This partnership is a high profile, ground-breaking voluntary greenhouse gas reduction program, developed by ATA, the EPA, prominent ATA members, and representatives of major retailers. The Partnership, unveiled in February 2004 at ATA’s Winter Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC, creates strong market-based incentives that challenge companies shipping products and the trucks delivering these products to improve the environmental performance of their freight operations.
SmartWay Transport partners improve their energy efficiency, save money, help improve the image of the trucking industry, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall air quality. Qualifying fleet partners are entitled to use the SmartWay logo, gain public recognition, utilize a unique software program to gauge emission reductions and fuel savings from employing new fuel saving practices, and are given preference by SmartWay shipper partners.
In October 2007, ATA was recognized by EPA with an Environmental Excellence Award during EPA’s annual SmartWay awards ceremony. ATA is presently working with the agency on EPA’s Fuel Economy Test Protocol, expanding the program into the port sector, and the rollout of the SmartWay Finance Center Program which will allow truck owners to submit one application for a loan or lease and have multiple banks compete for their business. Eligible products under the latter category include SmartWay-certified trucks and trailers, and all SmartWay-approved fuel saving technologies such as idle-reduction equipment controls, fuel efficient tires, aerodynamic equipment, etc.
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