Agency Adds Forward Air to SmartWay Roster

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Forward Air, Inc. as a SmartWay Transport Partner, awarding the company the highest score possible, according to a July 28 press release.

The Greeneville, Tenn.-based company joins a growing number of freight forwarders and logistics companies in the expedited shipping market that have committed to the SmartWay program.

The company received a Shipper Index Factor (SIF) of 1.25. The rating indicates that Forward Air is using the most commercially available fuel savings strategies while actively evaluating additional savings methods and technologies that reduce fuel consumption or greenhouse gas emissions.

"The company has worked to minimize our impact on the environment in recent years in several areas including converting our entire forklift fleet from gasoline-powered to cleaner propane power in 2007. We believe that the SmartWay plan we have developed with the EPA's guidance will further reduce overall emissions and lead to less fuel consumption," said Bruce Campbell, chief executive officer and chair of the company.

Forward Air spent the past several months measuring the environmental performance of its existing operations. From that assessment, the company has developed a specific plan that will work to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions over the next several years. This plan was submitted to and approved by EPA.