Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. signed a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Natural Resources Canada (NRC) to continue implementing the SmartWay program for sustainable trucking initiatives.
The two agencies have collaborated for a decade on measures to enhance sustainability in freight operations. The SmartWay program allows for seamless integration of these measures between both countries through the SmartWay Transport Partners network.
Canadian companies work with a network of over 500 freight operators across North America to collectively implement a slate of sustainability efforts, working to actively reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gasses and other air emissions.
Among the Canadian companies who are exploring new methods of sustainability are Challenger Motor Freight, a 3-time winner of the SmartWay Excellence Award. The company worked with manufacturers to refine the shifting software in automatic transmission vehicles, managing to heighten efficiency while also improving diesel fuel mileage. They also replaced their double-tires with super-single tires to improve rolling resistance.
Challenger Motor Freight operates a Transportation Training Academy, implementing many of SmartWay’s best practices for operating in the most efficient, fuel-saving ways. The company has a line of modern fleets that are technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and comfortable. The fleet is monitored by satellite for optimal engine performance and road management training. These types of fleets are crucial for driver recruitment, which is an important factor in the move to sustainability in the industry.
Challenger Motor Freight also provides an example for the industry in extending their sustainability initiatives beyond the road to their own company headquarters. They implemented an energy-efficient heating and cooling system and installed low-flow water fixtures, cutting use by 34 percent. In the design, they prioritized products with low counts of volatile organic compounds. The architectural design allowed for 90% of interior spaces to be illuminated by sunlight, reducing electricity needs. These measures demonstrate a commitment to shifting the industry towards sustainability.
The first MOU between the U.S. and Canada was signed in 2004, with the SmartWay program beginning in 2012. The two countries are each other’s largest trading partners, with over $600 billion worth of freight, totaling 550 million tons, crossing the borders each year. The freight industry’s adoption of sustainable initiatives is crucial for the two countries’ efforts to reduce emissions. The SEMARNAT agency in Mexico is working with both countries to develop a SmartWay sister program.
Together, the three countries participate in the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), allowing for greater coordination on infrastructure, border procedures, and consistency of standards. SmartWay’s tools, methods and practices are integral to these policy recommendations.
Natural Resources Canada maintains a parallel program called Fleet Smart, which offers free practical tools and advice on how energy-efficient vehicles and business practices can cut fleet operating costs, reduce harmful vehicle emissions, improve productivity, and increase competitiveness.
