G75: Inbound Logistics’ 75 Green Supply Chain Partners

G75: Inbound Logistics’ 75 Green Supply Chain Partners

If you want your carbon footprint to be as small as possible, and your business to be sustainable, then make sure you are doing business with supply chain partners who feel the same way. Inbound Logistics’ annual 75 Green Supply Chain Partners (G75) focuses on showcasing companies that demonstrate green best practices in their supply chain, logistics, and transportation operations. IL editors examined corporate sustainability initiatives, collaborative customer-driven projects, and participation in public-private partnerships, then ultimately chose the G75 based on four benchmarks: Measurable green results, sustainability innovation, continuous improvement, and industry recognition. The following alphabetical list recognizes the achievments of companies at the head of the pack, who demonstrate their commitment to the environment and the global community, year after year.

A. DUIE PYLE

Committed to reducing its environmental footprint through reduced consumption of fossil fuel, A. Duie Pyle buys 100-percent automatic transmissions; and performs proper inspection, engine maintenance, and tire specification to optimize rolling resistance. The carrier performs annual hands-on driver training on daily vehicle inspections, and annual one-on-one defensive driver training to optimize fuel consumption. Pyle installs auto-inflation systems for trailer tires and skirted trailers where possible. The carrier extends its commitment to green into its facilities—all docks are paperless, new shops have radiant heat flooring, and concrete terminal ramps have radiant slab, activated by snow detection devices.

AAA COOPER

AAA Cooper is actively engaged in several green initiatives, including enhanced and full aerodynamic fairing packages; automated manual transmissions engineered with specific drivetrain modifications designed to improve overall MPG and reduced emissions; and use of wide-base tires, resulting in substantial MPG gains and reduced emissions. The carrier also operates a 100-percent fully skirted pup trailer fleet, with modernized tire pressure and monitoring systems that both increase and decrease tire pressure while operating to optimize for the best MPG and emissions. AAA Cooper’s sleeper fleet is equipped with the latest generation of APU systems, and uses the plug-in system to allow operation without any fuel burn when parked.

ABF FREIGHT

ABF Freight was a pioneer in adopting fleet efficiency and sustainability measures that are now seen as proven methods for promoting a greener supply chain. The carrier, which was awarded a SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, continues to pursue innovations and practices designed to enhance environmental performance and efficiency. For example, ABF limits its trucks to a top speed of 62 mph, and prohibits discretionary engine idling. As a result, every ABF Freight truck emits significantly fewer tons of carbon dioxide. The carrier also has reduced fuel consumption and enhanced operational efficiency through best practices that include a strictly followed equipment maintenance and replacement program.

AGILITY

Building more sustainable supply chains and mitigating the environmental impact of its operations is Agility’s long-term, multi-faceted commitment. To that end, the 3PL focuses its efforts on green supply chains that enable the company and its customers to jointly address energy issues; energy efficiency achieved by preserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gases; waste management measurements and widespread adoption of “recycle, reuse, reduce” practices; and policies that integrate environmental stewardship into its operations and culture. At the recent Asian Manufacturing Awards in Singapore, Agility was recognized for offering the “Best Solution for Sustainability.”

ALLIANCE SHIPPERS

As an active EPA Smartway Partner, Alliance Shippers continuously looks for ways to provide green supply chain solutions. Since 2009, Alliance has decreased NOx mass emissions tons per year; and decreased PM10 and PM2.5 mass emissions. For the same reporting period, Alliance saw an increase in CO2 emissions tons per year; however, miles and tons carried payload has increased by 20 percent; therefore, the overall analysis suggests that Alliance has ultimately reduced CO2 carbon emissions by 27 percent since 2009.

APL LOGISTICS

Using its carbon footprint calculator and green supply chain analysis, APL Logistics’ engineers can identify more sustainable practices, including operational savings, for shippers. The 3PL’s analysis tools estimate the amount of greenhouse gases produced by using fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transportation, and other purposes at each warehouse. Simulation tools help explore different warehouse configurations to reduce movements and double handling. APL Logistics also optimizes shipment routes and the overall logistics network to help reduce product carbon footprint. It also maximizes modal conversion opportunities to utilize ocean and rail.

AVERITT

Averitt was one of the 52 partners to launch the EPA’s SmartWay Program in 2004. With the help of this program, Averitt established a systematic approach to emissions reduction and fuel conservation. The company’s environmentally friendly practices include taking many steps to achieve high fuel efficiency; maintaining trucks and equipment using low-viscosity lubricants and engine oils; implementing recycling programs; using energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs in its facilities; maintaining balance in the distribution network to reduce empty miles; and educating the workforce on how they can increase fuel efficiency, reduce engine idling, and improve processes that impact the environment.

BDP INTERNATIONAL

BDP International’s sustainability program focuses on internal and external initiatives, including an interactive sustainability education program for all employees, along with programs focused on energy conservation, paper reduction, recycling, reuse, and transit. As a member of the Clean Cargo Working Group, the 3PL collaborates with industry peers and business partners, is able to measure its carbon emissions, and can access carrier environmental data. In 2014, 45 percent of office and paper supply purchases were environmentally conscious, and the company recycled electronic waste responsibly.

BNSF LOGISTICS

A SmartWay partner since 2005, BNSF Logistics continues to partner with leading retailers to develop and implement recycling programs for plastics, paper, technology, and other naturally replenished resources. The company embraces intermodal as an alternative to highway transportation, which increases energy efficiency and reduces emissions. The 3PL has demonstrated a year-over-year reduction in CO2 grams/mile output from the use of contracted carriers and mode conversion, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

CARDINAL LOGISTICS

As a SmartWay partner, and to ensure it operates as safely for the environment as possible, Cardinal Logistics has made fleet advancements including operating new, lower emissions equipment and reducing fuel consumption. It has governed speed, installed Auxiliary Power Units, and implemented automatic idle shutdown and other modifications to increase MPG. In addition, the 3PL is testing renewable fuels, including adding CNG trucks to its fleet. Cardinal trained its team on proper maintenance and driving habits, and offers incentives for high MPG rates. The company’s proprietary technologies help lower fleet emissions by reducing miles and monitoring for efficient performance.

CASESTACK

CaseStack’s consolidation programs help conserve natural resources by reducing dock congestion, improving warehouse efficiencies, and decreasing the number of trucks on the highway. The resulting supply chain consumes less energy and produces lower amounts of carbon emissions. From energy-efficient warehouse upgrades to a retailer consolidation program, CaseStack’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency has been recognized and certified by numerous organizations, including the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partner program since 2010.

CARGO TRANSPORTERS

A Smartway certified carrier, Cargo Transporters has equipped all tractors with renewal source-powered (battery) cab HVACs. Truck and trailer configurations include wide-base tires, tractor and trailer aero skirting, speed limiters at 63 mph, smart cruise, integrated navigation to reduce out-of-route miles, and E-ZPass and PrePass to reduce stops and starts. The carrier converted its operations center and maintenance shops to LED lighting to reduce utility usage, purchased two battery-powered cars for drivers to run local errands with no fossil fuel use, installed four electric vehicle charge stations, and uses solar-powered compacting trash and recycle stations across its facility.

CAT LIFT TRUCKS

Cat Lift Trucks focuses on sustainability by offering a Tier 4 Final diesel-engine lift truck that provides benefits such as reducing PM emissions by up to 90 percent, and reducing NOx emissions by up to 50 percent. The truck offers low (or no) maintenance emissions systems, precise control over the combustion process, and higher productivity and lower cost of ownership by way of consistent performance with better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the company offers electric lift trucks that are battery-operated and do not consume fossil fuels or release harmful emissions.

CELADON

Celadon takes an aggressive, proactive approach to supporting a cleaner environment; to point, the trucker is a three-time consecutive winner of the SmartWay Excellence Award for increasing fuel efficiency, while reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.Celadon maintains a young fleet with an average tractor age of less than two years. It installed auxiliary power units on its trucks to eliminate the engine’s need to idle for comfort heating and cooling, installed ambient air temperature sensors on trucks to override the engine’s ability to run between the ambient of 12 to 150 degrees F, and equipped trucks and trailers with fuel-efficient duals.

C.H. ROBINSON

An intense focus on research is C.H. Robinson’s approach to supply chain sustainability. In one recent project, for example, the 3PL identified that current models for calculating LTL carbon emissions are inaccurate, as many approaches are based on truckload CO2 emissions protocols. This research led to two new, more accurate, methods of calculating LTL carbon emissions. The models developed by the research are freely available to every logistics player, and provide a platform for future research. If adopted, these models can help the industry create a more precise account of LTL carbon emissions.

CHEP

As a pallet and container pooling solutions provider, CHEP has a 50-year history of reducing, reusing, and recycling resources. Using CHEP’s equipment pooling solutions has been proven to significantly reduce energy consumption, environmental waste and CO2 emissions. CHEP’s sustainability approach is a commitment to helping pallet users improve overall supply chain efficiency and sustainability through its product and service offerings; working toward Zero Harm—zero environmental damage—by minimizing its environmental footprint; engaging employees and making a positive contribution to the communities CHEP operates in; and driving sustainability in the global supply chains it serves.

CON-WAY

With green buildings, stringent truck idling restrictions, speed governors, and active participation in government-sponsored programs such as SmartWay, Con-way demonstrates its environmental stewardship. Each of Con-way’s operating companies have implemented and/or delivered sustainable programs and results in energy conservation and procurement, and waste reduction and recycling.

COVENANT TRANSPORT

A leading advocate on environmental issues, Covenant Transport is committed to the mission of the EPA’s SmartWay program, which encourages all carriers to utilize best practices to minimize fuel consumption and emissions into the environment. The carrier has implemented a number of technology enhancements to its fleet, and initiated several innovative policies and procedures that all add up to a cleaner environment and fuel cost savings.

C.R. ENGLAND

Whether it is operating natural gas fleets through its dedicated division, reducing fuel consumption through its intermodal network, or testing and implementing new technologies, C.R. England stays environmentally responsible. Over the past decade, C.R. England has played a leading role in tractor and trailer aerodynamics, overall weight reduction, and optimizing fuel economy and route selection. Additional improvements made over time to help stay green also include using increased aerodynamics and equipment, and implementing idling and speed reduction strategies. The trucker also has implemented new technologies to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

CSX

Over the past decade, CSX has updated its fleet to include low-emission locomotives that save approximately 12,600 gallons of diesel fuel each year. Friction modifiers and idle-reducing technologies added to its locomotives have led to increased fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. CSX is also using trailing unit shutdown to optimize locomotive horsepower. This technology de-powers non-lead locomotives when not in use, creating significant fuel savings without any effect on velocity or reliability.

DB SCHENKER

DB Schenker has formulated a strategy that includes reducing CO2 emissions by 20 percent to achieve Eco Pioneer status by 2020. To accomplish this, the company is improving the capacity utilization of its transportation modes, modernizing equipment and facilities, using a low-emission fleet, and teaching drivers energy-saving driving techniques. DB Schenker is also increasing its recycling rate by implementing in-house recycling programs and a reusable packaging system to put a majority of used materials and resources back into the materials cycle.

DEUTSCHE POST DHL GROUP

In 2008, Deutsche Post DHL Group established GoGreen, a group-wide environmental protection program that focuses on improving carbon efficiency and establishing green logistics. The company implements green measures across all businesses, including air and road transport operations, buildings, and facilities. Deutsche Post DHL Group’s climate protection target is to improve carbon efficiency by 30 percent over the 2007 baseline by 2020.

DSC LOGISTICS

Since 2011, DSC Logistics has been tracking sustainability on five metrics: electricity, natural gas, water, propane, and recycling across more than 40 locations. The 3PL’s facilities maintain recycling, water and energy usage programs, and efficient lighting. The company’s goals include waste stream reductions, LEAN initiatives focused on reducing process steps and waste in the supply chain, and strategic supply chain modeling to reduce its facilities’ footprints.

DUPRÉ LOGISTICS

The Dupré Logistics fleet operates on fuel-efficient specifications with a top speed of 62 mph, and utilizes fuel-efficient tires as part of an overall fuel conservation and emissions reduction strategy. The company utilizes Omnitracs and Green Road technologies to monitor safety and fuel economy supporting continuous improvement. Additionally, Dupré’s participation in the Trucking Alliance, American Trucking Associations, and National Tank Truck Carriers provides the opportunity to be part of the policy and procedure conversations nationally. In 2015, the EPA gave Dupré a SmartWay Excellence Award for ranking in the best performance range for freight carbon efficiency.

FEDEX

In 2014, FedEx saved 34.4 million gallons of jet fuel, bringing its total reduction in CO2 emissions to 21.4 percent from 2005 levels, through its Fuel Sense program and modernizing its aircraft fleet. Since 2007, the Fuel Sense program’s 45 projects have saved 334.2 million gallons of fuel. FedEx is actively engaged with partners to develop viable sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel to help meet its goal of obtaining 30 percent of its jet fuel from alternative fuels by 2030.

FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILWAY

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) offers an environmentally friendly alternative to moving goods by truck, thanks to rail’s unique ability to fight highway gridlock, lower fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce pollution. For example, a single freight train can take the load of 280 or more trucks—equivalent to 1,100 cars—off overcrowded highways. Moving freight by rail also reduces the pressure to build costly new roads, and helps cut the cost of maintaining existing roads. In addition, FECR serves PortMiami, which has made a commitment to sustainable growth, recognizing its location and relationship to South Florida’s unique ecosystems.

FREIGHTLINER

Freightliner is on a mission to drastically reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. As part of Daimler AG’s Shaping Future Transportation initiative, which strives to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in commercial vehicles of all classes, Freightliner offers one of the only conventional natural gas truck solutions in the industry. Available with liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas fuel tanks, the company’s natural gas trucks and tractors are designed for high performance in a broad range of applications.

GENCO

GENCO’s Lean culture aims to maximize efficiency by eliminating waste. Reverse logistics is a critical component of the company’s Product Lifecycle Logistics strategy, and GENCO’s recycling services help maximize recovery value on every product, part, and material in the end-of-life product stream. The company can reclaim and extract value from 95 percent of products that previously ended up in the landfill. GENCO also uses value stream mapping to show the optimal process for a distribution operation, and identify how to reduce emissions.

GEODIS

GEODIS helps shippers meet their requirements for creating CO2 transparency in the supply chain through an emissions reporting program that provides effective trade lane-related emission data. If shippers need more in-depth solutions, the company models the shipper-specific trade lane and offers potential opportunities for improvement and savings—both in costs and in emissions. In 2008, GEODIS established its Blue Attitude sustainability program to educate its staff on sustainable development, and promote sustainable development initiatives to shipper customers.

GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY

The Georgia Ports Authority saves 6.8 million gallons of fuel annually through technology and engine conversion. At every stage, the port keeps cargo moving using the least possible energy in the process. The port converted all 27 of its ship-to-shore cranes from diesel to electric power to save 1.9 million gallons of fuel annually. By including fuel additives, the port’s diesel fleet reduced total fuel consumption by five percent, and will continue to explore the use of alternative fuel to replace diesel-powered jockey trucks.

HUB GROUP

Hub Group’s initiative is to convert 75 percent of its 550 tractors to day cabs to save on idle time. In addition, some of the company’s terminals use biodiesel to reduce its carbon footprint. An additional environmental initiative is an intermodal conversion to help reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Hub Group built its new corporate headquarters with re-purposed materials from the demolition of the previous building, and it is a LEED Gold certified facility.

J.B. HUNT

J.B. Hunt’s Cool Transport service, a carbon-neutral transportation offering created with BlueSource LLC, combines offsetting verified emission reduction credits with existing J.B. Hunt transportation offerings to create carbon-neutral transport solutions. The company also uses simulators to train drivers to drive in the most fuel-efficient manner, and optimizes mileage to reduce total miles run by calculating the most safe, direct path from origin to destination and monitoring compliance with the best route.

INMAR

Inmar’s reverse logistics solutions help shippers meet their sustainability goals. The company’s pharmaceutical returns program reduces the carbon footprint for all trading partners by eliminating redundant touchpoints, and reducing unnecessary transportation of returned product. Inmar consolidates destruction, reduces re-packaging requirements, and facilitates recovery and recycling of product packaging. The returns program has saved more than 100 tons of CO2 equivalent, and more than 107,000 cardboard boxes annually.

KENCO LOGISTIC SERVICES

Kenco’s sustainability dashboards track electricity, natural gas, and water usage, and measure the output of landfill waste and recyclable materials. Kenco monitors the data to set goals toward lowering costs, reducing energy use, and producing less waste in customer warehouses. Since 2013, Kenco has upgraded lighting at eight facilities for an annual savings of more than $250,000. The lighting systems saved more than 1.5 million kilowatt hours annually, and are anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,000 tons annually.

LANDOLL

A number of Landoll products support green warehouse and manufacturing operations. The company provides a series of lift trucks powered by lower-emissions fueling alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Landoll’s Bendi Electric Narrow Aisle line of lift trucks helps companies that can’t afford to sacrifice lifting power to still save fuel and reduce carbon footprint.

LEGACY SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

LEGACY is committed to improving its facility and office operations to support green practices and integrate an environmentally friendly business model that inspires other companies to do the same. The company believes every green practice, whether large or small, creates an impact on the environment. The company implements green practices into its maintenance facilities through the recycling of fluids, batteries, and tires. LEGACY installs energy-efficient lighting in its facilities, and supports paperless transactions to cut down on materials.

LUFTHANSA CARGO

Lufthansa Cargo set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2020. In addition, the cargo airline has invested in the more fuel-efficient Boeing 777F aircraft for its operations, with four currently in operation. Lufthansa also replaced heavy, large-volume materials used in cargo transport containers with lighter composite materials to reduce weight and save fuel. The airline has been operating with ISO 14001 environmental management certification since 2008.

LYNDEN

Lynden’s environmental policy calls for meeting or exceeding environmental regulations, maximizing fuel efficiency, and monitoring and guarding against accidents, emissions, and avoidable pollution. Lynden uses fuel as efficiently as possible by continually refining its processes and equipment. To maximize fuel efficiency, the company looks at everything from modern equipment to driver behavior and idle time, and from route planning to aerodynamics and payloads.

MAERSK LINE

Maersk Line has reduced harmful emissions by 40 percent, an average of 10 percent ahead of the rest of the industry, according to global benchmarks. Maersk’s new target is to reduce CO2 emissions per container moved by 60 percent by 2020, when compared with 2007 levels. That’s the equivalent of 220 million tons, or the annual emissions created by all the passenger cars in France.

MARTEN TRANSPORT

Marten Transport improved its overall miles-per-gallon by 1.3 percent in 2014, and 8.6 percent over the past five years. Marten’s fleet has adopted APUs to save fuel, and excess idle engine usage has been reduced by nearly 45 percent from 2011 to 2014. In addition, the decrease in engine hours extended oil drain intervals by 50 percent. The company has also begun to focus on intermodal. In 2014, Marten moved nearly 30,000 truckloads by intermodal, reducing carbon emissions by 56 percent compared with using trucks alone.

MARYLAND PORT ADMINISTRATION

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) consistently shows its commitment to sustainability. A stormwater vault at the Seagirt Marine Terminal helps keep Chesapeake Bay clean by treating stormwater before releasing it back into the environment. The Port of Baltimore’s dray truck replacement program, required use of ultra-low sulfur biodiesel, and commitment to hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles support the port’s initiatives for cleaner air. MPA’s installation of floating wetlands near the Baltimore World Trade Center have provided homes for aquatic life.

MATSON NAVIGATION COMPANY

Matson Navigation Company implemented its zero discharge policy in 1994, and is the only carrier to have a fleet-wide zero discharge program. Other initiatives include employee recycling and carpool programs, retrofitting equipment, and using low sulfur fuels to minimize harmful air emissions; use of electronic documents rather than paper; and cold ironing in ports where possible to reduce fuel usage and engine idling. The company’s list of awards includes two William M. Benkert Awards for Environmental Excellence from the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Seattle Green Gateway Partner, San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Excellence Award, Port of Long Beach Green Flag Program Top Carrier, Guam EPA Environmental Stewardship Award, and recognition from the National Academies and Ocean Conservancy.

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MURPHY WAREHOUSE CO.

Murphy has certified four warehouses with LEED and Energy Star ratings, and five warehouses by ISO 14001 standards. The company also ranks as one of the top solar producers in Minnesota. At its corporate headquarters, 100 percent of stormwater is retained on site, and the company is approaching near zero-waste operation throughout all campuses. Additionally, Murphy’s greenhouse gas emissions are only 37.5 percent compared to facilities of similar size and type. Murphy is also part of the International Warehouse and Logistics Association’s Sustainability Council.

NFI

A three-time recipient of the SmartWay Excellence Award, NFI ranks in the top 20 percent of SmartWay partners for overall environmental performance. NFI operates natural gas fleets in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and the company’s fleet-wide MPG has risen three to five percent annually over the past six years. NFI’s trucks use aerodynamic equipment such as AirTabs and trailer skirts, and are outfitted with speed limiters, battery auxiliary power units, and wide-based tires to reduce fuel usage. The company’s headquarters operates on solar power, eliminating more than 14 million pounds of CO2. More than 360 tons of plastic and 11,000 tons of cardboard go through NFI’s recycling program each year.

NORFOLK SOUTHERN

Through a $5.6-million partnership with GreenTrees, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Trees and Trains Initiative is helping to restore six million native cottonwood and hardwood trees in the Mississippi Delta region. Over a 15-year cycle, the planted trees will generate 1.1 million tons of carbon credits, which can help companies offset their carbon footprint. A similar effort with The Nature Conservancy supports longleaf pine reforestation in Virginia. In addition, NS is on target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent per revenue ton mile of freight. The company also saved an estimated 10 million gallons of diesel fuel, and avoided more than 120 tons of GHG emissions by using LEADER train-handling technology.

OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE

An active participant in the SmartWay program, Old Dominion is continuously testing and adopting technologies—wide-based tires, highway speed reduction, idle reduction, automatic tire inflation, improved freight logistics, improved aerodynamics, and longer combination vehicles—to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, Old Dominion has implemented driver training that reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions.

ORBIS

ORBIS manufactures plastic packaging that can be repeatedly used during the course of its service life. It can then be reprocessed without entering the solid waste stream. In addition, ORBIS provides services that help find opportunities for sustainability improvements, and life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging. ORBIS also tracks and measures its own resource utilization to continuously conserve natural resources and reduce waste. The company shows its commitment to the environment as a member of the Reusable Packaging Association, the U.S. Composting Council, Canadian Compost Council, and the National Waste and Recycling Association.

PECO PALLET

PECO Pallet has demonstrated a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability. The company was founded on the basic principle of reusing pallets to conserve resources. PECO’s wood block pallets are built from responsibly forested timber, and are continually repaired, reused, and recycled. No harmful chemicals or hazardous materials are used on PECO pallets, and all materials are eventually reused or recycled—nothing goes to the landfill. By efficiently managing a controlled pallet pool, PECO pallets are turned an average of four times per year. Strict maintenance standards extend pallet life to more than 10 years.

PENSKE

Penske advises shippers on dedicated contract carriage opportunities using alternative-fuel trucks, such as CNG tractors. Beyond alternative fuels, Penske also helps evaluate and implement the latest vehicle technologies for its customers and its own fleet, including 6×2 axles, adaptive cruise, and advanced aerodynamics. The company supports renewable energy generation and solid waste reduction, conducts an annual GHG emission inventory, and discloses GHG emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project. Penske’s transportation management service also promotes supply chain efficiency, and more than 85 percent of carriers used by the service are EPA SmartWay program partners.

PERFORMANCE TEAM

Performance Team (PT) is a member of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation and has been an EPA Smartway Partner since 2008. Since 2010, PT transloaded more than 250,000 containers, resulting in a 30-percent carbon footprint reduction. The company upgraded 70 percent of its fleet to SmartWay-approved tires, and is committed to 100 percent by 2017. Other efforts include clean diesel drayage and dedicated fleets, trailer skirts and under trays, comprehensive recycling program for all facility common areas, recycling pickup for store delivery and dedicated fleet clients, green cleaning products at PT facilities, and using recycled materials as void fill to reduce waste.

PITT OHIO

In 2014, PITT OHIO improved MPG by 0.6 percent, equivalent to 83,000 gallons of diesel. The company added eight CNG tractors to its fleet, and opened a LEED-certified terminal in Harmar, Pa. PITT also upgraded facilities, including a LEED-certified vehicle maintenance shop. Total carbon emissions output per shipment dropped 1.4 percent, marking the third consecutive year of improvement.

PORT OF LONG BEACH

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) adopted the Clean Air Action Plan in 2006 to reduce emissions. The port also committed to reducing diesel particulate emissions by 77 percent, NOx by 50 percent, and SOx by 93 percent before 2023. The port’s Clean Trucks Program successfully reduced truck-related air pollution by more than 90 percent. POLB also requires ships in berth at its container terminals to run off shore power and shut down auxiliary engines. Additionally, the port offers incentives to green ship operators and service providers through its Green Ship Incentive Program and Clean Air Action Plan Awards.

PORT OF LOS ANGELES

Through the Clean Truck Program and its progressive ban on older trucks, emissions at the Port of Los Angeles are down more than 80 percent. The port’s Voluntary Environmental Ship Index Program rewards vessel operators for reducing diesel particulate matter and NOx emissions from their ocean-going vessels. Other emissions-reducing technologies in use at the port include electric ship-to-shore cranes, electric rubber tire gantry cranes, and electric yard tractors. The port also maintains and protects 15 acres on its Pier 400 container terminal for the nesting of the California Least Tern, an endangered indigenous bird species, while numerous wetland habitat projects in and around the Port of Los Angeles protect other endangered species.

PORT OF SEATTLE

The Port of Seattle calls itself “The Green Gateway” because of the low carbon footprint it offers to shippers bringing cargo to U.S. markets from Asia. The port implemented a Clean Truck Program, requiring all drayage trucks entering the port to meet 2007 federal emissions standards by 2018. Other clean air initiatives include plans to reduce carbon emissions from all port operations by 50 percent from 2005 levels, and reduce air pollutant emissions by 50 percent from 2005 levels. The Port of Seattle has undertaken many projects, including creating 177 acres of wetland, including 350,000 new trees and shrubs; enhancing two miles of stream habitat; and restoring more than 30 acres of intertidal and saltwater habitat.

PORT OF TACOMA

Among its sustainability efforts, the Port of Tacoma cleaned up legacy contamination areas to return more than 420 acres of property to productive use; restored more than 100 acres of high-quality habitat, with another 40 acres under construction; pioneered low-impact industrial stormwater treatment systems in terminals and log and rail yards that have dramatically reduced pollutants; retrofitted a marine cargo terminal to allow ships to plug into electric shore power to reduce diesel and greenhouse gas emissions; and developed a Clean Truck Program to meet the stringent goals of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, in partnership with the ports of Seattle and Metro Vancouver, to reduce port-related emissions.

PROLOGIS

Prologis implements sustainable design and construction standards in new developments, and seeks certification with internationally recognized sustainable building standards, including LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, HQE, and DGNB. In 2014, 20 Prologis development projects, totaling 8.5 million square feet across nine countries, received sustainable building certifications, bringing total certified projects to 52 million square feet globally since 2006. Approximately 68 percent of the company’s operating portfolio has been upgraded with energy-efficient lighting, up from 62 percent in 2013. Prologis’ rooftop solar initiative has developed more than 110 megawatts of renewable energy in six countries since 2007.

PROPAK

Since 1999, Propak has been conserving fuel and reducing emissions by limiting the maximum speed of its trucks. Since 2010, all trucks include automatic engine shut-off technology to reduce idling, improving fuel consumption and limiting emissions. After it joined the SmartWay program, Propak lowered CO2 emissions by 15 percent, NOx by 17 percent, and particulate emissions by 59 percent. The company implemented technology that improved MPG by 18 percent, and reduced empty miles by nine percent. To further build on green initiatives, Propak converted lighting at its operations facilities, reducing KW usage by 35 percent; implemented electric lifts that reduced CO2 by 20 percent; and recycled 95 percent of operational wood waste.

THE RAYMOND CORPORATION

Raymond uses an Eco-Performance approach in the design of its forklift solutions so that they provide maximum economic and ecological benefits, helping warehouses and DCs operate more sustainably. According to United States Auto Club testing, the Raymond Swing-Reach forklift uses up to 40 percent less energy; the Raymond Reach-Fork forklift uses up to 21 percent less energy; and the Raymond Model 4250 stand-up counterbalanced forklift uses up to 17 percent less energy than other models. Raymond forklifts offer features such as less battery charging, which increases uptime and reduces CO2 emissions.

RUAN

Ruan boasts a compressed natural gas fleet of 100 tractors, and the company’s trucks feature auxiliary power units, lighter weights, and aerodynamic equipment. Ruan collaborates with engine manufacturers to develop engines that emit lower amounts of harmful emissions. On-board recorders monitor MPG, over-RPM, long idles, hard-braking, and speeding to improve fuel efficiency. Since 2007, Ruan has reduced paper consumption by 99 percent. The company has also won three consecutive SmartWay Excellence Awards.

RYDER

Ryder helps companies green their fleets and supply chains by focusing on carbon reduction in network design and transportation. For example, the 3PL has been helping to convert Bacardi’s U.S. domestic shipments from truckload to intermodal. In 2009, 65 percent of Bacardi’s shipments out of Florida were moved via truckload and 35 percent intermodal. Five years later, the spirits company has reversed that ratio in favor of intermodal. More telling, since 2006, Bacardi has reduced non-renewable energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from production by nearly 28 percent—well on its way toward achieving a 50-percent reduction by 2017.

SAIA LTL FREIGHT

Saia LTL Freight enforces a no-idling policy, trailer skirt installation, and aggressive equipment maintenance on its trucks. The trucking company has made a concerted effort to train drivers on more fuel-efficient behavior. For example, more than 75 percent of Saia drivers make 85 percent of shifts in the optimal range. Four years into its progressive shifting program, Saia’s fleet increased to 6.3 MPG, which reduces the amount of diesel fuel consumed by approximately 775,000 gallons.

SADDLE CREEK LOGISTICS SERVICES

Saddle Creek’s CNG fleet helps shippers in the Southeast and Southwest make deliveries while reducing their environmental footprint. To date, the fleet has logged more than 35 million miles on CNG and reduced its carbon footprint by 38 million pounds—equivalent to planting 800,000 trees. By using CNG trucks instead of diesel fuel, Saddle Creek has replaced more than four million gallons of diesel with natural gas. The company is completing a $1.5-million upgrade to its fueling facility to accommodate a complete fleet conversion to CNG in the next few years.

SCHNEIDER

Schneider’s sustainability and green logistics initiatives include a commitment to purchasing new tractors annually with EPA-certified, near-zero emissions engines and aerodynamic trailers with low-rolling resistance tires; driver training, incentives, and route optimization; and a voluntary 60-mph speed limit for every truck in its fleet.

SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS AUTHORITY

South Carolina Ports Authority has been proactive in protecting the local environment and reducing the impact of port activities. Among its efforts, it electrified ship-to-shore cranes, and plans to electrify the rubber-tired gantry cranes at the new Inland Port to protect air quality. The port is also installing an electrified agricultural commodities transload facility to replace existing diesel operations, completely eliminating all emissions from the activity. The port has protected nearly 1,000 acres of land, providing fish and wildlife, water quality, and open space benefits. It also operates a Clean Truck Program, which requires all drayage trucks to certify that they are newer than 1994 in order to protect air quality.

TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING U.S.A. INC.

All Toyota internal combustion and sit-down electric forklifts sold in North America are produced at the Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg. Inc. (TIEM) manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ind., a zero-landfill plant. During the manufacturing process, Toyota analyzes and minimizes the environmental impact of every product at every stage of the production cycle—from design and development to raw material and parts procurement to manufacturing and product disposal. TIEM successfully implemented and managed the Environmental Management System to achieve a 33-percent reduction in VOC emissions, an 80-percent reduction in HAP emissions, a 40-percent reduction in energy consumption, and a 65-percent reduction in natural gas consumption.

TRANSGROUP WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

TransGroup is committed to improving supply chain sustainability by partnering with customers, the EPA’s SmartWay program, and its carrier base to reduce the environmental impacts of their collective freight transportation and logistics operations. Specifically, the 3PL’s TransNeutral eco-responsible transport logistics solutions help reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; save money and conserve energy; close product lifecycle loops; maximize value of unused or end-of-lease/life assets; and support corporate sustainability initiatives.

TRANSPLACE

As a non-asset-based 3PL provider, Transplace’s primary means to reduce emissions is determined by the transportation service providers and modes it chooses. The 3PL utilizes proprietary technology that allows it to search for SmartWay carriers as a special criterion. In addition, Transplace is continually looking at opportunities to convert truckload freight to rail/intermodal.

TRANSPORTATION INSIGHT

Transportation Insight (TI) provides a bundled enterprise logistics solution that integrates carrier sourcing, transportation management, business intelligence, and freight bill payment and audit. This helps companies reduce costs and streamline processes from end to end. TI’s lean continuous improvement methodology blends traditional process improvement principles with logistics expertise and state-of-the-art technology to help shippers eliminate waste. On the technology side, users can tap TI’s TMS to optimize transportation by energy costs, mileage, and fuel usage.

UNION PACIFIC

The railroad’s 2014 Sustainability and Citizenship Report documents the company’s approach to operating safely, strengthening communities, engaging employees, and preserving the environment. Highlights include helping shippers eliminate an estimated 35.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases by choosing rail over truck transportation; and completing 45 utility conservation projects, saving the energy equivalent of that consumed by more than 260 U.S. homes annually. Union Pacific’s corporate goal is to reduce its locomotive fuel consumption rate by one percent each year from 2015 to 2017. Measured on a gross ton mile basis, this will result in a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of one percent annually.

UPS

Since 2000, UPS has driven 350 million miles in its alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The company’s continued investment in these assets has it on pace to achieve a goal of one billion “green” miles by the end of 2017. UPS was recognized in 2014 for its global leadership in sustainability. It received a top ranking on the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Leadership Index of S&P 500 companies for the fourth year in a row. With a score of 100 out of 100, UPS ranked among the top 10 percent of companies measured, and one of only 14 to receive a perfect score.

U.S. XPRESS

By focusing on conservation and research, U.S. Xpress has helped to develop green initiatives that offer a payback in savings to both the bottom line and the environment. For example, implementing wide-based tires—when placed on the tractor and trailer in a 10-wheel setup—can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent. Through its routing software and on-board, touch-screen communications system, U.S. Xpress has been able to tighten its network and reduce out-of-route and empty miles by 30 percent compared to 2013.

WEBER LOGISTICS

Weber extends its commitment to green logistics to its suppliers. Scope 3 emissions are caused by vendors who supply goods and services to a company. To reduce Scope 3 emissions, all Weber vendors must be able to pass a test to ensure they are contributing to logistics sustainability goals. Weber was an early member of the EPA SmartWay Emissions Reduction program, and its fleet maintains the highest EPA rating available. To cut empty miles, the company continuously optimizes last-mile logistics and uses partner carriers in some areas to reduce travel.

WERNER ENTERPRISES

Improving MPG and reducing emissions through advanced sustainability initiatives and capital investments are high on Werner’s priority list. Since 2007, the carrier has conserved more than 120 million gallons of fuel and reduced its carbon footprint by more than 1.3 million tons, based solely on MPG improvements. A winner of the 2013 SmartWay Excellence Award, Werner was the only company to receive a 2014 SmartWay Excellence Award in two categories—Refrigerated and TL/Dry Van. Werner utilizes industry-leading sustainability technologies such as diesel-fired heating systems to reduce truck idle time; aerodynamic trucks; trailer skirts; tire inflation systems; and the latest diesel technology. Werner also maintains a small fleet of compressed natural gas trucks.

YALE

Yale provides equipment that optimizes the flow of goods while improving air quality, reducing energy consumption, eliminating waste, increasing recycling, and improving safety. The company has taken a number of steps to reduce its energy consumption, such as using LED task and overhead lighting with sensors to activate lighting only when required; implementing programs to recycle wood, cardboard, plastic, office paper, metals, and electronics; recycling lift truck batteries, tires, and oil; using storm water retention ponds to control run-off; utilizing pollution-filtering plants; and operating a modified work week structure at manufacturing facilities to reduce the impact of employee commuting.

YRC FREIGHT

Since 2011, YRC has been recognizing employees whose work demonstrates a commitment to improving environmental performance. In 2014, winners included projects that led a comprehensive waste reduction program at a YRC Freight facility, which significantly reduced the facility’s carbon footprint; installed environmentally efficient LED lighting at three Reddaway facilities, leading to a 20-percent reduction in energy usage; and upgraded lighting at a YRC Freight facility that led to the company’s selection to participate in the Tennessee Valley Authority EnergyRight Solutions for Business program.