ROCKINGHAM, VA, August 14, 2024 – Soli Organic Inc. BB #:187801, the nation’s leading indoor farming company, is proud to announce a new milestone in its leading transportation team and network. In partnership with Penske Truck Leasing, Soli Organic has added its first battery-powered electric truck to its fleet. This collaboration is based on both companies’ strong, shared commitment to transforming traditionally carbon-intensive industries to reduce environmental impact through innovation.
Soli Organic is integrating the Freightliner® eCascadia® vehicle into its Virginia logistics center, improving the distribution of fresh, high-quality organic products while further reducing its carbon footprint. The pilot will run for 6 months and help further transform its best-in-class LTL (less-than-truckload) refrigerated transportation service.
Soli Organic has continued to make significant progress in its efforts to make leafy greens and herbs more sustainable, including annual route optimization to reduce emissions, growing fresh produce indoors near major hypermarkets to shorten transportation distances, and innovations in growing technologies that, among other things, eliminate the need for energy-intensive fertilizers and source lighting energy from green electricity whenever possible.
“The purchase of this new electric vehicle is a testament to Soli Organic’s ongoing commitment to leveraging innovation to expand our sustainability leadership,” said Matt Ryan, CEO of Soli Organic. “This test will provide us with valuable insights into the operational efficiencies and environmental benefits of electrifying our supply chain.”
Penske Truck Leasing is Soli Organic’s primary provider for its extensive fleet, which reaches major distribution centers and more than 20,000 retail stores nationwide.
“We are excited to support Soli Organic’s ongoing sustainability efforts,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske. “The Freightliner® eCascadia® is designed to deliver strong performance while minimizing environmental impact.”
Soli Organic recently unveiled its most technologically advanced soil-based vertical farming and packaging facility to date in San Antonio, Texas, which grows organic produce indoors using 90% less water and 99% less land than traditional outdoor farming, another example of the company’s continued growth and commitment to sustainability.
About Soli Organic Inc.
Soli Organic Inc. is the nation’s leading indoor organic farming company specializing in high-quality, premium, sustainably grown and 100% USDA certified organic produce. As the industry leader in fresh, organic culinary herbs, Soli Organic is present in over 20,000 stores nationwide and is rapidly expanding leafy greens distribution. Soli Organic continues to redefine the way products are brought to market – utilizing a nationwide integrated platform of farms, production and logistics facilities. For more information, visit www.soliorganic.com.
About Penske Truck Leasing
Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. As a leader in innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 447,000 vehicles and serves customers from nearly 1,000 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 rental locations across North America. Penske’s solutions include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks and a full range of technologies to move the world forward. For more information, visit PenskeTruckLeasing.com.
