EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership is celebrating 10 years as a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest most energy-efficient way possible, saving businesses money while protecting public health and fighting climate change. Over the last 10 years, SmartWay has eliminated 51.6 million metric tons of carbon pollution, resulting in savings of more than120 million barrels of oil, and $16.8 billion in fuel costs.
SmartWay helps businesses move more goods more miles with lower emissions and less energy by helping accelerate the availability, adoption and market penetration of advanced fuel efficient technologies and operational practices in the freight supply chain, while lowering costs and improving environmental performance.
"SmartWay's success over the past decade means cleaner air for Americans to breathe, and also lower shipping costs for businesses – a win-win," said Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "The partnership uses innovative technology to help national and multinational corporations operate a more connected, clean and climate-friendly global freight network."
Ten years ago, SmartWay started with 15 Charter Partners, freight sector business leaders that shared and supported the initial vision of moving freight more efficiently, saving money on fuel costs and advancing fuel efficient technologies. Since then, the program has grown to over 3,000 Partners including some of the nation's largest freight shippers, such as Best Buy Co., Inc., Hewlett Packard, Lowe's, The Home Depot, and Sharp Electronics. Recently, General Motors and the U.S. Postal Service have joined the program. The program has recently expanded into Canada, which will allow U.S. businesses to access one seamless cross-border program with the nation's largest trading partner.
SmartWay has inspired other large U.S. trade partners, including China and Mexico, to initiate similar green freight programs, making it easier for multinational companies to understand their global goods movement footprint. Leading such a global sustainability effort requires ongoing innovation and collaboration with multiple freight industry sectors. For example, this year SmartWay will offer a first-of-its-kind environmental assessment tool for the inland barge industry.
The SmartWay Partnership is a public-private initiative between EPA, large and small trucking companies, rail carriers, logistics companies, commercial manufacturers, retailers, and other federal and state agencies.
