REDLANDS, CA - P&R Paper Supply Company Inc. is reducing its carbon footprint with the recent addition of a Kenworth T370 hybrid on a full-service lease through Inland PacLease - Fontana, the local PacLease franchise, according to Layover.com.

With approximately 130 employees, the company's corporate office is located in Redlands, Calif., with another distribution center in San Diego, Calif. In addition to the hybrid truck, P&R Paper Supply operates a total of 37 tractors and straight trucks and distributes products throughout Northern and Southern California, parts of Nevada, and Arizona.

According to Lora Chrest with P&R Paper Supply, P&R Paper Supply joined forces with its suppliers to help offset the additional upfront cost of the hybrid truck. "The PacLease hybrid is utilized in backhauling the Styrofoam products. The graphics on the side of the van body calls attention to the Styrofoam recycling efforts. It also encourages others to recycle."

The Kenworth T370 hybrid is expected to save upwards of 30 percent in the fuel bill for P&R Paper Supply. The hybrid is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent and carbon monoxide by 90 percent.  Chrest said the truck is being used in stop and go deliveries throughout its service area.  

The hybrid uses the PACCAR PX-6 diesel engine rated at 200 hp providing 800 ft-lbs. of torque. The Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system integrates a transmission-mounted 60-hp electric engine, which can start moving the unit without using the diesel engine. The electric engine assists the diesel engine when the unit needs more torque and power for acceleration. The engine works with a frame-mounted, 340-volt lithium-ion battery pack that recharges every time the unit brakes to reduce speed.

The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

"We were very impressed with Inland PacLease and how they showcased the hybrid to our company," said Chrest.  "Now with the new hybrid, we're excited in entering a new chapter with PacLease. We're very confident that the hybrid will be a big success for our company and shed further light on our efforts in recycling."