This week, leaders from Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, will recognize Dallas, Texas, fleet Stevens Transport with the Thermo King Energy Efficiency Leader Award. The award recognizes Stevens Transport for their commitment to energy and operational efficiency.
Leaders at Stevens Transport, an eco-conscious, refrigerated transport carrier headquartered in Dallas, have applied innovative thinking to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Using a variety of solutions that include fuel management efforts, new technology and a proactive driver training program, Stevens has decreased its fuel usage by 6.6 percent and idle time by 48 percent.
The company, which offers over the road, intermodal and logistical solutions within the continental United States, Canada and Mexico, has also incorporated a program to refurbish refrigeration units which allows them to keep certain equipment in service twice as long, helping reduce their environmental footprint. Stevens Transport leaders are committed to environmental initiatives, and they meticulously manage their efficiency and sustainability efforts.
Several factors motivate the sustainability efforts undertaken by Stevens Transport, including the need to control rising fuel costs, which are currently one of their largest expenses. Company leaders addressed this by analyzing fuel burn against engine run and idle time reports.
Their research discovered large variances among their fleet of drivers. In response, Stevens outfitted their entire fleet with Thermo King TriPac auxiliary power units (APUs) to address the variances and to enable idle time reduction of 48 percent.
Stevens Transport undertakes many energy-saving and sustainability efforts which reflect their environmental philosophy, such as clean idle engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), energy-efficient refrigeration units, aerodynamic trailer skirts, oil recycling, fuel efficient tires, tire retreading and continued training. Overall, their efforts have reduced the fuel consumption of their 2,000 tractors and 3,000 refrigerated trailers by millions of gallons while paving the way for future improvements.
Details of the award presentation:
• Ray Pittard, president for Thermo King North America, will present the award for Stevens Transport to Clay M. Aaron, president.
• The award presentation will be at 10 a.m. on Aug. 3 at Stevens Transport corporate headquarters in Dallas at 9757 Military Parkway.
“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to maximizing sustainability throughout our organization,” said Clay Aaron, president of Stevens Transport. “We find that our success – whether increasing energy and operational efficiency or lowering costs – all comes down to the human touch.”
