This year, EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership will offer a first-of-its-kind environmental assessment tool for the inland barge industry. Yesterday Ingram Barge Company announced its participation the new barge freight component of SmartWay, that will help shippers to more completely determine the carbon produced by their freight supply chains, and to see the clear environmental benefits of moving freight via barge transport. Ingram has been involved with the EPA in helping to develop, test and pilot the tool since 2010.
For the last 10 years, SmartWay, a public-private initiative between EPA, large and small trucking companies, rail carriers, logistics companies, commercial manufacturers, retailers, and other federal and state agencies, has encouraged businesses to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible.
“We are glad to welcome barge and towboat operators to the SmartWay family of Partners who recognize the business rewards and environmental benefits of supply chain efficiency,” says Chris Grundler, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “By participating in EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, these companies will join other Partners, including truck, rail, logistics and multimodal carriers, as well as shippers, in finding ways to reduce their operating costs while moving America towards a healthier and more sustainable future."
SmartWay helps businesses move more goods more miles with lower emissions and less energy. It does this 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. Over the last 10 years, SmartWay has eliminated 51.6 million metric tons of carbon pollution, resulting in savings of more than 120 million bbls. of oil and $16.8 billion in fuel costs.
“SmartWay’s success over the past decade means cleaner air for Americans to breathe, and also lower shipping costs for businesses – a win-win,” Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation said in a statement. “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, 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.
Information about SmartWay’s 10th anniversary: www.epa.gov/smartway/about/smartway10.htm.
General information about SmartWay: www.epa.gov/smartway.
SmartWay Case Studies: www.epa.gov/smartway/about/outreach.htm
