Crescent Crown's opened its newest distribution center in Surprise, Ariz., a "green" facility that will distribute six million cases of beer per year and has leased hybrid diesel-electric Peterbilt 335 delivery trucks expected to save 35 percent in fuel costs.

"One of the most exciting pieces to our green initiatives is the implementation of hybrid delivery vehicles," said James R. (Bubba) Moffett, president of Crescent Crown Distributing. "Our new distribution center represents a significant investment in our company's continuing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. And the hybrid trucks we are leasing from PacLease are a critical part of that strategy."

The 280,000 square foot facility features many "green initiatives" to conserve energy and natural resources, including a low-watt motion activated lighting system, energy-efficient computer-controlled AC system, and an irrigation system using reclaimed water.

"We have just placed in operation three Peterbilt 335 hybrids, leased through PacLease - one in New Orleans, and the other two right here in the Phoenix and Surprise area," said Moffett. "We're excited about being one of the first beer distributors in the country running hybrids and we encourage others to look at the technology as a way to lessen their carbon footprint."

According to Rich Marchant, vice president of operations for Crescent Crown Distributing, the hybrids are performing well and garnering a lot of attention. "We've had them out delivering for two weeks now and they're performing flawlessly. And the fuel savings and subsequent reduction in emissions are very real - we're anticipating around a 35 percent reduction in our fuel bill with these trucks. And, down the road, that can make quite an impact as we typically buy more than 310,000 gallons per year for our delivery trucks."

For Mike Preston, one of the hybrid drivers, not a day goes by that he's not asked questions about the hybrid. When it comes to refueling, Preston said he normally has to stop twice a week for re-fueling the hybrid, whereas in his previous truck he was stopping three to four times. "It's clear we're saving money in fuel," he said.

A Peterbilt hybrid uses an electric motor that works with the mechanical diesel engine to supply supplemental torque. The system stores energy during stopping through regenerative braking and then uses it for acceleration.

PacLease provides customized full-service leasing programs and truck rentals for customers in a wide variety of industries. To learn more about PacLease programs contact a local PacLease location or visit www.paclease.com.