How SmartWay is Bringing Sustainability into Freight Transportation

Headquartered in Linden, New Jersey, Linden Bulk Transportation provides safe and reliable bulk truck transportation across North America. Dedicated to sustainability, Linden Bulk Transportation is a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) SmartWay program. 

SmartWay was established in 2004 as a public-private partnership between the EPA and 15 freight companies. It was created to advance market-based incentives and innovative technologies addressing sustainability and efficiency issues in freight transportation.

The program is open to all private companies in the transportation sector. To member companies, the program helps these companies identify transport modes, equipment, and logistics strategies that improve sustainability while lowering operational costs. It also provides comprehensive tracking systems that monitor and provide insights on fuel use, and recommends fuel-saving solutions to reduce emissions footprint. In these ways, SmartWay improves global energy security and promotes environmentally sustainable practices in the freight transportation sector.

Since its inception in 2004, SmartWay has grown from just 15 companies to a membership of over 3,700 companies. Together, these members have kept off 248.8 million barrels of oil, saved $33.4 billion in fuel costs, and lowered emissions by 119 million tons.

Odyssey Successfully Transports Glass Freight for Large Manufacturer

Based in Linden, New Jersey, Linden Bulk Transportation, part of Odyssey Logistics, is an award-winning logistics provider. Linden Bulk Transportation, along with other Odyssey Logistics subsidiaries, has had success transporting different types of freight. For example, Odyssey subsidiary International Forwarders Inc. (IFI) successfully moved a large consignment of fragile glass for an international manufacturer. 

Moving glass across long distances or across borders is not easy, so when the company approached IFI, it knew it had its work cut out for it. Both air and motor transport were needed, and utmost attention had to be paid to the fragile cargo. Here’s how IFI did it:

-Custom packaging. IFI purchased specialized igloo packaging with metallic casings to securely pack the glass. It then hired on-site packing specialists to securely pack the glass products into their casings. These specialists also give instructions on proper loading and unloading, minimizing the risk of damage. 

-Careful handling. When it comes to glass, even a bump in the road can result in damage. IFI managed links along the supply chain to ensure the fragile freight received due care. 

-Information logistics. IFI’s team maintained constant communication to coordinate the shipping process, including electronic tracking, standard package labeling, emails, phone, and on-site support.

New Jersey Tank Truck Firm Maintains Long-Term Focus on Safety

A subsidiary of Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation, Linden Bulk Transportation, LLC, provides tank truck transport for a range of oil and chemical industry customers from its base in New Jersey. Linden Bulk Transportation is the recipient of multiple awards related to its safe operating practices.

One of the most recent of these accolades the company has earned is the National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2015 Grand Award, given to firms operating in the 18.5 to 31.5 million mile range. Others include the company’s 2015 first place award for fleet safety from the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, and its 2014 award from BP that highlighted its driving safety record.

LBT continues to monitor and refine its safety practices and procedures. In 1993, its leadership created its own safety award process to provide recognition and reward to employees who have demonstrated outstanding performance in a number of critical safety areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, charged with improving the tank trucking industry’s safety practices, offers training for companies and operators on vital topics such as rollover and spillage prevention, emergency hazard response, sanitation, and safe handling of food products.

What Is a Tank Truck?

For 30 years, Linden Bulk Transportation has stood out as one of the leading tank truck transportation companies in the Northeast. Based in Linden, New Jersey, Linden Bulk Transportation maintains a large fleet of tank trucks, which safely carry cargo as far as Pasadena and Houston, Texas.

Tank trucks can haul liquids, gases, chemicals, and sometimes even dry products such as grain. They come in three classes--heavy-duty, medium-duty, or light-duty--depending on their load capacity, and may be either pressurized or non-pressurized and insulated or non-insulated. Many are vacuum-sealed, and some can haul more than one load.

When a tank truck hauls hazardous or explosive materials, such as fuel, pesticides, cleaning solutions, or toxic by-products, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the driver to have specialized training. In addition to on-the-job OSHA training, drivers must complete special courses in handling tank trucks.