Truck operators to trial EcoStation in Victoria

Local truck operators will soon be able to measure their environmental impact and reduce their operating costs, with an innovative new program to be launched in September by the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) in Australia, based on a similar program in the United States. The EcoStation program mimics the successful SmartWay program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the objective of helping local truck companies reduce their fuel consumption and help the environment. Under the U.S. program, participating freight companies are able to use the SmartWay brand to promote their environmental performance when negotiating for business. The objectives of the pilot program are to trial the SmartWay process locally and to identify the tools and resources needed to help companies reduce their fuel consumption and emissions. Our initial challenge in this is to find out how to measure a company’s fuel efficiency in a meaningful way, said VTA Chief Executive Phil Lovel. (September 5, 2009)