LAS VEGAS — A trio of recognizable Canadian carriers were among nearly two dozen companies to receive Environmental Excellence Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership.

Challenger Motor Freight of Cambridge, Ont.; Bison Transport of Winnipeg; and MacKinnon Transport in Guelph, Ont. were the Canadian carriers to receive the awards, which recognized fleets that implement innovative, market-based programs or equipment to cut fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from the freight sector.

The awards were handed out today at the American Trucking Association’s annual conference in Las Vegas.

The association was also given its own award — recognized as one of 37 SmartWay partners to receive the distinction.

“I commend ATA for its leadership in promoting sustainable transportation practices through the SmartWay Transport Partnership," said Margo T. Oge, Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA. "These actions demonstrate a commitment to a cleaner environment and more secure energy supply."

Typically, SmartWay certified equipment can include anti-idling systems, aerodynamic devices and add-ons like skirts or fairings, rolling resistant tires and single-wide-base tires; as well as company-wide fuel economy training programs for drivers.

Bison is one carrier, which implements many of these technologies on its fleet of Volvo and Freightliner tractors. The company also has a notoriously advanced fuel efficiency training system, which includes, in part, high-tech driving simulators.

VP of western operations Trevor Fridfinnson told todaystrucking.com that he’s honored to be part of this group of safe and environmentally conscious carriers.

A few other U.S. carriers to win EPA SmartWay include C.R. England, Inc.; Celadon Trucking Services Inc.; Knight Transportation, Inc.; Schneider National; Swift Transportation; UPS; and U.S. Xpress Enterprises.