Basic Information

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 (NO_x) 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.

Creating Partnerships
Partnerships with companies and organizations are the foundation of the SmartWay Transport Program.  EPA welcomes any company or organization that will improve the environmental performance of their freight operations.  Key Partners are companies that ship products and the truck and rail companies that deliver these products.  Partners commit to measure and improve the efficiency of their freight operations, using EPA-developed tools that quantify the benefits of a number of fuel-saving strategies.

Providing and developing innovative financing for Program Partners
The SmartWay Transport program is working with states, banks, and other organizations to develop innovative financing options that help partners purchase devices that save fuel and reduce emissions.  See how your company can reduce emissions and save money by visiting our SmartWay Technology Package Savings Calculator.

Establishing the National Transportation Idle-Free Corridors Program
Reducing unnecessary idling improves air quality, saves fuel and saves companies money.  Another component of the SmartWay Transport Partnership is to eliminate unnecessary truck and rail idling by developing a nationwide network of idle-reduction options along major transportation corridors - truck stops, travel centers, distribution hubs, rail switch yards, borders, ports, and even along the side of the road.

Maximizing Rail Efficiency and Intermodal Operations
Ton-mile for ton-mile, rail is a very efficient mode of transportation.  A third component of the SmartWay Transport Partnership is to highlight practical opportunities where rail can be better utilized and to encourage more efficient rail operations and technical innovation.

Facts and Figures, Frequently Asked Questions, and other documents with more basic information about the Partnership