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Midwest Carriers Among Top OTR Companies to Earn Environmental Award from EPA SmartWay 

For the sixth year in a row, the country’s top environmental agency has recognized Midwest Carriers with the SmartWay High Performance Award for reducing our environmental footprint and improving freight efficiency. The honor is given to the top 10% of OTR trucking companies that lead the industry in reducing carbon emissions through lower fuel use. Better fuel economy reduces emissions, ultimately lessening the country’s oil dependence and helping companies across the country operate with lower costs. The Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program aims to positively impact the American economy by improving fuel efficiency, strengthening supply chain performance and aiding the health of communities nationwide.  

The Environmental Impact of Freight Transport


Air pollution from carbon emissions has devastating effects on the environment—trapping heat, worsening climate change and causing respiratory issues. Freight companies can help in reducing pollution and preserving the environment. In 2022, U.S. business logistics costs (USBLC) amounted to $2.3 trillion, representing 9.1 percent of national GDP. The transportation sector contributes the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other industries. Medium and heavy-duty trucks caused nearly 413 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, that’s a 75 percent rise since 1990.  

Midwest Truck Drives Along Road with Lake to the Left

Reducing the Environmental Impact of OTR Trucking Companies with SmartWay 

The freight industry is expansive and intertwined, allowing even small changes in behavior to have systemic, sweeping effects. By encouraging freight companies to embrace sustainability, SmartWay has led truck drivers to save enough oil to eliminate yearly electricity use in more than 23 million houses. Not only does green freight help the environment, but it also strengthens the national economy and supply chain. According to Corporate Knights, “greening” the transportation sector could generate up to 257,000 new jobs and increase cumulative GDP by up to $56 billion by 2025. From an operational view point, reducing carbon emissions saves on fuel and therefore, fuel costs.  

SmartWay initiatives encourage companies: 

  • To invest less on foreign fuel 
  • Lessen the trade deficit  
  • Bolster its collaboration with Canada to meet North American energy needs  

Our Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions Due to Transports

At Midwest Carriers, we care about doing our part to help address this global concern and to show our dedication are a part of the SmartWay Transport Partnership. This collaboration allows us to use credible data, resources and benchmarks to measure and reduce our negative environmental impact. Measuring fuel economy allows us to continue setting actionable goals and reducing fuel-related carbon emissions due to transportation.  

Through its initiatives, the EPA SmartWay Program to date has facilitated freight companies saving an astounding $52.3 billion on fuel costs. The reduction in cost comes with impressive environmental benefits from fuel saved. SmartWay saved 379 million oil barrels since 2004 with its partners, significantly slashing greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.   

How Midwest Drivers Help the Environment by Increasing Fuel Efficiency


Our drivers plan their trips with fuel efficiency in mind, track the miles per gallon and participate in our fuel economy incentive program. We offer bonus opportunities for drivers who conserve fuel over 7.25 miles per gallon—providing tiered compensation based on average monthly miles per gallon. These goals are attainable with preparation and continued consideration.   

One Midwest Carriers driver sits in behind the wheel of a semi, while another stands beside them, pointing to features within the cab of the truck.

“Continuing to earn the SmartWay High Performer recognition each year would not be possible without the dedication of hard-working truck drivers at Midwest Carriers,” shares President Eric Van Handel, “Without their shared commitment and belief in our mission, we would not be able to contribute to saving the environment. Their day-to-day actions and constant attention to fuel economy is what secures the SmartWay recognition and our fuel savings annually.” 

Employees at Midwest Carriers keep their trucks at a capped, fuel-efficient speed to further maximize fuel economy, with optimal speed well under 65 miles per hour. Using cruise control also regulates speed. Our drivers turn off their trucks when idle where safe, saving nearly a gallon of fuel per hour.  

We take pride in our drivers’ care for communities. Each month, their efforts save nearly 35,000 gallons of fuel. That contributes to a yearly carbon dioxide savings of 9.3 million pounds.  

Some of the steps our drivers take include:  

  • Slowing down and using cruise control 
  • Keeping tires at the correct pressure (100 psi).  
  • Implementing tails and skirts to reduce drag.  
  • Tightening trailers to reduce fifth wheel adjustments. 
  • Finding a sweet spot for fifth wheel adjustment for best fuel mileage.