When U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers, was honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its SmartWaySM Transport Partnership with a SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award, U.S. Xpress Co-Chairman Max Fuller acknowledged the assistance the company received from the UTC National Center for Computational Engineering. The award recognized the leadership displayed by U.S. Xpress in conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint through a variety of progressive approaches.
“We believe that conservation is good business,” said Fuller, who noted the company’s focus on research is one of the key elements to its approach with green initiatives. “We have been very fortunate to have worked with National Center for Computational Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The computer simulation models generated by these researchers allow us to test possible prototypes before they are manufactured. The computer simulations save on research and development costs which lead to the production of a more effective prototype, especially in the area of aerodynamic improvements.”
U.S. Xpress went through a detailed application process to be considered for the award. Officials from the EPA evaluated the application, which included the company’s strategies and results from implementing improved aerodynamics on its tractors and trailers, continued growth in its intermodal program, the use of wide-based tires, the use of on-board heaters and an engine idle reduction program.
U.S. Xpress was part of a select group to be honored with a 2009 SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award. The SmartWaySM Transport Partnership includes more than 2,100 carriers, customers and organizations related to the trucking industry. Of that total membership, only 37 compaines and organizations received SmartWay Environmental Excellence Awards this year.
