GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –Meijer is pleased to announce that for the first time, it has been named a SmartWay® Excellence Award winner in two categories simultaneously – as a shipper and a carrier by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Meijer is the only SmartWay partner to receive the rare distinction of being recognized in both categories simultaneously. Meijer has been recognized as a SmartWay award recipient in the past – as a shipping partner in 2017 and as a carrier partner in 2007.
The SmartWay Excellence Award is the EPA’s highest recognition. The award recognizes the top retail and manufacturing carriers and shippers that demonstrate how their logistical operations make a measurable difference in reducing carbon emissions, while also effectively managing fuel costs as they move goods around the country. SmartWay Excellence Awardees lead their industries in improving freight efficiency and contributing to cleaner air within their supply chains.
“On behalf of the hard-working men and women that make up our logistics team here at Meijer, we are elated to receive such a distinct honor by the EPA’s SmartWay,” said Tom McCall, Vice President of Logistics for Meijer. “Our team members are driven to constantly monitor and improve the efficiency of our fleet with the mission to minimize our carbon footprint in the communities where we do business.”
Meijer operates a fleet of 250 semi-trucks that cover more than 25 million miles each year. In the spirit of relentless improvement, Meijer has also built a best-in-class clean diesel fleet and invested in energy efficiency within its retail operations, including its commitment to retrofit each of its more than 240 retail locations with LED lighting by 2021. Meijer reported the change will reduce its lighting electrical use by as much as 50 percent annually.
“Today, EPA is honoring top-performing SmartWay Partners with this year’s 2018 SmartWay Excellence Award, for their leadership in moving more goods with less fuel,” EPA’s Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum said. “These companies inspire others in the freight sector to invest in innovative technologies and business practices that save fuel, while reducing costs and protecting the environment.”
Meijer is constantly monitoring the emissions from its refrigerated trailers. All refrigerated units are programmed with “cycle sentry.” Cycle-Sentry automatically regulates the engine as refrigeration is needed. This technology enables Meijer to realize a fuel savings of nearly 80 percent, increase the life of its engines, and reduce maintenance costs.
Meijer also uses three, Tier 4 CARB hybrid/electric shore powered refrigerated units at its distribution facilities, and its stock dock doors run on electricity only. This reduces operating and maintenance expenses, eliminates local diesel emissions, and meets local noise ordinances. These hybrid units are now the standard specification for new unit purchases.
About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 240 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.