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Loans To Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions

Release Date: 11/14/2006
Contact Information: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Nov. 14, 2006) Small trucking companies can make sure the rubber meets the road while saving money and reducing pollution with a new loan initiative that will help pay for fuel-saving technologies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with the Small Business Administration to make loans available to purchase SmartWay Upgrade Kits.

"This new loan initiative is another step forward in our nation's efforts to conserve resources, achieve energy independence, and reduce the emissions that contribute to soot and smog," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. "By taking these actions and making advanced truck technologies more affordable, we are responding to the president's call for greater fuel efficiency."

This loan initiative uses SBA Express Loans and partners with Bank of America, Business Loan Express, Superior Financial Group and other SBA lenders to help small trucking companies finance the purchase of SmartWay Upgrade Kits. The kits include idle-reduction devices, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic equipment, and exhaust after-treatment devices. The kits can improve truck fuel efficiency by 15 percent and save more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually, while significantly reducing emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides.

Participating lenders will provide quick approval and affordable monthly payments. Small trucking firms can borrow from $5,000 to $25,000, with no collateral, an easy on-line or telephone application, and flexible loan terms.

Information on EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership program and the loan initiative: epa.gov/smartway/financing.htm