TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Polaris Transport was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency. Polaris is committed to upholding the highest standards in green operations. They've implemented initiatives to improve their operational environmental sustainability, like an anti-idling policy, fuel-efficient tractors, optimized route planning and driver training on fuel saving techniques. Recently, Polaris has instituted paperless invoicing to reduce waste and go green, company-wide.

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"This is the second year we've been honoured with a SmartWay Award," says Larry Cox, Polaris President. "It's a huge deal. We're constantly striving to find new, innovative ways to go green in all our operations. Keeping our planet healthy along with providing excellent service is a top goal throughout our organization."

Polaris was one of 55 companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay's 3000-plus Partners.  The Excellence Awardees were honored at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals annual conference held in Denver, Colorado.

"EPA is pleased to recognize the 2013 SmartWay Excellence Award recipients.  I commend Polaris for its superior environmental performance and leadership in advancing freight sector efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator.  "Their commitment is helping lead the freight industry to a more sustainable future."

Polaris is a Canadian LTL carrier that provides scheduled, daily service between its Southern Ontario base and all points in the U.S. and Western Canada.  The recipient of many awards for its dedication to service excellence, it is particularly proud of this recognition of its commitment to environmental leadership.

About SmartWayEPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to help business improve the sustainability of their freight supply chains.  Today, the Partnership consists of more than 3,000 Partners, representing a cross section of the freight supply chain industry.  As of today, SmartWay Partners have saved 65 million barrels of oil. This is equivalent to taking over 5 million cars off the road for an entire year. SmartWay's clean air achievements (28 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 478,000 tons nitrogen oxides, and 22,000 tons of particulate matter reduced so far) help protect the health and well-being of citizens while contributing to our nation's economic and energy security.

SOURCE Polaris Transportation Group