APL Logistics, a leading third party logistics (3PL) provider, received the honor from the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership. Under SmartWay, EPA joins with members of the freight industry to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by integrating innovative strategies and technologies into their fleet operations.

“The freight industry drives America's economy, and EPA's SmartWay partners are keeping more money in their pockets while helping us all breathe easier,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

APL Logistics was one of only three 3PLs selected among the 24 companies that received SmartWay Excellence Awards. Calling the award-winning company “a strong advocate for the SmartWay Transport Partnership,” the EPA highlighted APL Logistics’ policy of allowing SmartWay carriers first choice for loads. The agency also praised APL Logistics for conducting training programs to educate logistics staff about the company's commitment to SmartWay, and for reducing idling at warehouses by using time-specific delivery and pick up windows.

“Not only is this the right thing to do for the environment, but it’s good business,” said Tim Benedict, general manager of Transportation Management Services for APL Logistics in Jacksonville, Fla. “We intend to expand our commitment to the SmartWay program.”

SmartWay was introduced by EPA and a select group of fifteen shipping and business leaders in 2004 as an innovative, market-based partnership to reduce fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutants from the freight sector. In just two years, by employing strategies for reducing truck and rail emissions, partner companies have essentially reduced emissions equivalent to 500,000 cars.