SmartWay Transport is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s flagship 

program for improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases and air 

pollution from the transportation supply chain industry. Developed jointly in 

early 2003 by EPA and Charter Partners represented by industry stakeholders, 

environmental groups, American Trucking Associations and Business 

for Social Responsibility, this innovative program was launched in 2004. 

SmartWay Transport is comprised of partnerships, financial incentives, policy 

and technical solutions, and research and evaluation projects that find new 

ways to optimize the transportation networks in a company’s supply chain. 

Supported by major freight industry associations, environmental groups, 

states, companies, and trade publications, SmartWay Transport is leading the 

way to greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions from the freight sector, 

while presenting a model of government and industry cooperation for public 

and private benefits.

SmartWay Transport Partnership is a strong government/industry 

collaboration between EPA, freight shippers, carriers, logistics companies and 

other stakeholders, to voluntarily achieve improved fuel efficiency and reduce 

environmental impacts from freight transport. Participating companies 

benchmark their current freight operations, identify technologies and 

strategies to reduce their carbon emissions, track emissions reductions and 

project future improvement. SmartWay partners demonstrate to customers, 

clients, and investors that they are taking responsibility for the emissions 

associated with goods movement, are committed to corporate social 

responsibility and sustainable business practices, and are reducing their 

carbon footprint. To date, the partnership includes nearly 2900 companies 

and associations committed to improving fuel efficiency.

SmartWay Tractors and Trailers meet voluntary equipment specifications 

that can reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent for 2007 or newer longhaul tractors and trailers. Each qualified tractor/trailer combination can save 

between 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of diesel per year. Models that meet these 

equipment specifications save operators money and reduce greenhouse-gas 

emissions and air pollutants. 

SmartWay Innovative Finance is a creative program that helps companies 

acquire fuel-efficient emission reduction technologies through easier access 

to financial mechanisms such as reduced-interest loans with flexible terms.

SmartWay Technology Assessment is a testing and verification program 

designed to quantify emissions reductions and fuel savings from various 

available technologies, such as tractor and trailer aerodynamics, auxiliary 

power units, and wide-based tires. As a result, companies can compare the 

fuel efficiency and environmental performance of various technologies and 

make more informed purchases. 

For more information http://www.epa.gov/smartway/ or call 734-214-4767. 

SmartWay Transport Overview

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Office of Transportation and Air Quality • EPA-420-F10-040 • ww.epa.gov/smartway

What are the results of 

SmartWay Transport?

SmartWay Transport aims to 

increase the availability and 

market penetration of fuel efficiency technologies and strategies that help freight companies 

save money while also reducing 

adverse environmental impacts. 

Specifically, SmartWay Transport programs lower emissions 

of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) .

As of 2010, Smartway Partners 

report:

• Saving 5o million barrels of 

fuel ($6.1 billion dollars in 

fuel costs saved)

• Eliminating 16.5 million 

metric tons of CO2 -- 

equivalent of taking over 3

million cars off the road

• Eliminating 235,000 of tons 

NOx

• Eliminating 9,000 tons of 

PM