Featured Partner: Mesilla Valley Transportation 

Mesilla ValleyTransportation is committed to running the greenest fleet in the

“

country and setting an example for fleets around the world! Participating in

SmartWay aligns perfectlywith our goals to demonstrate true leadership in

freight efficiency.

— Royal Jones, President & CEO ” 

WHY SMARTWAY? 

Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) operates its fleet with a focus on driver

performance, technology innovation and customer service. MVT joined SmartWay 

ten years ago in support of its larger goals to haul more freight, use less fuel, and 

monitor its environmental performance. Its decision to join SmartWay has paid off

in many ways. 

MPG 

9

BENCHMARKING IS A GREAT MOTIVATOR 

The first time that MVT measured its fleet’s overall fuel economy in 2004, the company was

surprised – and disappointed. Based on the size and age of its fleet, driver performance, routes,

and other factors, the company expected that its fleet would average 7.5 MPG. But the results

showed an average of 6.8 MPG. 

Today MVT credits benchmarking as a key tool for identifying and sharing best practices, and

an important factor that contributes significantly to performance. Based on its most current fleet

assessment, excluding independent owner-operators hired under contract, MVT estimates that

its fleet is running close to 9 MPG. 

“Establishing a baseline and annually benchmarking your MPG every year is critical to setting

goals,” said Royal Jones, MVT’s president and CEO. “Trying and testing technologies and

strategies, and ultimately adopting those that reduce fuel use – is key to achieving them.”

In addition to its internal performance metrics, MVT also uses SmartWay’s online performance

data to help benchmark against its competitors. The online performance data includes a list of

all fleets operated by SmartWay carrier and logistics partners. Fleets are ranked using emissions

metrics that can be used to identify their overall environmental and energy performance. As a

SmartWay truckload carrier, MVT has been the recipient of a SmartWay Excellence Award 

multiple times, and recognized as SmartWay high performer for its efficiency and carbon scores.

“SmartWay’s performance reports help us check and validate the monitoring we’ve been doing

for years – and that corroboration is extremely helpful,” said Jones.

EPA-420-F-18-015 I August 2018 I SmartWay Transport Partnership I epa.gov/smartway (continued) 
 

 

 

 

 

Featured Partner: Mesilla Valley Transportation (continued) 

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONAL INNOVATIONS 

Throughout its history, MVT has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve by testing new

and innovative fuel-saving technologies. In the mid 1980’s, shortly after the company was

formed, MVT moved all 5th wheels forward and locked them to keep the gap between

the truck and trailer as close as possible, improving the aerodynamics of the truck and 

trailer and in turn, fuel efficiency. MVT found that any gap between the front of the trailer

and the edge of cab extenders beyond 24” was costing up to one tenth of a mile per 

gallon per inch.

In 2004, the company switched to trucks and trailers with single wide based tires, and

equipped all trucks with direct-drive transmissions and idle reduction devices. Today all

tractors use 6X2 axle configurations, and are treated with low-viscosity synthetic lubricants. 

On its trailers, MVT uses run skirts and trailer tails. In combination, MVT finds these

upgrades key to operating a high-performing, energy efficient fleet.

“Drivers are in a constant battle against wind resistance,” said Jones. “We’re always trying

different ways to make the driver’s job easier by reducing drag while simultaneously giving

them the horsepower and energy needed to move his truck down the road and meet our

customer’s needs as safely and efficiently as possible.”

In addition to technology upgrades, MVT works closely with its drivers on their driving

practices to help improve safety and save fuel. The MVT Training Institute offers full

classroom, field and road instruction for new drivers to obtain their CDL license, and

various programs for existing drivers to hone and improve their skills. MVT’s fleet is

equipped with programmable engines and it closely monitors driving patterns, using

the data to reach out and counsel drivers on how to drive more efficiently.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AS A WINNING STRATEGY 

$

Initially, MVT had assumed that its International ProStar trucks, or its “Trucks of Tomorrow”

when fully equipped with a series of fuel-saving upgrades, would get no less than 8 MPG,

no matter who was driving them. However, MVT found that even the perfect truck had

variances of up to 3 miles per gallon based on the driver. It found that drivers in the same

type of truck might get below 8 MPG while other drivers were getting over 10 miles per gallon.

This variance inspired MVT to begin rewarding drivers for their positive driving techniques.

Every three months the MVT driver without any accidents, violations, and the best MPG

becomes eligible for a chance to win a new car. The new car can only be won by a driver

once. However, MVT also rewards the driver with the best MPG for the year with $25,000 

if the driver doesn’t have any accidents or violations; this reward can be won multiple times.

In addition to this competition, and to encourage broader participation, including drivers that

might have a ticket or violation, MVT also runs a monthly program. Under this program, drivers

are given financial incentives, that on top of their monthly pay, provides an additional .01 cents

when drivers achieve 8.6 MPG and above; .02 for 9.0 to 9.4 MPG; .03 for 9.5 to 9.9 MPG; and

finally, .04 additional cents per mile for over 10 MPG. Based on MVT’s operations, the company

equates a tenth of a mile per gallon improvement for every mile driven to 20,000 gallons of 

fuel saved a month – and it wants all drivers on board, driving as efficiently and economically

as possible.

(continued) 
 

 

 

~ 

~ ,SmartWay· 

Transport Partnership 

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

Featured Partner: Mesilla Valley Transportation (continued) 

20% Biodiesel 

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT – PRESENT AND FUTURE 

Mesilla Valley Transportation cares about air quality and continually looks for ways to reduce its

carbon and other emissions in several ways. For example, when at home terminals MVT fuels

its trucks with 20% Biodiesel, and is repurposing its used engine oil as fuel for the heaters in its

maintenance shops during the colder months.

MVT also operates MVT Solutions, a division of the company that conducts testing on a broad

range of efficiency devices, equipment, additives and other products aimed at lowering fuel

use. MVT Solutions collaborates with manufacturers as well as other fleets that share its goals

to save fuel, money and the environment.

WHAT’S NEXT 

MVT is committed to its partnership with SmartWay by “Getting there with Cleaner Air,” 

and plans to continue and expand transportation management and sustainability

strategies that have helped it lessen freight’s impacts on air quality and reduce our

nation’s reliance on foreign oil.

Over 

10

MPG 

Roberto Sandoval, a driver with MVT, represented 

the company in the 2017 Run on Less campaign, 

where MVT and several other trucking companies 

demonstrated the ability of long haul drivers to 

achieve an average of over 10 MPG. 

How can your company 

become a SmartWay Partner? 

Please visit the SmartWay website at www.epa.gov/smartway 

for more information about our partners.