U.S. Xpress went through a detailed application process to be considered for the award. Officials from the EPA evaluated the application, which included the company’s strategies and results from implementing improved aerodynamics on its tractors and trailers, the use of wide-based tires, the use of on-board heaters and an engine idle reduction program.
U.S. Xpress was part of a select group to be honored with a 2009 SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award. The SmartWaySM Transport Partnership includes more than 2,200 carriers, customers and organizations related to the trucking industry. Of that total membership, only 37 of those carriers received SmartWay Environmental Excellence Awards this year.
U.S. Xpress Co-Chairman Patrick Quinn accepted the company’s SmartWay award at an event that was held in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations’ Annual Management Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas. Following the ceremony, Mr. Quinn served as a featured speaker for a panel discussion on developing profitable strategies for green initiatives in the trucking industry.
“The SmartWay Program has been a tremendous addition to the transportation industry, and U.S. Xpress values our position as a SmartWay partner. Everyone at U.S. Xpress shares a great sense of accomplishment in receiving this honor,” said Mr. Quinn. “Our company has a long history of being an early adopter of innovative technology. We have found that the green initiatives we implemented over the years have contributed savings to the company’s bottom line while also reducing our carbon footprint.”
“We believe that conservation is good business,” said U.S. Xpress Co-Chairman Max Fuller, who noted the company’s focus on research is one of the key elements to its approach with green initiatives. “We have been very fortunate to have worked with National Center for Computational Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The computer simulation models generated by these researchers allow us to test possible prototypes before they are manufactured. The computer simulations save on research and development costs which lead to the production of a more effective prototype, especially in the area of aerodynamic improvements.”
According to the EPA’s SmartWay website, the SmartWay Excellence Award winners are chosen based on their commitment to the environment, progressive action, and innovation, as well as the impact of their example on the entire freight industry. The awards are presented to honor partners and affiliate organizations that have made outstanding contributions to reducing climate change emissions and other air pollutants.
“I commend U.S. Xpress for its leadership in promoting sustainable transportation practices through the SmartWay Transport Partnership," said Margo T. Oge, Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the EPA. "These actions demonstrate a commitment to a cleaner environment and more secure energy supply."