Anderson Trucking Service announced the launch of its new EcoSolutions initiative, an effort designed to inform the public and educate their employees about initiatives being taken throughout the company to address environmental challenges such as climate change and waste production. The company’s new website, www.atsecosolutions.com, celebrates its EcoSolutions Environmental Policy Statement, which outlines ATS’s goal to become a positive example of planet-friendly business practices in the transportation sector throughout the United States.
As part of its new eco-efforts, ATS recently has become a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Program. “It is important for our company to lead the way in environmental stewardship, so we’re working hard to become more aware of both the direct and indirect impacts we have on the planet,” says Rollie Anderson, president of the St. Cloud, Minn.-based family-owned company. “The SmartWay program is one way we’re getting there.”
As a SmartWay Partner, ATS will be working to improve its fleet’s performance on the road. The plan for cutting carbon emissions from the consumption of fuel will include slowing all company-owned trucks down to 65 mph maximum. In addition, heavy-haul trucks are being equipped with auxiliary power units, and vans are being retrofitted with automatic shutdown systems. Encouraging drivers to complete their deliveries before making off-route stops is intended to decrease out-of-route miles. EPA says these and other programs being implemented by SmartWay Partners throughout the country should save 150 million barrels of oil every year.
ATS also is working to reduce internal waste production in the company by opting for recycled content paper, choosing electronic communications whenever possible, recycling waste and more. “We’re eager to implement our EcoSolutions policies throughout the company and anticipate seeing significant environmental benefits in the months and years to come,” Anderson says. “Our country’s economic situation and our customers’ environmental aspirations are driving forces behind these recent changes. We believe we can make a difference.”
