At first glance, it might seem that a non-asset-based operation like Arpin Van Lines wouldn’t fit the usual definition of a green fleet. Dig deeper, however, and you’d see how Arpin Group, the holding company that includes Arpin Van Lines, is making a difference in the carbon footprint left by trucks that carry its name.
“We continue to advance toward a more sustainable future,” Peter Arpin, partner of Arpin Group, says. “Our mission is to meet the highest environmental standards and to ultimately manage a company that is in balance with the economy and the environment.”
Today, a total of 506 power units are dispatched by Arpin Van Lines, including 29 company-owned vehicles, 412 operated by agents and the balance by dedicated owner-operators. A key sustainability initiative for all trucks in the Arpin operation has been focused on eliminating unnecessary idling.
“We invested in solutions that reduce engine runtime and fuel consumption while still providing power that drivers need for on-board communications devices and comfort and convenience items,” Arpin explains. “For example, we’re promoting and offering to help finance eNow solar panel systems that capture and convert the sun’s energy into usable power for HVAC systems, battery charging, and safety lighting.”
Arpin has also worked to help its agents and independent contractors use cleaner-burning biofuels and to enable ways to operate more fuel efficiently. “One of the biggest things they can do, of course, is buy newer trucks, which are more fuel efficient,” Arpin states. “Additionally, we encourage the use of routing and optimization technologies to reduce unnecessary mileage and consequently cut fuel use.”
Arpin, an EPA SmartWay partner, routinely measures and benchmarks fuel-efficiency metrics related to its transportation business. “We compile data so we can see how we can make improvements and operate more efficiently,” Arpin says. “And we buy a lot of carrying capacity on the open market, so we’re mindful of where we make those purchases and look to work with companies that are SmartWay Transport Partnership participants.”
Arpin’s multifaceted approach to implementation of sustainable practices is driven by a sustainability committee at the company that’s charged with continuous self-assessment and with advising Arpin’s board on environmentally responsible growth. For example, the committee promotes facility improvements such as eliminating cafeteria waste using an on-site compost station and moving to eco-friendly landscaping and cleaning supplies. At its headquarters in West Warwick, RI, Arpin has installed two major solar arrays and soon will be a net-zero energy consumer at that location.
Arpin’s sustainability efforts led to it being named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of its top 20% of carbon-efficient transportation partners. Arpin also received a 2016 Environmental Merit Award from the EPA’s New England regional office for helping improve the region’s environment.
Family-owned Arpin Group is a full-service moving and storage solutions provider for corporate, residential, government, and military customers founded in 1900. Today, the parent company of Arpin Van Lines also operates Arpin Renewable Energy, which spearheads research and development to facilitate the widespread adoption of green technologies in the transportation industry.
Across the board at Arpin, the company is actively seeking ways to minimize its environmental impact and carbon footprint by its strong commitment to implementing a range of sustainability initiatives.
