SmartWay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency^
Featured Partner: MesilLa Valley Transportation
ASPORTATION
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Mesilla Valley Transportation is committed to running the greenest fleet in the
country and setting an example for fleets around the world! Participating in
SmartWay aligns perfectly with our goals to demonstrate true leadership in
freight efficiency
— Royal Jones, President & CEO
WHY SMARTWAY?
Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) operates its fleet with a focus on driver
performance, technology innovation and customer service. MVT joined SmartWay
ten years ago in support of its larger goals to haul more freight, use less fuel, and
monitor its environmental performance. Its decision to join SmartWay has paid off
in many ways.
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MPG
BENCHMARKING IS A GREAT MOTIVATOR
The first time that MVT measured its fleet's overall fuel economy in 2004, the company was
surprised - and disappointed. Based on the size and age of its fleet, driver performance, routes,
and other factors, the company expected that its fleet would average 7.5 MPG. But the results
showed an average of 6.8 MPG.
Today MVT credits benchmarking as a key tool for identifying and sharing best practices, and
an important factor that contributes significantly to performance. Based on its most current fleet
assessment, excluding independent owner-operators hired under contract, MVT estimates that
its fleet is running close to 9 MPG.
"Establishing a baseline and annually benchmarking your MPG every year is critical to setting
goals," said Royal Jones, MVT's president and CEO. "Trying and testing technologies and
strategies, and ultimately adopting those that reduce fuel use - is key to achieving them."
In addition to its internal performance metrics, MVT also uses SmartWay's online performance
data to help benchmark against its competitors. The online performance data includes a list of
all fleets operated by SmartWay carrier and logistics partners. Fleets are ranked using emissions
metrics that can be used to identify their overall environmental and energy performance. As a
SmartWay truckload carrier, MVT has been the recipient of a SmartWay Excellence Award
multiple times, and recognized as SmartWay high performer for its efficiency and carbon scores.
"SmartWay's performance reports help us check and validate the monitoring we've been doing
for years - and that corroboration is extremely helpful," said Jones.
EPA-420-F-18-015 | August 2018 | SmartWay Transport Partnership | epa.gov/smartway
(continued)

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Featured Partner: Mesilla Valley Transportation (continued)
TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONAL INNOVATIONS
Throughout its history, MVT has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve by testing new
and innovative fuel-saving technologies. In the mid 1980's, shortly after the company was
formed, MVT moved all 5th wheels forward and locked them to keep the gap between
the truck and trailer as close as possible, improving the aerodynamics of the truck and
trailer and in turn, fuel efficiency. MVT found that any gap between the front of the trailer
and the edge of cab extenders beyond 24" was costing up to one tenth of a mile per
gallon per inch.
In 2004, the company switched to trucks and trailers with single wide based tires, and
equipped all trucks with direct-drive transmissions and idle reduction devices. Today all
tractors use 6X2 axle configurations, and are treated with low-viscosity synthetic Lubricants.
On its trailers, MVT uses run skirts and traiLer tails. In combination, MVT finds these
upgrades key to operating a high-performing, energy efficient fleet.
"Drivers are in a constant battle against wind resistance," said Jones. "We're always trying
different ways to make the driver's job easier by reducing drag while simultaneously giving
them the horsepower and energy needed to move his truck down the road and meet our
customer's needs as safely and efficiently as possible."
In addition to technology upgrades, MVT works closely with its drivers on their driving
practices to help improve safety and save fuel. The MVT Training Institute offers full
classroom, field and road instruction for new drivers to obtain their CDL license, and
various programs for existing drivers to hone and improve their skills. MVT's fleet is
equipped with programmable engines and it closely monitors driving patterns, using
the data to reach out and counsel drivers on how to drive more efficiently.
7
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AS A WINNING STRATEGY
Initially, MVT had assumed that its International ProStar trucks, or its "Trucks of Tomorrow"
when fully equipped with a series of fuel-saving upgrades, would get no less than 8 MPG,
no matter who was driving them. However, MVT found that even the perfect truck had
variances of up to 3 miles per gaLLon based on the driver. It found that drivers in the same
type of truck might get below 8 MPG while other drivers were getting over 10 miles per gallon.
This variance inspired MVT to begin rewarding drivers for their positive driving techniques.
Every three months the MVT driver without any accidents, violations, and the best MPG
becomes eligible for a chance to win a new car. The new car can only be won by a driver
once. However, MVT also rewards the driver with the best MPG for the year with $25,000
if the driver doesn't have any accidents or violations; this reward can be won multiple times.
In addition to this competition, and to encourage broader participation, including drivers that
might have a ticket or violation, MVT also runs a monthly program. Under this program, drivers
are given financial incentives, that on top of their monthly pay, provides an additional .01 cents
when drivers achieve 8.6 MPG and above; .02 for 9.0 to 9.4 MPG; .03 for 9.5 to 9.9 MPG; and
finally, .04 additional cents per mile for over 10 MPG. Based on MVT's operations, the company
equates a tenth of a mile per gallon improvement for every mile driven to 20,000 gaLLons of
fuel saved a month - and it wants all drivers on board, driving as efficiently and economically
as possible.
(continued)

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Featured Partner: Mesilla Valley Transportation (continued)
20% Biodiesel
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT - PRESENT AND FUTURE
Mesilla Valley Transportation cares about air quality and continually looks for ways to reduce its
carbon and other emissions in several ways. For example, when at home terminals MVT fuels
its trucks with 20% Biodiesel, and is repurposing its used engine oil as fuel for the heaters in its
maintenance shops during the colder months.
MVT also operates MVT Solutions, a division of the company that conducts testing on a broad
range of efficiency devices, equipment, additives and other products aimed at lowering fuel
use. MVT Solutions collaborates with manufacturers as well as other fleets that share its goals
to save fuel, money and the environment.
WHAT'S NEXT
MVT is committed to its partnership with SmartWay by "Getting therewith Cleaner Air,"
and plans to continue and expand transportation management and sustainability
strategies that have helped it lessen freight's impacts on air quality and reduce our
nation's reliance on foreign oil.
Over
Roberto Sandoval, a driver with MVT, represented
the company in the 2017 Run on Less campaign,
where MVT and several other trucking companies
demonstrated the ability of long haul drivers to
achieve an average of over 10 MPG.
How can your company
become a SmartWay Partner?
^SmartWay*
Please visit the SmartWay website at www.epa.gov/smartway
for more information about our partners.	Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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