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EPA SmartWay Partnership Program

Introduction

This Fact File explains the history and elements of the SmartWay Partnership Program, one of the first carbon reduction programs in the EPA suite. Often referred to as simply “SmartWay,” this program puts in place means to measure, benchmark, and improving freight transportation efficiency. SmartWay is such a strong leader in advancing supply chain sustainability that it is used as a model for international training and technology verification and used as the foundation for emission reduction regulation in California.

Background

EPA initially rolled-out the SmartWay program in 2004, to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and air pollutant emissions, and improve energy security of the ground freight movement system by improving fuel mileage (reducing the amount of fuel burned). There are two primary ways that businesses participate in the SmartWay Program, by becoming a transport partner and by using SmartWay verified technology.

SmartWay transport partnership

EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership provides a method for organizations to set and achieve freight supply chain sustainability goals. The program provides credible tools, data, and standards that can be used to measure and benchmark reductions. This program includes partners from three areas of transport: freight shippers, carriers, and logistic companies.

A SmartWay Partnership provides a number of benefits for registered companies. First, Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSR) can be simplified as many of the tools and standards in this program are commonly used in CSR development. Second, documentation and reports can be used to establish and track progress toward measurable objectives as part of other initiatives (such as ISO14001). Last, partners can use the SmartWay logo to improve public perception and promote their participation in a variety of ways. For example, partners have the option of placing the SmartWay logo on equipment (tractors and trailers) that meet EPA standards.

SmartWay verified technology

The SmartWay Program verifies innovative technologies, that reduce fleet air emissions and fuel use. EPA verifies aerodynamic devices, idling reduction equipment, and low rolling resistance tires. In addition, EPA has a separate verification class for tractors and trailers equipped with defined combinations of EPA-verified technologies. An added business benefit of using these verified technologies, is the fuel cost savings that transport companies quickly realize.

The SmartWay technology verification process is so well defined and trusted that it has been included by reference in regulatory action in California. California Air Resource Board (CARB) uses SmartWay verification to meet the requirements of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Regulation. With some exceptions, this rule requires the use of several SmartWay technologies (such as low-rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic devices) on trailers and tractors that operates in California.

Applicable laws & regulations

Federal – none

California Code of Regulations (CCR) TITLE 17, DIVISION 3, CHAPTER 1, SUBCHAPTER 10, ARTICLE 4, SUBARTICLE 1 - Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Regulation

Related definitions

EPA SmartWay Program, “helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency.”

SmartWay Verified Technologies, “EPA-verified technologies save fuel and reduce emissions for tractors, trailers, and locomotives. EPA verifies aerodynamic devices, idling reduction equipment, and new and retread low rolling resistance tires.”

Keys to remember

The SmartWay Technology Program has verified numerous innovative technologies, which fleets are adopting because of their rapid return on investment, sustainability reporting support, and positive impacts to company perception.

Heavy-duty vehicles operating in California may be required to install SmartWay verified technology.

Real world example

A mid-west food distribution company became a SmartWay Transport Partner because of the company’s dedication to sustainable business practices and improving the efficiency of its operations. As part of their partnership the company switched their fleet of 20 tractors to B20, a biodiesel blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel.

The company saw a fifteen percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the company began to realize reduced fleet maintenance costs and tractor down-time because biodiesel provides higher lubricity, longer equipment life, protection against fuel injector and injection pump failure, and more.