DHL Supply Chain & Diageo Drive Change with Hydrogen Trucks

DHL Supply Chain is making strides in decarbonising logistics, in collaboration with its long-standing partner, Diageo North America.

Their latest project introduces the Nikola Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles to the Diageo site in Illinois, aiming to transform the sustainability of freight transport and logistics in the region.

The partnership, which began in 2015, originally saw DHL introducing the Class 8 Orange EV yard trucks at Diageo's Illinois facility.

Now, both companies are pushing forward with the deployment of two Class 8 hydrogen-powered electric trucks, which will be stationed at Diageo’s Plainfield campus.

These trucks are manufactured by Nikola Corporation and will be refuelled using a modular HYLA refuelling unit, designed to support these advanced vehicles efficiently.

Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain, reflects on the significance of this step: "We’re thrilled to integrate Nikola's hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into our US fleet,” he says.

“As a global logistics company with the goal of decarbonising its business, we’ve integrated sustainability as a fourth strategic bottom line named ‘Green Logistics of Choice’ in our newly announced Strategy 2030.

“The deployment of these fuel cell electric vehicles is one of many initiatives that demonstrates how we’re putting action behind our words.”

DHL’s strategy incorporates sustainability as a ‘fourth bottom line’—a clear sign that environmental responsibility is not an afterthought but a key business priority.

Decarbonising logistics 

DHL Supply Chain’s innovative efforts to reduce its environmental impact are particularly evident in its work with Diageo.

The introduction of the new hydrogen-powered trucks is just one component of a wider plan.

Over the years, DHL has integrated a range of sustainable measures, including battery electric vehicles (EVs), optimised route planning, and multimodal transport solutions, all aimed at decreasing emissions.

Furthermore, the logistics company collaborates with carriers that are part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay programme, which encourages greener transport practices.

Diageo's North American supply operations have greatly benefited from these initiatives.

Marsha McIntosh, Diageo’s President of North America Supply, expresses her enthusiasm: “We’re extremely excited to be a part of this partnership, delivering the first set of heavy-duty hydrogen trucks to Illinois, home to our largest manufacturing hub in North America.” 

“This initiative is part of our continued work to decarbonise our footprint in Plainfield, making our operations more efficient and sustainable.”

These collective efforts have led to consistent year-on-year reductions in carbon dioxide emissions across both companies.

The choice of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is expected to cut emissions even further, with predictions suggesting an 80% reduction in carbon emissions for each replaced diesel vehicle, alongside significant cuts to nitrogen oxide pollution.

Hydrogen trucks: A greener, safer alternative

The new hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks by Nikola offer a compelling alternative to conventional diesel trucks.

With zero tailpipe emissions, these vehicles provide a crucial advantage in lowering greenhouse gases. Their advanced technology utilises hydrogen to generate electricity, allowing the trucks to cover up to 500 miles on a single refill.

The benefits, however, extend beyond emissions reduction. The new trucks offer improvements in safety and comfort for drivers by minimising noise and vibrations, reducing driver fatigue.

The trucks are also equipped with advanced camera systems, which enhance visibility and security on the road.

“We’re proud to work alongside visionary partners like DHL and Diageo in driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation,” adds Steve Girsky, President and CEO at Nikola. 

“Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission and we’re honoured to provide the HYLA hydrogen as well as the hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks that power this shared goal.”

An expanding hub of sustainability

Diageo’s manufacturing operations in Plainfield are vital to the company’s North American logistics strategy.

The facility, which includes extensive manufacturing, bottling, and warehousing capabilities, plays a central role in producing key products like Captain Morgan and Smirnoff. As part of its sustainability push, the campus has steadily expanded its use of EV yard trucks since the initial partnership with DHL.

Today, more than 10 EV yard trucks operate at the site, with nearly 100 deployed across DHL Supply Chain locations in North America.

Building on the success of this growing fleet, both companies are now transferring their expertise in EV yard truck deployment to on-road applications. This approach demonstrates DHL and Diageo’s shared ambition to lead the industry in eco-friendly logistics.

With these latest developments, it’s clear that DHL Supply Chain and Diageo are not just talking about sustainability, they are taking concrete steps to achieve it. 

This ongoing partnership shows how key players in logistics and manufacturing can collaborate effectively to create a more sustainable future.

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