Penske wins US eco award

Major American truck rental company Penske Truck Leasing has been awarded a Clean Air Excellence Award by the US Environmental Protection Agency, for its efforts in promoting alternative-fuel vehicles.

It's the first time the business has received the award, while Penske was the only non-government-related winner among the seven recipients.

The EPA says the awards recognise projects that ultimately lead to cleaner air, the Penske award falling into the 'Clean Air Technology' category.

"The Clean Air Technology Award applies to technological developments (including products or processes) that reduce air pollution from stationary, mobile, or area sources," states the EPA.

Involved in the EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership for over seven years, Penske Truck Leasing currently operates a fleet of over 500 natural gas, hybrid, propane and electric vehicles in the US, the range spanning prime movers, rigids and buses.

Last year saw the business add 85 compressed natural gas (CNG) Freightliner Cascadia prime movers to its fleet, each powered by Cummins Westport 12-litre engines.

"Penske is removing barriers to improve driver and fleet acceptance of low-emission technologies," said the EPA.

"Part of Penske's ultimate company-wide sustainability vision is to help fleets realise cost-savings while reducing pollutants and GHGs [greenhouse gases] characteristic of the conventional fuels used in the transportation industry."

Penske Senior Vice President of Fuels and Facility Services, Drew Cullen, said the firm was thrilled to receive the award.

"It is humbling for our company's overall sustainability efforts to be recognized by the EPA with this prestigious award," he said.

"As a trusted adviser to our customers, who operate both traditional and alternative fuel truck fleets, we take a consultative approach and ensure they operate the type of alternative fuel equipment that fits their needs.

"The investment we have made in our natural gas rental tractor program removes many of the barriers the transportation industry faces in determining where natural gas is a fit for their operations, and it provides an avenue to demonstrate and measure the clean air benefits."