READING, PA - Penske Logistics announced an expanded commitment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership, a move that underscores its commitment to environmentally responsible operations.  Penske Logistics is now also certified for its transportation management approaches as a logistics provider and has earned the EPA program's highest rating of 1.25, representing outstanding environmental performance.

"As a lead logistics provider and manager of other third-party carriers on behalf of our customers, the majority of the carriers we use are in the SmartWay program," said Vince Hartnett, President - Penske Logistics.  "Our preference is to use SmartWay carriers as our first choice when possible and to encourage all the carriers doing business with us to join the program."

Penske Logistics efforts will contribute to SmartWay's goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of freight operations.  Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year.  The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, and logistics companies to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies.  The Partnership currently has nearly 1,900 partners.  For information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit www.epa.gov/smartway.

The entire Penske Truck Leasing organization demonstrates a strong commitment to SmartWay. Penske Truck Leasing is a SmartWay Transport Affiliate and Penske Truck Rental and Penske Logistics are carrier partners in the program and have earned the highest EPA Performance Scores of 1.25 representing outstanding environmental performance. 

Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing.  With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to leading companies throughout the world.  Penske Logistics delivers value through design, planning and execution in transportation, warehousing, international freight forwarding and carrier management. 

Visit www.PenskeLogistics.com to learn more.