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Freight Industry Leaders in the Southeast Recognized for Environmental Innovation Companies in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Fla. and Greensboro, N.C. awarded for reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gases

Release Date: 10/31/2006
Contact Information: Laura Niles, (404) 562-8353, niles.laura@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – October 31, 2006) EPA recognized trucking companies that exemplify superior environmental excellence during an award ceremony October 30, 2006 at the American Trucking Association’s annual conference in Grapevine, Texas. Under the SmartWay Transport Partnership, EPA joins with members of the freight industry to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by integrating innovative strategies and technologies into their fleet operations.

The SmartWay Excellence Awardees in the Southeast include Interface, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia (Joint award with Meridian IQ) in the “Shippers” category, and APL Logistics of Jacksonville, Florida and Epes Logistics Services, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina, both in the “Logistics Companies” category.

SmartWay helps carriers and shippers improve their business and the environment by helping them access fuel- and emissions-saving technologies, such as engine idle reduction technology, low rolling resistance tires, improved aerodynamics and exhaust after-treatment devices, which can reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15 percent, and help reduce pollution from carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions. SmartWay provides companies with technical assistance, tools for evaluating opportunities, and help locating financing to purchase these technologies.

More than 450 companies have joined the SmartWay partnership. EPA and its transport partners are on track to save over $1.2 billion on fuel costs and remove more than 4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the air by 2007. By 2012, the partnership will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 33 to 66 million metric tons per year, and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 200,000 tons per year. This is equivalent to removing up to 12 million cars off the road each year or the equivalent of saving up to 150 million barrels of oil per year.

For more information on the SmartWay Transport Partnership, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.