North American SmartWay
Canada is the United States’ second largest trading partner. In 2019, these two countries exchanged $612 billion worth of freight, totaling 550 million tons, mostly by truck.
Freight transport activity uses energy and creates emissions that harm public health and the environment.
EPA works with counterparts in Canada and Mexico to implement the SmartWay program and other initiatives to reduce emissions and make the freight transportation supply chain in North America more sustainable. EPA has been working closely with Natural Resources Canada since the first cooperative MOU in 2004, followed by full SmartWay program implementation in Canada in 2012. In 2022, EPA and NRCan renewed ongoing program cooperation around SmartWay for another 5 years. EPA has also been working with SEMARNAT in Mexico to develop a SmartWay sister program.
U.S. Cooperation
Driver Training
- Driving skills training is key to helping drivers operate in more efficient, fuel-saving ways without compromising safety.
- EPA collaborated with Natural Resources Canada to develop a SmartDriver training series that teaches drivers fuel-efficient driving techniques that save money and reduce emissions.
- This Online Driver Training e-learning curriculum is available in English, Spanish and French.
- Learn more here about the new Spanish version of the training or see here for a quick tutorial on the training in Spanish.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
- CEC is a tri-national body formed to help the United States, Canada, and Mexico cooperate on environmental issues related to trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
- EPA collaborated with the CEC and other stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive study of the North American supply chain and publish the Destination Sustainability report. It outlines policy recommendations for greater coordination and collaboration on infrastructure, border procedures, and standards harmonization. SmartWay tools, methods, and practices are integral to these recommendations.
SmartWay
- EPA has been working with Natural Resources Canada for roughly a decade, enhancing freight sustainability in the United States and Canada. In 2012, Natural Resources Canada and EPA agreed to expand SmartWay to Canada, creating a single, seamless program for both countries. Natural Resources Canada administers SmartWay tools and methods in Canada, using data unique to Canadian freight operations and provides reports in French and English. Companies operating in Canada may join SmartWay there.
Canada
Fleet Smart
- Natural Resources Canada maintains a parallel program called Fleet Smart, which offers free practical tools and advice on how energy-efficient vehicles and business practices can cut fleet operating costs, reduce harmful vehicle emissions, improve productivity, and increase competitiveness.
Mexico
Transporte Limpio
- EPA has worked with counterparts in Mexico at the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) for a decade to improve freight sustainability in Mexico. With guidance from EPA, SEMARNAT created and launched Transporte Limpio (“Clean Transport”) in 2010. Transporte Limpio is modeled on SmartWay’s early program design and works with more than 250 carriers and shippers in Mexico to improve freight efficiency.
- EPA and Natural Resources Canada are working with SEMARNAT to expand SmartWay into Mexico and create a single, seamless SmartWay program for North America. Look for more information soon about SmartWay pilot programs in Mexico.