Since its creation in 2003, the SmartWay Transport Partnership has helped its members realize fuel savings of more than $1.6bn, while eliminating a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to air pollution and smog, says SmartWay Manager Cheryl Bynum.
These achievements demonstrate that the partnership has been successful in carrying out its original idea, which "was to find ways for shippers and carriers to work together to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency in the movement of goods," Bynum says.
For carriers, savings in fuel and equipment go directly to the bottom line, she notes, while shippers' efforts to make their supply chain more sustainable adds to their brand integrity. By using SmartWay carriers, shippers can be sure they are using the most fuel-efficient carriers possible, Bynum says.
SmartWay also provides a great example of how public/private partnerships can accomplish mutual goals, says Bynum. "EPA began SmartWay in concert with the industry and we remain very committed to our industry partners as to using the resources we have as a public agency to promote SmartWay on a national basis."
