The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 

(MPCA) and the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay 

Transport Partnership have teamed up to 

help Minnesota trucking companies save 

fuel and reduce pollution. 

The MPCA is partnering with EPA and other 

organizations to provide trucking companies with the 

technical and financial tools needed to achieve their 

environmental goals. Voluntary efforts such as the 

SmartWay Transport Partnership play an important 

role in reducing emissions from diesel engines. 

Financial Assistance 

While the MPCA is actively seeking funding 

opportunities for all businesses, one tool that is 

currently available is the Small Business 

Environmental Improvement Loan Program. This 

program provides low interest loans to Minnesota’s 

small businesses for equipment that meets or exceeds 

environmental regulations. 

Small Business Environmental 

Improvement Loan Program 

To qualify, a business must employ less than 50 fulltime employees, have an after-tax profit of less than 

$500,000, have a net worth of less than $1,000,000, 

and demonstrate an ability to repay the loan. 

The MPCA evaluates a loan application based on an 

applicant’s financial need and ability to secure and 

repay the loan, as well as the project’s expected 

environmental benefit. A screening committee 

composed of financial and environmental 

professionals reviews the applications and awards 

the loans on a competitive basis. 

SmartWaySM Transport FuelSaving Technology Packages 

for Trucking Companies 

SmartWay Fuel-Saving Technology Packages –

Transform your trucks into low-emission, highefficiency vehicles with: 

3⁄4 Idle reduction devices 

3⁄4 Low rolling resistance tires 

3⁄4 Tractor and/or trailer aerodynamics 

3⁄4 Exhaust aftertreatment devices 

You’ll also become more attractive to 

environmentally-minded shippers, who are looking to 

work with cleaner freight carriers. To compare costs 

and estimate fuel savings from various technologies, 

visit the SmartWay Technology Package Savings 

Calculator at 

www.epa.gov/smartway/calculator/loancalc.htm. 

Features: 

• Flexibility – Custom design a package including 

technologies that best match your fleet operations 

and achieve the greatest environmental benefit. 

Preference will be given to those loan applications 

containing emission control devices. 

• Attractive Return on Investment – Depending on 

technologies selected and the operation of your 

trucks, fuel savings may range from 10-15% for 

many packages. 

• Exceptional Loan Terms – Loans are available for 

up to $50,000 at an interest rate of 4 % or one-half 

of Prime Interest Rate (whichever is greater), with 

loan terms of up to 7 years. 

Need more information? 

MPCA’s Small Business Ombudsman 

Mike Nelson 

Phone: (651) 297-8615 

Toll Free: (800) 985-4247 

michael.nelson@pca.state.mn.us 

www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/sbomb_loan.html 

For information on the SmartWay Transport 

Partnership, visit www.epa.gov/smartway

EPA420-F-06-902 • May 2006 
Overview of Fuel-Saving and Emission-Reduction Technologies 

Disclaimer: The benefits described in this document are estimations only, which are based on a number of assumptions. Actual fureductions may be higher or lower; they will depend on a variety of factors, including equipment type, driver performance, distance

Technology Description Approx. Cost 

Idle Reduction Device – Bunk Heater 

Small, lightweight, diesel fuel-fired device mounted in the cab that provides heat for cab comfort. Does not include any air conditioning capabilities. 

$1,500 

a

Idle Reduction Device – Auxiliary Power Unit 

Small diesel-powered generator mounted outside the cab that provides heat, air-conditioning, and electrical power to run appliances. 

$6,000 - $8,500 

a

Aluminum Wheels for Single Wide Tires Traditional dual tires are replaced with one single wide tire and aluminum wheel. 

 Can be applied to all tractor and trailer tire positions except for the steer tires. 

$5,600 

Trailer Aerodynamics Fairings added to the front and underside of the 

trailer to reduce drag. $2,400 

Emission Control Device – Oxidation Catalyst 

A device added to the tractor’s exhaust system to reduce the emission of particulate matter and other pollutants. 

$1,200 A

1 All savings assume a Class 8B tractor-trailer traveling approximately 100,000 miles per year.