Knight receives CAAP Air Quality Award

Knight Transportation Inc (NYSE: KNX) has been named the recipient of a sixth annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Award.
This award is presented by the staff of the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, in addition to representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management district, California Air Resources Board, and US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.
Knight has a company-wide commitment to protect the environment and exceed industry standards. It operates more than 4,000 trucks nationwide—of which 330 operate in the Los Angeles/Long Beach port area. Knight’s fleet runs on US EPA 2007- and US EPA 2010-compliant engines, and more than half of the fleet operating in the LA/LB port area consists of 2010 or newer trucks exceeding current port requirements. Engines from the 2010 and newer trucks have reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 18% and reduced NOx emissions by 90% compared with 2007 or older.
Managing fuel consumption is a priority for Knight and results in reduced vehicle carbon emissions. Processes have been implemented to monitor driving behavior progress as well as modifications made to equipment. One major component of their fleet is about 9,500 refrigerated and dry van trailers. Through partnership with a company that manufactures trailer blades, Knight has added these panels to 97% of the fleet. Trailer blades reduce fuel consumption by minimizing air flow under the trailer and around the back axle. Optimized engine technology, reduced equipment weight, and low-rolling-resistance tires are other ways in which Knight has improved fuel consumption. In addition, 100% of Knight tractors are equipped with bunk heaters, thus reducing the drivers’ need to idle during cooler winter months.
As a member of the US EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership program since 2004, Knight received the SmartWay Excellence Award in 2007, 2009, and 2012.