to improve the welfare of freight truck owners in the courier industry. Through a dedicated membership for the courier industry usable at over 800 SK filling stations nationwide and various promotions, SK Gas plans to provide practical benefits to 1-ton truck freight owners and offer wholehearted support as a partner for mutual growth.
Another project to be promoted through this MOU is the conversion of existing diesel 1-ton trucks to eco-friendly LPG 1-ton trucks. The 1-ton truck, most commonly used in the courier industry, is mostly diesel models. Diesel 1-ton trucks will be banned from new registration as courier vehicles starting January 2024 under the Air Quality Management Zone Act. Accordingly, production of diesel 1-ton trucks was halted this year, and only two models?the new LPG 1-ton truck and the electric 1-ton truck?will be produced. The courier industry is also considering the new LPG 1-ton truck, which has significantly improved performance compared to existing LPG 1-ton trucks, as a new alternative and plans to support the conversion from diesel 1-ton trucks to LPG 1-ton trucks.
The new LPG 1-ton truck is evaluated as more suitable than electric trucks in difficult environments requiring heavy cargo loads and winter transportation due to its shorter refueling time (3 minutes) and longer driving range (500 km). Furthermore, all aspects of the vehicle have been improved compared to the existing model, which had weaknesses such as low power, fuel efficiency, and only manual transmission models, by offering strong power comparable to diesel 1-ton trucks, high fuel efficiency, and automatic transmission. Additionally, since it emits less fine dust than diesel trucks, converting courier vehicles that mainly operate in residential areas to the new LPG 1-ton trucks is expected to contribute to improving residential air quality. Moreover, fuel costs are cheaper than diesel, making it an optimal alternative for 1-ton freight truck owners.
Yoon Byung-seok, CEO of SK Gas, stated, "We will work together with the courier industry for coexistence with 1-ton truck freight owners and the transition to eco-friendly LPG 1-ton trucks," adding, "We will provide customized solutions and practical support for establishing eco-friendly logistics infrastructure through more active collaboration in the future." Park Chan-bok, Chairman of the Korea Integrated Logistics Association, said, "We hope that this agreement will bring practical benefits to courier workers owning LPG 1-ton trucks and help create an eco-friendly mobility operating environment." Shin Young-soo, Chairman of the Courier Committee, remarked, "This is meaningful as an eco-friendly project jointly promoted by the courier industry, an essential daily industry, and the leading LPG company combining their capabilities and infrastructure," and added, "The courier industry will also strive to expand the introduction of LPG 1-ton trucks to strengthen ESG management and improve the welfare of courier drivers."
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