Appliance maker Whirlpool Corp. is the latest shipper to join the SmartWay Transport Partnership, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry.
Whirlpool has committed to utilize SmartWay carriers for a greater portion of its freight in the future. In addition, Brian Hancock, vp-supply chain for Whirlpool North America, said the company expects to assess other elements of its transportation practices and implement additional efficiency improvements such as increased intermodal shipping, idle reduction policies, and warehouse improvements.
“As a leading appliance producer in North America, we know that our actions can have a substantial impact on our environmental footprint,” he said.
Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay network aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year, while reducing carbon dioxide by 33 to 66 million metric tons and cutting up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions per year by 2012. To date, the partnership has over 450 shipper and carrier members.
