Lynden Transport recently earned a SmartWay High Performer Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for operating efficiencies in its flatbed and reefer fleets.
The company is included in the top 20% of national carriers for reducing carbon emissions, and it achieved top-ranking performance for all metrics, including fuel efficiency, Lynden said. Fewer than 10% of all SmartWay carriers operate fleets efficient enough to make the SmartWay High Performer list for carbon emissions.
“This award recognizes the efforts throughout the Lynden companies to work efficiently and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Paul Grimaldi, Lynden Transport president. “It also confirms the efforts of employees to make this happen on a daily basis. We have achieved impressive scores for continual improvement in operations, as well as energy efficiency by using electric forklifts, streamlined trip routing and other measures.”
Carbon is a leading indicator of fuel use. SmartWay High Performers consume less fuel for every mile they travel and for every ton of freight moved. For example, for every trip they make, the carriers pack their trailers more efficiently and move heavier loads—all while reducing consumption by thousands of gallons annually as compared to their SmartWay peers.
Notable efficiency improvements for Lynden Transport between 2009 and 2019 include:
- Increased average miles per gallon for the entire fleet by 50%
- Increased ton miles per gallon (how many miles one ton of freight can be transported with one gallon of diesel) by 62%
- Reduced total CO2 emissions by 36%
- Decreased fuel usage by 36%, a savings of more than 1 million gallons per year. Even though there is only a 4% decrease in mileage from 10 years ago, Lynden is maintaining roughly the same level of business while using less energy
