Shaw Transport Joins EPA SmartWayK

Dalton, GA, August 4, 2006--Shaw Transport, Inc., Shaw Industries’ trucking fleet, was accepted into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWayK Transport Partner program. The SmartWay program is a voluntary collaboration between the EPA and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. The goal of the program is to reduce between 33-66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions per year by the year 2012. It is expected that the initiative will also result in fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually. SmartWay Transport Partners commit to measure and improve the efficiency of their freight operations, using EPA-developed tools that quantify the benefits of a number of fuel-saving strategies. Among the measures to be implemented is reducing unnecessary idling to improve air quality and save fuel. Idle-reduction options will be developed along major transportation corridors, such as truck stops, travel centers, distribution hubs, and even along the side of the road. Initiated in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership brings together freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, and logistics companies to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The partnership currently has more than 425 members. Shaw’s participation in the program will include all of Shaw Transport’s services, including OTR (over the road), RDC (regional distribution centers), and IPT (inter-plant transfer). One of the largest private trucking fleets in the country, Shaw Transport vehicles log over 72 million miles a year. Consistent with Shaw’s corporate objectives of “environmental excellence,” Shaw Transport has measurement systems in place to track its progress in People Net and Six Sigma projects. This month the EPA informed Shaw Transport that it had met the initial criteria for being able to use the SmartWay Transport Partnership logo. The division is currently working on its plans to improve its environmental performance even further. Shaw will use an EPA measurement system called FLEET (Fleet Logistics Energy and Environmental Tracking) to document its plans and to provide the EPA with an annual report of progress in meeting objectives. “I am pleased to welcome Shaw Transport to the SmartWay Transport Partnership,” said Margo T. Oge, director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA. “They join the partnership in a commitment to increase fuel efficiency and make freight-related environmental improvements.” According to Mitch Land, Shaw Transport group director, the division has already accomplished a number of environmental initiatives, many of which have been recognized in the earning of the right to use the SmartWay Transport Partnership logo: * Upgrading of fleet by purchasing “greener” engines that emit less carbon and nitrogen oxides. * Use of more single-wide-base tires on tanker vehicles. These tires are lighter than two standard tires and wheels and result in fuel savings and added stability and safety. * Implementation of a strict idling policy with an automatic shut-off after five minutes. * Trials of Alternative Power Units (APUs), a combination of a small heater, compressor for air conditioning, and an alternator to provide heat, air conditioning, power for electrical devices, and engine heat. * Study of possible use of synthetic lubricants and more external aerodynamics to increase engine efficiency and lower emissions. “Shaw’s efforts will contribute to the EPA SmartWay goal of reducing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide,” says Land. “Our commitment to reducing these emissions represents a substantial contribution to freight-based environmental performance and fuel efficiency.”

Related Topics:Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

Print the Article