Carrier Relations is checking in again with some important regulatory info! Today, Pilar Alba is showcasing her knowledge of the SmartWay program and reinforcing its benefits to all of us and the environment!
Summer is just around the corner, and already we can see all sorts of yummy tropical treats like pineapples, papayas, mangoes, guavas (just to mention a few) on the shelves of supermarkets and convenience stores all around; BBQ season calls for a creamy guacamole; and how about a banana split on a hot day?
So, all of this sounds delicious and we are so lucky to be able to enjoy this and more in North America, even though most of this produce comes from warm countries far away. Not to ruin your tropical experience, but, there is a story behind the transportation of these goods; specifically, there is a carbon footprint.
Luckily, there are partnerships like SmartWay in the United States that are designed to help businesses transport these goods in the cleanest and most efficient way possible, while reducing the cost of fuel at the same time. How about that? It’s a win-win situation for all the parties involved: trucking and logistics companies; environmental agencies; shippers and consumers (not to mention Mother Nature).
The SmartWay program was launched in 2004 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and in 2012, it became an international program when adapted by the Government of Canada and administered by Natural Resources of Canada (NRC).
With the purpose of reducing transportation related emissions by creating incentives to improve supply chain fuel efficiency, this program has different components:
- SmartWay Transport Partnership: Freight Carriers and Shippers track fuel consumption and improve performance.
- SmartWay Technology Program: Helps Freight Companies to identify equipment, technologies and strategies that save fuel and reduce emissions through testing and verification of vehicles.
- SmartWay Vehicles: Identifies superior environmental performers with the SmartWay logo.
- SmartWay International Interests: Provides a guide and resources for countries that want to develop programs for freight sustainability.
There are many benefits to the program for all partners. Here are some key highlights:
- Ability to gain access to competitive markets that you didn’t have before becoming a member.
- Using verified equipment specifications can help reduce a truck’s fuel consumption by 10-20%!
- Form part of a program that’s been standardized throughout the industry in more and more North American companies.
So, overall SmartWay saves oil and money; supports business interests; protects jobs and the economy and makes us feel a little bit better about eating our favorite fruits and vegetables that had to travel a long way to get to our tables. If you are interested to know a little bit more about this program and maybe even join, you can visit their web page at http://epa.gov/smartway/about/index.htm
For information about this program in Canada, visit the Natural Resources Canada web page at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/transportation/commercial-vehicles/smartway/7615
Have a good summer and don’t forget that we can all – in a small or big way – help our planet for ourselves and future generations!
