RILA, clean truck group join forces

   The Retail Industry Leaders Association said Thursday it will form a partnership with the Coalition for Responsible Transportation to expand efforts to reduce diesel emissions in and around U.S. ports.
   “CRT’s leadership and innovative market-based approach to reducing diesel emissions has yielded impressive results at the ports of Southern California,” said Casey Chroust, RILA executive vice president for retail operations. “Retailers are committed to improving air quality in and around ports, and their investment in equipment and pursuit of innovative practices are widely recognized. This partnership will allow retailers and the broader shipping community to collaborate to achieve shared goals.”

Chroust

   Founded in 2007, CRT has been a leading advocate for the implementation of practical and responsible solutions that reduce port truck pollution without disrupting the flow of commerce. CRT members include national shippers, ocean carriers, drayage providers and equipment manufacturers.
   “Working closely together, CRT members have significantly reduced carbon emissions at the ports,” said Rick Gabrielson, director of import transportation for Target Corp. and president of CRT. “This partnership will expand this successful effort and further improve the air quality in these regions.”
   Since the launch of the Los Angeles and Long Beach Clean Truck Program, CRT member companies have deployed nearly 2,000 model year 2007 or newer trucks into drayage service in Southern California. These new clean trucks emit 80 percent fewer air pollutants than older trucks serving the port, have been privately financed by CRT members, and have been voluntarily deployed three years ahead of the port’s deadlines.
   CRT has also been involved in the development and implementation of industry-supported clean truck programs across the country including the ports of Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma and New York-New Jersey, with additional ports on the horizon.
   “We are immensely proud of the achievements to date, and welcome this partnership and the opportunity it presents to demonstrate our commitment to air-quality and responsible environmental stewardship,” said James Jack, executive director of CRT.
   Both RILA and CRT are members of the U.S. EPA SmartWay. Smartway is a collaboration between the EPA and the freight industry, designed to increase energy and fuel efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. RILA is also a member of SmartWay’s Shipper Stakeholder Committee, which provides input toward the continued development of the program, and is a partner with EPA’s Energy Star and WasteWise programs.
   The RILA-CRT partnership was formalized Sept. 22 at a meeting of the RILA Transportation & Infrastructure Committee meeting.