Any company may purchase U.S. EPA Certified SmartWay trailers. However, according to Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)  SmartWay, only SmartWay Transport Partners in good standing and who agree to certain conditions may apply the mark to the exterior of their EPA Certified SmartWay equipment.

The organization further qualifies this position by saying that a partner that purchases an EPA Certified SmartWay tractor must commit to use low-rolling resistance tires and eliminate extended idle periods. The company must also sign the SmartWay mark guidelines. A partner that purchases an EPA Certified SmartWay trailer and signs the SmartWay mark guidelines may affix the “SmartWay Trailer” mark on the outside.

These marks signify the tractor and/or trailer meet EPA’s environmental and fuel-efficiency standards for excellence. This is an exclusive designation that sets the SmartWay Partner apart from its peers in the industry. For carriers and truckers, the SmartWay mark is a signal to consumers and the community that they are taking actions to limit the negative environmental impacts of their business operations.

 Developed for the U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport partnership—the collaboration between the freight industry and government designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency—is a list of technologies and strategies that can help reduce fuel consumption and, in turn, improve efficiency and profitability. On that list of technologies are the following:

Idle reduction
Several technologies, including auxiliary power units, can be used to reduce prolonged idling of long-haul trucks, potentially saving up to 1,000 gallons of fuel per truck each year.

Aerodynamics
A streamlined profile tractor with aerodynamic devices (roof fairing, cab extenders and side fairings) can reduce fuel consumption by up to 600 gallons per year compared to a typical tractor. Aerodynamics can also be improved by reducing the tractor-trailer gap, and by adding side skirts and belly fairings to trailers.

Automatic tire inflation systems
By maintaining proper tire pressure even when the truck is moving, automatic tire inflation systems can extend tire life, lower replacement costs, and reduce fuel consumption by over 100 gallons per year for a typical combination vehicle.

Wide-base tires
Reduced rolling resistance leading to improved fuel economy can result from the use of wide-base single tires compared to equivalent dual tires. By using wide-base tires, a typical long-haul truck could save over 400 gallons of fuel per year.

Low-viscosity lubricants
Synthetic transmission and axle lubricants can improve fuel economy by at least 0.5% in the summer and 2% in the winter. The combined effect of low-viscosity synthetic engine oils and drivetrain lubricants can improve fuel economy by about 3%, saving nearly 500 gallons of per year for a typical vehicle.

Lightweight component
Using components made of aluminum or other lightweight materials can reduce empty weight, improving fuel efficiency. In tractors, weight can be cut with components such as aluminum wheels and hubs. The potential for weight savings is even greater in the trailer by specifying aluminum posts and crossmembers. Overall, lightweight components could save 200 to 500 gallons of fuel annually.

SmartWay also offers several ideas for improving operations and, in turn, cutting fuel use and boosting profits. Strategies and software for better load matching, more efficient routing and scheduling and improved receiving policies help reduce fuel use by cutting vehicle miles and idle time. For a long-haul carrier that operates 15% of its miles without a load, reducing empty mileage by just 1% can save over 100 gallons of fuel per truck each year.

Driving practices have a large impact on truck fuel economy. Even highly experienced drivers can enhance efficiency by using cruise control, limiting use of cab accessories, employing smooth and gradual acceleration and progressive shifting practices, and by limiting truck idling. In addition, a typical long-haul vehicle that reduces its driving speed from 70 MPH to 65 MPH could save nearly $1,500 in fuel costs each year.

Learn more about EPA SmartWay Partners and becoming a SmartWay Partner by visiting the government website.