The ACT Expo Fleet Awards have celebrated the outstanding achievements of fleets across the country in the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options since 2016. From government agencies to private enterprises, the 2025 winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reducing emissions, increasing efficiency, and supporting cleaner air and energy.  

This year, our 2025 awardees were presented with their awards live in the Expo Hall theater, where more than 12,000 commercial transportation stakeholders came together to discuss the technologies, trends, and policies driving the industry forward. Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 winners recognized during ACT Expo 2025 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California.  

Leading Public Fleet – DeKalb County, Fleet Management 

DeKalb County, Georgia, has long been a leader in sustainable fleet management, and its efforts were recognized with a 2025 Fleet Award in the Public Fleet category. Led by Robert Gordon, Deputy Director of Fleet Management, DeKalb County operates an impressive fleet that spans nearly every type of vehicle imaginable, from fire trucks to police cruisers, refuse trucks, motorcycles, and construction equipment. 

What sets DeKalb County apart is its strong commitment to alternative fuels. The fleet currently includes 530-plus vehicles powered by electric, propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technologies. Since 2012, DeKalb has reduced its diesel consumption by an impressive 1.8 million gallons, thanks to its ongoing efforts to incorporate sustainable fuel alternatives. 

Not only has the county invested in cleaner vehicles, but it has also made significant strides in infrastructure. By the end of 2020, DeKalb County had established three CNG fueling stations and six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with plans to expand further. In total, the county boasts more than 70 Level 2 chargers, available to both government employees and the public. DeKalb’s idle reduction program, which trained approximately 300 drivers, has helped further improve air quality by decreasing engine running time. This holistic approach to fleet sustainability makes DeKalb County a true role model in the public sector. 

Leading Private Fleet – Republic Services, Inc. 

Republic Services, Inc. has set the bar high for private fleets with its commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction. With Brett Rogers, Vice President of Operations Technology, leading the charge, Republic Services is transforming its fleet to become more electrified and sustainable. The company’s fleet currently features more than 60 Class 8 electric waste and recycling trucks, along with 15 electric support vehicles. Republic has also launched North America’s first 100% electric refuse fleet, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. 

Republic’s dedication to electrification extends beyond just trucks. The company has deployed 300-plus DC and AC charging ports at its facilities, ensuring that each site is fully operational before any electric trucks are deployed. Additionally, Republic Services is targeting a major milestone by 2028, with plans for 50% of all new vehicle purchases to be electric or alternatively fueled. The company is also incorporating natural gas-powered vehicles, which currently make up 20% of its fleet, as part of its diverse energy strategy. 

With 25 sites already electrified and plans to double the number of EV trucks by the end of 2025, Republic Services is on a path to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, the company achieved a 15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, surpassing its original 2025 target. By further expanding its natural gas and renewable energy infrastructure, Republic is paving the way for a more sustainable future for both its fleet and its customers. 

Leading Shipper – Unilever 

Unilever’s commitment to sustainability in its supply chain has earned the company the Shipper award for the 2025 ACT Expo Fleet Awards. Led by Andrew Sylling, Head of Procurement for Logistics North America, Unilever is a global leader in integrating sustainability across its operations, particularly in logistics. The company has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by collaborating with Paper Transport, a carrier partner that utilizes natural gas trucks fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG) across its dedicated fleet operations in Jacksonville, Florida; Edwardsville, Pennsylvania; and Rialto, California. 

Additionally, Unilever is working closely with customers like Walmart to address Scope 3 emissions, which cover emissions throughout the entire supply chain. As part of its ongoing efforts to decarbonize freight operations, Unilever has launched initiatives to optimize packing processes, reduce container and truck volumes, and minimize the environmental impact of logistics. 

Unilever is also making strides toward electrification, working with EV100+ to pilot and deploy electric trucks in the coming years. With these efforts, Unilever is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the freight industry while meeting the increasing demand for low-carbon solutions. 

In it for the Long Haul – Portland General Electric 

Portland General Electric (PGE) has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in sustainable fleet management, earning recognition in the “In it for the Long Haul” category. Under the leadership of Fleet Manager Shae Davies, PGE has been committed to renewable energy for decades, integrating EVs into its fleet as early as 1996. Today, PGE has already electrified 18% of its total fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles. 

PGE’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own operations. The company has partnered with TriMet to establish Oregon’s first all-electric bus route in Beaverton and has been instrumental in supporting the installation of EV charging infrastructure across the state. In 2024, PGE upgraded its telematics platform to better monitor vehicle health and optimize the use of its EVs, further enhancing the efficiency of its fleet. 

Looking ahead, PGE has set ambitious decarbonization and fleet electrification goals, including the complete electrification of Class 1 vehicles, forklifts, and auxiliary power units for aerial equipment. These efforts underscore PGE’s status as a true pioneer in the clean energy space. 

Congratulations to the Winners 

The 2025 ACT Expo Fleet Awards serve as a reminder that sustainability in transportation is achievable, and these award-winning fleets are leading the way with innovative solutions that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and pave the path to a cleaner future for all. Congratulations to DeKalb County, Republic Services, Unilever, and Portland General Electric for their outstanding achievements. 

This article was originally published on ACT News and can be read here.