Knight Transportation, Inc. Receives Sixth Annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Award

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Knight Transportation, Inc. (NYSE: KNX) is very proud to have been named the recipient of a Sixth Annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Air Quality Award. This award is presented by the staff of the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, in addition to representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management district, California Air Resources Board and United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.

Knight Transportation has a company-wide commitment to protect the environment and exceed industry standards. Recognized for having one of the newest and cleanest fleets in the industry, Knight Transportation operates over 4,000 trucks nationwide—of which 330 operate in the LA/ LB port area. Knight’s fleet runs on US EPA 2007 and US EPA 2010 compliant engines, and more than half of the fleet operating in the LA/ LB port area is comprised of 2010 or newer trucks exceeding current port requirements. Engines from the 2010 and newer trucks have reduced CO₂ emissions by approximately 18% and reduced NOx emissions by 90% compared to 2007 or older.

Managing fuel consumption is a priority for Knight Transportation and results in reduced vehicle carbon emissions. In this effort, processes have been implemented to monitor driving behavior progress as well as modifications made to equipment. One major component of their fleet is approximately 9,500 dry van and refrigerated trailers. Through partnership with a company that manufactures trailer blades, Knight has added these panels to 97% of the fleet. Trailer blades reduce fuel consumption by minimizing the air flow under the trailer and around the back axle. Optimized engine technology, reduced equipment weight, and low rolling resistance tires are additional ways in which Knight Transportation has improved fuel consumption. In addition, 100% of Knight tractors are equipped with bunk heaters, thus reducing the drivers’ need to idle during the cooler winter months.

Understanding the importance of protecting the environment, Knight Transportation has focused on running clean trucks throughout the U.S. This approach allows Knight to be ahead of the curve if other ports were to implement new policies as they already operate in areas such as Oakland, Houston, Seattle/ Tacoma and San Diego.

As a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership Program since 2004, Knight Transportation has been the recipient of the SmartWay Excellence Award in 2007, 2009 and 2012. In June 2011, they were also chosen as one of the top 75 Green Supply Chain Partners by Inbound Logistics.

Knight Transportation, Inc. is a provider of multiple truckload transportation services using a nationwide network of service centers in the U.S. to serve customers throughout North America. In addition to operating one of the country’s largest tractor fleets, Knight also partners with third-party equipment providers to provide a broad range of truckload services to its customers while creating quality driving jobs for our driving associates and successful business opportunities for owner-operators.