Eighteen carriers, five shippers, three logistics providers, and an industry service group have been recognized for their environmental efforts with 2008 SmartWay Excellence Awards.
The awards are given annually for “superior efforts to reduce fuel use and lower carbon emissions from freight transport” by the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership. EPA established the SmartWay program in 2004 to help fleets and shippers evaluate ways to reduce emissions and to help find funding for new green transportation technology.
SmartWay started the awards program in 2006, and two Wisconsin-based carriers have been on the list of winners all three years: Schneider National and Roehl Transport.
“Our long and progressive environmental performance record is due in large part to our enterprise-wide commitment to innovation, testing and building equipment for the greatest energy efficiency,” says Steve Matheys, executive vp of global commercial services for Schneider National. “Our efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint but also help us remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Among its notable 2008 efforts, Schneider reports it has voluntarily instituted a fleet speed limit of 60 mph, saving 3.75 million gal. of diesel fuel and eliminating 83.25 million lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.
Roehl offers truckload van, refrigerated and flatbed services. The company bases its green initiatives on the principal of “avoid overconsumption and wasteful use of resources,” according to the fleet's environmental responsibility statement.
Although Roehl says conservation is nothing new for the 45-yr.-old company, its commitment as a SmartWay partner includes spec'ing the most fuel-efficient equipment available, using operational tools such as fuel optimization software, and a proprietary fuel-conservation training program for all drivers, managers and support staff. In 2007 alone, its efforts reduced fleet emissions by 154,905 tons of carbon dioxide, 14.999 tons of particulate matter and 529.9 tons of oxides of nitrogen, based on SmartWay calculations.
