OAKVILLE, Ont. –In its continuing effort to green the supply chain, 3PL Lakeside Logistics named Lodwick Transport its Vision Green Carrier of the Year.

The award, now in its fourth year, was presented during recent Carrier Appreciation Night festivities at Lakeside’s Oakville headquarters. Accepting the award was Lisa Vegso, business development executive with Lodwick.

“We continue to work internally to decrease our own carbon footprint… but it is fair to say that our biggest progress has been with you, our carriers,” said Susan Moore, director of sustainability with Lakeside Logistics, noting Lakeside itself became carbon-neutral in 2007. “Back in 2007, we had 17 SmartWay carriers hauling 9% of our miles. Today, we have 100 Smart-Way carriers hauling over 40% of our miles.”

Lakeside’s goal is to move 50% of its customers’ freight using Smart-Way carriers in 2010. Moore also noted Campbell Soup, one of Lakeside’s largest customers, became a Smart-Way shipper this year. Joining the US EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership is not a requirement for Lakeside Logistics carriers, but it is strongly encouraged. Lakeside works closely with its carriers to help them achieve SmartWay status. This year, 10 fleets were shortlisted for the company’s Vision Green Carrier of the Year award, each of them members of the Smart-Way program.

Lodwick Transport received the nod because it took several steps to significantly lower its emissions, including adding auxiliary power units (APUs) to its fleet, a move that saw the company reduce its idle-time by 85%.

“In addition, they have a comprehensive driver program that is based on open communication and recognition for those that do a great job,” Moore said. “Poor performers are coached through open dialog sessions and education and they have seen these drivers significantly improve their miles per gallon ratings after adopting fuel-efficient driving techniques.”

Meanwhile, Road Link Xpress was named Lakeside Logistics Carrier of the Year. Jeff Moore, managing director of Lakeside Logistics made the presentation, noting all Lakeside carriers were evaluated using a complex formula involving wide-ranging criteria. “It’s not just who we like the best,” he said. The award was accepted by Road Link Xpress co-owner, Raj Dhaliwal and dispatcher, Peter Sandhu.