Less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight has been named a 2019 SmartWay High Performer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA recognizes SmartWay Transport Partners that lead the freight industry in producing more efficient and sustainable supply chain solutions.

ABF Freight improved its fuel efficiency by purchasing tractors with engine profiles designed to maximize fuel economy while still providing the appropriate performance to serve customers' needs. The new vehicles all include automated manual transmissions.

ABF Freight also reduces fuel consumption and improves efficiency through a stringent equipment maintenance and replacement program. Through these efforts, ABF reduced its overall carbon footprint per ton-mile in 2018, saving the equivalent of 14,300 tons of CO2 as calculated by the EPA.

"At ArcBest and ABF Freight, we are committed to reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency while we deliver a best-in-class experience for our customers," said Judy R. McReynolds, ArcBest chairman, president and CEO. "We are always studying ways to improve our environmental sustainability, and we are honored that ABF is among the EPA SmartWay High Performers for 2019."

This is the third year EPA has published its list of SmartWay High Performers, which includes shippers, carriers and other logistics-service providers. EPA evaluates its SmartWay partners based on annual emissions reports and recognizes the High Performers that have achieved significant shipping and freight efficiencies that merit special attention.

ABF Freight has been a SmartWay partner since 2006 and earned the SmartWay Excellence award in 2014 and 2018 for superior environmental performance and taking actions to reduce freight emissions.