SmartWay*
MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY »
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Overview of 2OI5 Updates to the EPA-
designated SmartWay Trailer
EPA's SmartWay Transport
Program is a market-driven
partnership to help busi-
nesses move goods in the
cleanest, most efficient
way possible. By providing a
consistent set of tools and
information needed to make
informed transportation
choices, SmartWay enables
companies across the country
to benchmark performance
data in ways that protect our
environment,encourage eco-
nomic vitality, and enhance
our nation's energy security.
EPA's SmartWay Technology
program helps carrier fleets
make informed business
decisions to save fuel and
improve their supply chain
efficiency.
In 2014, EPA's SmartWay Technology Program released in interim form updates to it's trailer
designation and trailer aerodynamic equipment verification programs. These updates were
finalized in 201 5 to allow trucking fleets to better identify trailer equipment with demonstrated fuel
savings and to offer manufacturers more test flexibility.
The 2015 updates include:
• Incorporating multiple aerodynamic performance evaluation methods;
• Expanding to include large refrigerated trailers in addition to dry vans;
• Using performance-based categories for aerodynamic devices; and,
• Adding a new SmartWay Elite Trailer category.
Overall, EPA's SmartWay trailer program uses robust testing protocols to verify the fuel savings of
trailer aerodynamic devices (e.g., trailer skirts, tails, noses, under-trailer devices) and low-rolling
resistance tires to be used on 53-foot trailers.
EPA has expanded its aerodynamic testing-verification pathways to include an enhanced track
test, wind tunnel testing, coastdown testing, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). If trailer
aerodynamic devices demonstrate fuel savings in SmartWay testing, they are identified as
SmartWay-verified and are listed, along with SmartWay-verified low-rolling resistance tires, on the
SmartWay website's technology verification page (www.epa.gov/smartway/forpartners/technology.htm).
EPA added 53-foot refrigerated trailers along with dry vans to its types of designated trailers.
EPA's designation of 53-foot box dry van and refrigerated trailers gives fleet managers additional
confidence that fuel saving technologies will perform for all of their 53-foot box trailers.
EPA has replaced device-based categories with performance thresholds of 1 %, 4%, 5% and 9%
or more fuel savings over traditional trailers. Using the SmartWay aerodynamic device verification
web page, fleet managers can select individually-verified devices from a performance category to
total the fuel savings threshold for their trailer to qualify as SmartWay-designated. (www.epa.gov/
smartway/forpartners/technology.htm)
There are two designation-levels for trailers in the SmartWay program:
• An EPA-designated "SmartWay" trailer is a 53-foot box trailer (dry van or refrigerated)
used in long-haul operation, equipped with SmartWay-verified low-rolling resistance tires
and SmartWay-verified aerodynamic devices. A SmartWay trailer can save a total of 6%
or more fuel over traditional trailers. At least 5% of the fuel savings result from reducing
wind drag with one or more EPA-verified aerodynamic devices. An additional 1% or
greater fuel savings come from reducing rolling resistance with EPA-verified tires. Atypical
Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck in long-haul operation using a SmartWay trailer
could save about 1,000 gallons of diesel annually.
• An EPA-designated "SmartWay Elite" trailer is a 53-foot box
trailer (dry van or refrigerated) used in long-haul operation,
equipped with SmartWay-verified low-rolling resistance tires and
a higher-level of SmartWay-verified aerodynamic devices. A
SmartWay Elite trailer can save a total of 1 0% or more fuel
over traditional trailers. At least 9% of the fuel savings result from
reducing wind drag with a combination of 2 or more EPA-verified
aerodynamic devices. An additional 1 % or greater fuel savings
result from reducing rolling resistance with EPA-verified tires.
Atypical Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck in long-haul
operation using a SmartWay Elite trailer could save about 1,700
gallons of diesel annually.
Continued
U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA-420-F-I5-009 | www.epa.gov/smartway
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SmartWay*
MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY »
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Overview of 2015 Updates to the EPA-
designated SmartWay Trailer
Continued
SmartWay and SmartWay Elite trailers are used by trucking fleets to move freight in the most fuel-efficient way
possible and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Summary of EPA-designated SmartWay Trailer Configurations
Trailer Types
Aerodynamic Dei/ices
Lou/ Rolling-resistance Tires
Total Fuel Savings
Per Trailer Annual Fuel Savings
SmartWay Trailers
53-foot box trailers (either dry vans
or refrigerated trailers) used for
long haul operations
One or more SmartWay-verified
aerodynamic devices totaling at
least 5% fuel savings
SmartWay-verified low-rolling
resistance tires totaling at least 1 %
fuel savings
6% or greater
Approximately 1,000 gallons of
diesel per year
SmartWay Elite tTrailers
53-foot box trailers (either dry vans
or refrigerated trailers) used for
long haul operations
Combination of two or more
SmartWay-verified aerodynamic
devices totaling at least 9% fuel
savings
SmartWay-verified low-rolling
resistance tires totaling at least 1 %
fuel savings
1 0% or greater
Approximately 1,700 gallons of
diesel per year
For more information: www.epa.gov/smartway/forpartners/technology.htm or Tech_Center@epa.gov
U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA-420-F-15-009 | www.epa.gov/smartway
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