Ryder System, Inc., a leader in commercial transportation and supply chain management solutions, joins an elite group of 10 SmartWay® Affiliates recognized today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ryder was selected as a top honoree for the 2014 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge award, which recognizes organizations for supporting policies and practices that reduce truck emissions and improve freight efficiency.
“Ryder plays an important role in advancing the environmental sustainability of commercial transportation and logistics,” said Ryder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sanchez. “When companies outsource their transportation and logistics operations to us, they not only get cost efficiency, but also the benefits of our environmental expertise, infrastructure, and industry leading partnerships.”
The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge, which was open to all SmartWay affiliates, is a national challenge developed by EPA to acknowledge organizations that participate in SmartWay and do an exceptional job supporting the partnership’s freight sustainability goals. SmartWay Affiliate Honorees have initiated and executed recruiting, promotional, and marketing activities that raise awareness and encourage their members to address the issue of air pollution resulting from freight activities. These affiliates serve as role models for other SmartWay affiliates and partners.
“I commend Ryder for its level of commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity in promoting EPA’s SmartWay program and sustainable transportation,” said Chris Grundler, Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “Ryder’s work in this arena brings us all closer to achieving the shared goals of clean freight and clean air.”
Participating organizations submitted an application and supporting materials describing the various endorsements, commitments, and contributions made to the SmartWay Partnership during the period of March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014. Ryder was recognized as a SmartWay Affiliate Challenge top honoree for going above and beyond to promote the SmartWay partnership on its website and social media sites, and for sharing the benefits of the SmartWay program with customers.
As part of its Earth Day activities, EPA SmartWay, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, has recognized its affiliates on its website, in its e-newsletter, and in industry trade publications.
Ryder has been a SmartWay partner since 2004 and was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award in the Logistics Management, Large Carrier category in 2013.
EPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to help business improve the sustainability of their freight supply chains. Today the Partnership consists of nearly 3,000 Partners, representing a cross section of the freight supply chain industry. As of today, SmartWay Partners have saved 65 million barrels of oil. This is equivalent to taking over 5 million cars off the road for an entire year. SmartWay’s clean air achievements (28 million metric tons of carbon dioxide so far) help protect the health and well-being of citizens while contributing to our nation’s economic and energy security.
More information on SmartWay in general: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/
