Osborn is proud to receive the SmartWay High-Performance Award for reducing our environmental footprint and improving freight efficiency. The honor is given to top-ranked companies for performance range of efficiency metric (CO2 ), grams per mile and grams per ton-mile. According to the EPA, fewer than 10 percent of the carriers that have earned the Smartway high performer designation operate their fleets efficiently enough to make the list for carbon emissions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program aims to positively impact the American economy by improving fuel efficiency, strengthening supply chain performance and aiding the health of communities nationwide. A better fuel economy reduces emissions, ultimately lessening the country’s oil dependence and helping companies across the country operate at lower costs.
Freight Transport’s Environmental Impact
Freight companies play an integral role in reducing pollution and preserving the environment. In 2022, U.S. business logistics costs (USBLC) amounted to $2.3 trillion, representing 9.1 percent of national GDP.
The transportation sector contributes the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other industries. Medium and heavy-duty trucks caused nearly 413 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, that’s a 75 percent rise since 1990.
Air pollution from carbon emissions has devastating effects on the environment—trapping heat, worsening climate change and causing respiratory issues. According to the International Energy Acency, global energy-related CO2 emissions grew by 1.1% in 2023, increasing 410 million tons, reaching a new record.
Reducing OTR Companies Environmental Footprint with SmartWay
The EPA SmartWay Program facilitates the reduction of environmental impact of freight transport significantly. By encouraging freight companies to embrace sustainability, SmartWay has led truck drivers to save enough oil to eliminate yearly electricity use in more than 23 million houses.
By participating in SmartWay, Osborn and other like-focused OTR companies can make a tremendous impact. The freight industry is expansive and intertwined, allowing even small changes in behavior to have systemic, sweeping effects.
Not only does green freight help the environment, but it also strengthens the national economy and supply chain. The initiatives encourage companies to invest less on foreign fuel, ultimately to lessen the trade deficit. SmartWay also paves the way for the U.S. to bolster its collaboration with Canada to meet North American energy needs.
Through its initiatives, the EPA SmartWay Program to date has facilitated freight companies saving an astounding $52.3 billion on fuel costs. The reduction in cost comes with impressive environmental benefits from fuel saved. SmartWay saved 379 million oil barrels since 2004 with its partners, significantly slashing greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
Our Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions Due to Transportation
Osborn recognizes its individual responsibility to engage in meaningful sustainability actions. In addition to being a part of the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Osborn drivers are paid a per mile bonus for fuel conservation over 7.25 miles per gallon—providing tiered compensation based on average monthly miles per gallon.
“Achieving the SmartWay High Performance Award is a testament to the dedication of our incredible truck drivers at Osborn,” says Owner Eric Van Handel. “Their unwavering commitment to our mission makes a significant impact in communities nationwide. It’s their everyday efforts and focus on fuel efficiency that earn us this recognition and help us achieve substantial fuel savings each year.”
Our collaboration with SmartWay allows us to use credible data, resources and benchmarks to measure and lessen our negative environmental impact. Measuring fuel economy allows us to continue setting actionable goals and reducing fuel-related carbon emissions due to transportation.
How Osborn Helps the Environment by Increasing Fuel Efficiency
Employees at Osborn keep their trucks at a capped, fuel-efficient speed to further maximize fuel economy, with optimal speed well under 65 miles per hour. Using cruise control also regulates speed. Our drivers turn off their trucks when idle where safe, saving nearly a gallon of fuel per hour.
Some of the steps our drivers take include:
- Slowing down and using cruise control
- Keeping tires at the correct pressure (100 psi).
- Taking advantage of natural momentum when safe to do so.
- Implementing tails and skirts to reduce drag.
- Tightening trailers to reduce fifth wheel adjustments.
- Finding a sweet spot for fifth wheel adjustment for best fuel mileage.
We take pride in our drivers’ care for communities. Each month, their efforts save nearly 35,000 gallons of fuel. That contributes to a yearly carbon dioxide savings of 9.3 million pounds.
Save the Planet with Osborn
Saving the planet starts with truck drivers like you. As an Osborn driver, you’ll help us earn future EPA SmartWay program recognitions. Apply to join a motivated team today.