EPA SmartWay

Estes was one of the first trucking companies to join the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWaySM Transport Partnership. This program is an innovative collaboration between the freight industry and the government to improve energy efficiency, reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.

Learn more about the EPA SmartWay program.

Recycling and conservation

From light bulbs to scrap metal, Estes keeps waste out of landfills and conserves precious natural resources by reusing and recycling materials.

• Recycling efforts—Estes sends all of its scrap metal to recyclers. In 2008 alone, this allowed us to keep over 1,040 tons of metal out of landfills. Plus, we recycled over 200,000 gallons of used oil during that same time period.
• Paper conservation—Between 2006 and 2008, Estes reduced its company-wide paper usage by over seven million sheets. We’ve accomplished this through employee education and by providing customers with “paperless” e-commerce solutions (online shipping forms, EDI and Web Services, etc.).
• Refurbished equipment—We utilize rebuilt/remanufactured components when repairing units—including starters, alternators, engines, brake shoes, transmissions, differentials and other miscellaneous parts.
• LED lighting—All 2006 and newer equipment purchases are equipped with LED lighting. This long-life lighting technology will reduce the number of light bulbs we discard by an estimated 50%.
• Reusing materials—Each of our 200+ terminals reuse discarded cardboard and pallets as dunnage to keep freight secure during transit.
• Recapped tires—In 2008, Estes recapped almost 36,000 tires, extending tread life and reducing waste.

Cleaner processes

Estes employees follow environmentally responsible procedures to keep harmful pollutants out of the air and groundwater in the communities we serve.

• Nonhazardous cleaning solutions—Our shop facilities utilize a nonhazardous solution for parts cleaning to minimize waste disposal. Additionally, in an effort to protect groundwater from contaminants, no chlorinated solvents are used in our shops.
• Smarter wash systems—Many of our wash systems feature closed-loop applications that minimize discharge to sewer systems. For facilities without wash systems, outside contractors are used to reclaim all wash water.

  We have also eliminated the use of acids in our trailer-washing process to prevent metals from seeping into the groundwater system.

• Refrigerant capture—When servicing our air conditioning units, we always capture Freon and other harmful refrigerants to ensure that they are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Better tank systems—Most of our in-house fuel facilities utilize above-ground tank systems. These systems meet or exceed all federal, state and local regulations. Many are equipped with canopies to help prevent storm-water runoff, as well as 5-minute timers to limit potential spillage.

Efficient route planning

One of the most important ways that Estes reduces our environmental impact is through innovative, effective route planning. By making sure we carry freight as efficiently as possible, we minimize the amount of fuel we use and the levels of carbon dioxide our trucks emit into the air.

• Innovative route-planning software—Estes uses sophisticated route-planning software to ensure that we carry freight as efficiently as possible, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary fuel usage.
• Fewer empty loads—Estes has reduced empty loads by over 25% since 2007, reducing our freight carbon emissions by 7,744 tons.
• Intermodal transport—Estes has increased the number of miles it carries freight via rail by more than 300% since 2007, reducing our freight carbon emissions by an additional 11,434 tons.

Smarter fuel usage

Making environmentally responsible decisions about fuel usage is important part of Estes’ green program. We’ve successfully lessened our environmental impact through the use of cleaner fuels and by taking steps to improve the fuel efficiency of our equipment.

Better fuels

• Bio-diesel—We are using B5 blend bio-diesel in some states.
• ULSD fuel—We only use ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel, which reduces the emission of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
• Conversion to propane—All of our forklifts have been converted from gasoline/diesel to propane.

Optimizing fuel efficiency

• PrePass and EZ Pass—Our drivers utilize PrePass and EZ Pass to bypass weight stations and toll plazas, which means that our trucks spend less time idling.
• Fuel economy monitors—Each of our trucks is equipped with technology that allows us to track and measure its fuel economy. This technology allows us to quickly address any issues that might be leading to wasted fuel.
• Idle shutdown system—All of our tractors are equipped with idle shutdown systems set at 3 minutes.
• Improved aerodynamics—All of our equipment has air farings and side farings to improve aerodynamics, resulting in lower fuel usage.
• Reduced oil consumption—We use synthetic lubricants for all drive trains (transmissions and rears) that reduce friction and improve fuel mileage.
• Low-profile tires—We are converting our entire fleet to low-profile tires, resulting in reduced rolling resistance and lower fuel consumption.
• Speed management—We have reduced power-unit speed from 68 to 65 mph to increase the number of miles we get per gallon.
• Weight reduction—By using aluminum fuel tanks in lieu of steel, we have reduced our power unit weight by 65 lbs. This decrease in weight leads to a big increase in fuel efficiency.