A look at the SmartWay program and what greener supply chains mean for shippers in 2026.
Sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a boardroom priority. The EPA SmartWay program gives shippers and carriers a common framework to measure, benchmark and reduce freight emissions—turning a fuzzy goal into concrete, comparable numbers.
What SmartWay does
SmartWay partners track fuel use and emissions across their operations, then use that data to set targets and adopt cleaner technologies—from aerodynamic trucks and low-rolling-resistance tires to route optimization and idle reduction. Because everyone measures the same way, a shipper can compare carriers on environmental performance the same way they compare on price or transit time.
Why it matters to shippers
Emissions are increasingly part of how businesses are judged—by customers, investors and regulators alike. Aligning your freight with SmartWay principles is a practical way to move the needle.
- Cleaner miles help you hit your own ESG and reporting goals.
- Efficiency gains often lower cost as well as carbon.
- Customers and partners increasingly ask for sustainability credentials.
- You get defensible data instead of vague green claims.
Efficiency and sustainability go together
The good news is that greener freight is often cheaper freight. A well-planned load that avoids empty miles, a full trailer instead of two half-full ones, and a route that skips congestion all burn less fuel and cost less money. Sustainability and efficiency are usually the same conversation.
Working with SmartWay-aligned carriers is a straightforward way to green your supply chain without sacrificing service. We can help you prioritize partners who take emissions seriously—so your freight moves responsibly and your reporting has real numbers behind it.
Written by
Amanda P.
