Ruan Transport Corp. announced that it has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership. Originating as a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry, Smartway was designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. Ruan earned the highest possible score in its application review.
“I am pleased to welcome Ruan to the SmartWay Transport Partnership,” says Margo T. Oge, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “Ruan joins the partnership in a commitment to increase fuel efficiency and make freight-related environmental improvements.”
Ruan will contribute to the partnership’s goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of its freight operations. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.
“Ruan has a long tradition of seeking and implementing strategic fuel conservation measures, which not only control costs, but helps protect the environment,” says John Ruan III, chief executive officer of the Des Moines, Iowa-based company. “The SmartWay designation affirms our commitment to safe, efficient business practices that benefit our customers, employees and the global community.”
Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The partnership currently has more than 947 members. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.