SmartWay^SM Transport Partner

With our recent membership in the SmartWay Transport Partnership, Challenger has joined more than 500 shippers, carriers, and logistics companies across North America that actively target reduced fuel consumption, greenhouse gases, and other air emissions. The Partnership was initiated in the US by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and mirror’s Canada’s own FleetSmart program, which Challenger has participated in since its inception.

SmartWay rates carriers on an index with 1.0 representing very good environmental practices and an above industry average. Challenger achieved 1.25, exceeding the Partnership’s requirements in all areas. A rating such as this confirms that our fuel economy is in the upper range and that we have taken appropriate measures to maintain that level.

“This Partnership helps demonstrate to customers that Challenger is doing the right thing and speaks to our vision of being a responsible corporate citizen,” said Enno Jakobson, Executive Vice President for Challenger Motor Freight. “Membership is not guaranteed.

Carriers must establish goals and meet certain criteria. Reducing fuel consumption is a continuing mandate at Challenger, but our goal with SmartWay is to improve our current fuel economy by 10% over the next three years.”

Since the new engine technology was legislated, emissions have been substantially reduced but fuel efficiency has been adversely affected by up to 2/10 of a mile per gallon. To combat this, Challenger has taken steps to reverse the trend:

• We have worked closely with OEs on their software for shifting in automatic transmissions.
• Super-single-tires have replaced double tires on some of our equipment where possible to improve rolling resistance.
• Alternate power units maintain cab temperature and recharge batteries to reduce idling time.
• Driver trainers download data from our satellite monitor to analyze our trucks’ engine operation and the road management skills of our drivers. Re-training steps are taken as required.

“Given the high cost of fuel and the public’s concerns about the environment, it goes a long way for customers to be able to say their choice of carrier is a leader in the industry, is viable for the future, and is a responsible environmental steward.”

For more information on the SmartWay Transportation Program, please visit the EPA website.