ABF Freight Receives SmartWay Excellence Award from Environmental Protection Agency

FORT SMITH, Ark., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ABF Freight^sm, an ArcBest company, has been awarded a SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which lauded the carrier as a "true industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency."

"ABF Freight was a pioneer in adopting fleet efficiency and sustainability measures that are now seen as proven methods for promoting a greener supply chain. We do it because it's good business, and it's gratifying to see our efforts recognized by the EPA," said ABF Freight President and CEO Roy Slagle. "ABF Freight continues to pursue environmental innovations and practices designed to enhance environmental performance and efficiency. For example, we limit our trucks to a top speed of 62 mph and prohibit discretionary engine idling. As a result, every ABF Freight truck emits significantly fewer tons of carbon dioxide. Also, we have reduced fuel consumption and enhanced operational efficiency through best practices that include a strictly followed equipment maintenance and replacement program."

The SmartWay Transport Partnership was launched in 2004. During the past 10 years, SmartWay Partners have saved a reported 120.7 million barrels of oil and $16.8 billion in fuel costs, the EPA reports. SmartWay's clean air achievements (51.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 738,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 37,000 tons of particulate matter emissions avoided) help to protect the well-being of citizens.

"SmartWay carriers deserve our gratitude for a decade of progress in cutting carbon pollution and other air pollutants," said Chris Grundler, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality director. "They have reduced thousands of tons of dangerous pollutants and raised the bar on a sustainable transportation future, all while saving money in fuel costs." 

The SmartWay Excellence Award winners were honored at the American Trucking Associations' Annual Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California, October 7, 2014.

ABOUT ABF FREIGHT

ABF Freight^sm operates the core less-than-truckload network for North American shippers of all sizes who value quality and an exceptional experience. Our customers know we'll find a way to deliver superior regional and long-haul LTL solutions, including best-in-class trade show, white glove, expedited and time-critical services. With easy access through a single point of contact to a broad array of logistics services at our sister companies, we meet all supply chain needs.

ABOUT ARCBEST

ArcBest Corporation^SM (Nasdaq: ARCB) solves complex logistics and transportation challenges. Our companies and brands – ABF Freight^SM, ABF Logistics^SM, Panther Premium Logistics^SM, FleetNet America^®, U-Pack^® and ArcBest Technologies – apply the skill and the will with every shipment and supply chain solution, household move or vehicle repair. ArcBest finds a way. For more information, visit arcb.com, abf.com, pantherpremium.com, fleetnetamerica.com and upack.com. ArcBest Corporation^SM. The Skill & The Will^SM.

Media Contact: Russ Aikman
Title: Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 479-785-8913
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ABF Freight