Grand Rapids, Mich. — For the first time, Meijer 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 first retailer to be honored in both categories.
Meijer is also the only SmartWay partner to be 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,” says 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% annually.
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%, 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.
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. The privately-owned and family-operated company was founded in 1934. For more information, visit www.meijer.com.
SOURCE: Meijer Inc