Introduction

This Fact File explains the history and elements of the SmartWay program, one of the first carbon-reduction programs in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suite. Often referred to as simply “SmartWay,” this program puts in place means to measure, benchmark, and improve freight transportation efficiency. SmartWay is such a strong leader in advancing supply chain sustainability that it's used as a model for international training and technology verification as well as the foundation for emission-reduction regulations in California.

Background

EPA initially rolled out the SmartWay program in 2004 to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas 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: becoming a transport partner and using SmartWay-verified technology.

SmartWay Transport Partnership Program

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 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:

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSR) can be simplified, as many of the tools and standards in this program are commonly used in CSR development.
• Documentation and reports can be used to establish and track progress toward measurable objectives as part of other initiatives (such as ISO 14001).
• 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 Program

The SmartWay Verified Technology 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's included by reference in regulatory action in California. The California Air Resource Board (or CARB) uses SmartWay verification to meet the requirements of the Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas 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 operate in California.

Applicable laws & regulations

• 17 CA Code of Regs Chapter 1, Subchapter 10, Article 4, Subarticle 1 — Heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission reduction regulation

Related definitions

EPA SmartWay Partnership Program provides resources to companies to improve freight transportation efficiency that advances supply chain sustainability.

EPA SmartWay Verified Technologies Program refers to the EPA-verified technologies designed to reduce tractor, trailer, and locomotive fuel use and emissions. The agency verifies aerodynamic devices, idling-reduction equipment, and new and retread low-rolling resistance tires. EPA also designates SmartWay Tractors and Trailers, which are tractors and trailers with specific combinations of EPA-verified technologies.

Keys to remember

The EPA SmartWay program has verified numerous innovative technologies that fleets adopt because of the rapid return on investment, sustainability reporting support, and positive impacts on company perception.

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

Real-world example

A Midwest food distribution company became a SmartWay Partner to support the company’s dedication to sustainable business practices and improve the efficiency of its operations. As part of the partnership, the company switched its fleet of 20 tractors to B20, a biodiesel blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel.

The company saw a 15 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the company began to realize reduced fleet maintenance costs and tractor downtime because biodiesel provides higher lubricity, longer equipment life, protection against fuel injector and injection pump failure, and more.