Schneider National Inc, Green Bay WI, received the Environmental Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership for its achievements and leadership in reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from its transportation activities.
"Our partnership with SmartWay Transport proves that, regardless of size, companies can save money while they help the environment," said Chris Lofgren, Schneider president and chief executive officer. "We urge everyone in the freight industry to join this worthwhile effort.”
Schneider drivers are trained to achieve greater fuel efficiency, and all of the company's units have complete aerodynamic packages which include bumpers, side fairings, fuel tank skirts, integrated roof shields and minimum tractor-to-trailer gap. Tractors are road-speed limited to 65 mph with a maximum cruise speed of 63 mph.
The award was announced at the 2006 American Trucking Associations Management Conference October 20 in Dallas TX. Schneider was one of 24 companies from among the partnership's more than 400 partners to receive the distinction. SmartWay Transport Partners include businesses and organizations of all sizes, from FORTUNE 500 companies to family-owned businesses, each working to improve their environmental performance.
SmartWay was introduced in 2004 by EPA and a group of 15 shipping and business leaders, which included Schneider National. The goal of the program is to reduce fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutants from the transportation sector. In two years, by employing straightforward strategies for reducing truck and rail emissions, partner companies have essentially reduced emissions equivalent to that of 500,000 cars, according to EPA information.