The storing and handling of lubricants and other chemicals is a high priority at truck terminals. In cooperation with local environmental control agencies, trucking companies have highly effective anti-spill plans in place, and regularly train personnel to handle rare emergencies. Truck washes go green. As tractor-trailers are 20 times larger than the family car, they can't be washed just anyplace, so responsible carriers follow water discharge and runoff regulations to the letter. In the process, they are putting in place the latest in efficient, environmentally sound water recycling technology, making many truck washes a model for the green way to stay clean.
Most trucking companies go the extra mile for the environment .
Innovations leading to a better environment have become the norm in the trucking industry. One Norfolk, Va., motor carrier cut the generation of oil, air and fuel filters by 80 percent by installing onboard used oil-blending devices. By putting its environmental policy and procedures manual on-line, a Memphis, Tenn., carrier promotes environmental awareness while saving 92,000 pounds of paper. An Ohio carrier partners with community non-profit groups to use slightly damaged building materials that normally would be thrown in the trash. In Arizona, a motor carrier's staff works with local government to reduce air pollution through a ride-sharing program that cut employee vehicle trips by 20 percent, with additional reductions on ozone alert days.