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Leading 3PL to Work With EPA In Effort To Build A Healthier Environment
Concord, N.C. -- Mar. 8, 2004 -- Cardinal Logistics Management today joined a unique partnership with 51 other freight shippers
and carriers from around the country to participate in a national
initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the nation’s
air quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited
Cardinal Logistics to join an elite group of freight carriers and
shippers in the newly announced environmental initiative known
as the SmartWay™ Transport Partnership.
SmartWay™ Transport Partners represent commercial, industrial
and public sector organizations that commit to reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency of ground freight transportation
nationwide. The major voluntary environmental initiative aims to
reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ground freight
carriers, such as trucks and locomotives. By 2012, SmartWay™ Transport
fuel savings will result in reductions of at least 33 million metric
tons of carbon dioxide -- a greenhouse gas -- and 200,000 tons
of nitrogen oxides (NOx) – an air pollutant that causes smog
and respiratory problems - annually. These reductions also will
create fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually.
“America has always counted on the freight industry to deliver
the goods,” said EPA Administrator, Mike Leavitt. “By
joining the SmartWay™ Transport Partnership, carriers can deliver
them in a new and smarter way.”
EPA officials estimate the SmartWay™ Transport Partnership will
make the economy stronger and air cleaner and improve freight carriers’ bottom
lines, according to EPA Administrator, Mike Leavitt. Companies
are invited to become SmartWay™ Transport Partners by pledging
to an environmental improvement goal over a three-year period and
providing annual reporting on their progress to the EPA. SmartWay™ Transport Partners optimize fuel efficiency in a variety of ways,
including automatic tire-inflation systems, the use of low-viscosity
lubricants, reducing truck idling time, and improving routing and
scheduling.
In 2002, President Bush challenged every sector of the American
economy to contribute to reducing the greenhouse gas intensity
of our economy by 18% by 2012. EPA officials estimate the SmartWay™ Transport Partnership can achieve nearly ten percent of the President’s
goal.
“Cardinal Logistics is committed to this national initiative
and we look forward to working hard to earn our place in helping
improve our nation’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions,” said
Vin McLoughlin, Cardinal Logistics’ Chairman of the Board.
According to the EPA - SmartWay™ Transport Partners such as Cardinal
Logistics Management can incorporate the following environmental
strategies and technologies as part of their commitment to this
national initiative:
- Idle Reduction
Reducing or eliminating prolonged idling of long-haul trucks can
save up to 2,000 gallons per truck each year, reduce emissions
and lower engine maintenance costs
- Improved Aerodynamics
Using a streamlined profile truck tractor with aerodynamic
devices such as cab extenders can reduce fuel consumption
by at least 600 gallons and eliminate over six metric tons of carbon
dioxide emissions each year compared to a typical classic
profile tractor.
- Improved freight logistics
Logistics strategies can increase the efficiency of trucking
operations, save fuel and increase profits for trucking companies.
Logistics
strategies include load matching, more efficient routing
and scheduling of vehicles and improved receiving policies.
If a
long-haul carrier reduces its empty mileage by just one percent
it can save nearly 2- gallons of fuel and eliminate almost
two metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per truck each
year.
- Self-inflating Tire Systems
Automatic tire inflation systems monitor and continually adjust
the level of pressurized air to tires, maintaining proper
tire pressure even when the truck is moving. Installing
automatic tire inflation systems on truck and trailer axles
can save
nearly
$300 per year in tire replacement costs and reduce fuel
consumption by at least 90 gallons per year for a typical
combination
truck with an annual cost saving of at least $135 and eliminating
at
least one metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Driver Training
Well-trained drivers can reduce fuel consumption by applying
simple techniques such as the use of cruise control, coasting
whenever possible, reducing maximum freeway speeds and minimizing
truck idling. Driver training can improve fuel economy by
at least five percent saving more than $1,000 in fuel costs and eliminating
nearly eight metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each
year.
About SmartWay™ Transport Partnership
SmartWay™ Transport is a voluntary partnership between various
freight industry sectors and EPA that establishes incentives
for fuel efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas emissions
reductions. By 2012, this initiative aims to reduce between 33
- 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and
up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions per year.
At the same time, the initiative will result in fuel savings
of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually. There are three
primary components of the program: creating partnerships, reducing
all unnecessary engine idling, and increasing the efficiency
and use of rail and intermodal operations. For more information
on the program and its’ partners visit the website at www.epa.gov/smartway.
About Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation
Headquartered in Concord, N.C., Cardinal is one of the country’s leading dedicated transportation solution providers. Cardinal's logistics experts work directly with clients to optimize their supply chains by developing and implementing customized transportation solutions including specialized equipment and handling, and integrated technology. Cardinal’s services include dedicated contract carriage, home and jobsite delivery, transportation management, supply chain consulting, warehousing and distribution for companies like AutoZone, Eastman Kodak Company, KraftMaid Cabinetry and Office Depot.
Amanda Pelfrey
Marketing Manager
Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation
1000 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Suite 300
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-5662 x32
apelfrey@cardlog.com
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