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Nations Largest Truckload Carrier Becomes Most Energy-Efficient Fleet |
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Tuesday, 10 June 2008 |
Aggressive equipment specifications, innovative training and lower truck speeds drive companys industry-leading sustainability program
GREEN BAY, Wis., and WASHINGTON, D.C. May 8, 2008 Schneider National, Inc., a premier provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services and the nations largest truckload carrier, announced today its plans to operate the most energy-efficient fleet in the industry. The effort, which builds upon the companys 30-year track record of environmental stewardship, was announced at a news conference today in Washington, D.C., as the American Trucking Associations unveiled its strategies for minimizing the carbon footprint of the trucking industry.
Operating an energy-efficient fleet, conserving fuel and minimizing our environmental impact have always been a part of how we conduct business, says Chris Lofgren, president and CEO of Schneider National. Since 1978, weve been improving our equipment and training our drivers to be responsible stewards. Today, were announcing our plans to take our efforts to an even higher level by committing to run the most energy-efficient fleet in the industry.
According to Lofgren, Schneider will expand its fuel conservation efforts starting immediately when it voluntarily slows down its fleet to 60 mph.
This slowdown is made possible by a group of more than 10,600 highly committed and professional drivers who are willing to do the right things to serve the customer and the environment, continued Lofgren.
The environmental impact of just a three-mile-per-hour reduction is significant: The effort will reduce the fleets consumption of diesel fuel by more than 3.75 million gallons per year and reduce truck CO2 emissions by 83.25 million pounds per year the equivalent of taking 7,259 cars off the nations highways.
Schneiders announcement came in conjunction with the release of the industrys overall plan for addressing sustainability. The company served on the ATAs Sustainability Task Force, which was charged with developing the industry plan.
Schneider National supports the ATAs strategies for reducing the trucking industrys carbon footprint. As an industry leader, we are proud to already meet - and in many cases exceed what the ATA is calling on the industry to do to reduce our environmental impact, Lofgren added.
During the news conference, Lofgren pointed to several examples of how his company is already living out the ATAs sustainability strategies:
Schneider National was the first truckload carrier to sign on to the
Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) SmartWaySM Transport Partnership. The fleets EPA scores for fuel efficiency and emissions are among the best in the industry.
The companys aggressive stance on idling dates back to 1978 when the carrier pioneered driver incentives for idle reduction and fuel management. Schneider trucks currently idle half the industry average.
Schneider Nationals fuel management program is industry-leading. The 60 mph speed limit clearly meets what the ATA is calling on carriers to do. This change makes Schneider National the most energy-efficient fleet in the industry.
We applaud Schneider National for their pioneering efforts toward improved energy efficiency in the trucking industry," said Jim Sweetnam, chief executive officer of Eaton Corporations Truck Group. "They are constantly challenging us to help them improve tractor efficiencies and to develop emission reduction initiatives. Sustainability for Eaton Corporation is as important to us as it is to Schneider National both in our operations and in the sustainable offerings we provide to our customers.
Lofgren challenged carriers large and small, drivers and the motoring public to do their parts to conserve and protect the nations valuable natural resources. We encourage others in our industry to do more. Examine your operations closely. What more can you do? What more can the industry do? Lets roll up our sleeves, carriers and drivers together, and set an example that other companies, drivers and the motoring public will be inspired to follow. I encourage everyone to look into their operations and meet the voluntary environmental challenges by committing to the EPAs SmartWay program.
Following the news conference, Lofgren and a contingency of ATA officials presented the industrys plan to President Bushs Council of Economic Advisors at the White House.
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of transportation and logistics services enhancing the standard of living worldwide. The nation's largest truckload carrier, Schneider serves more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies and offers the broadest portfolio of services to small, medium and global shippers across the globe. The companys transportation and logistics solutions include one-way, dedicated, expedited, bulk, western regional, intermodal, transportation management, freight brokerage, air/ocean freight forwarding, customs house brokerage, transloading and distribution, supply chain management, supply chain advisory services, and freight audit and payment (Europe).
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for more than 70 years. A $3.4 billion company, Schneider National employs 21,400 transportation and logistics experts worldwide, including operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit schneider.com.
Editors Note: A fact sheet, How the Big Orange is Turning Green: Schneider Nationals 30+ Year Commitment to Sustainability, is available by contacting Erin Elliott at
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Media Contacts:
Schneider National
Janet Bonkowski, APR
(920) 592-2865
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Hiebing
Barb Hernandez
(608) 268-4390
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