Saddle Creek Earns Recognition for Sustainability

Saddle Creek’s new compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet celebrated its millionth mile on the road in June. As demand increases for the environmentally friendly trucks, they are drawing industry attention to Saddle Creek’s commitment to sustainability. This month, Inbound Logistics and Food Logistics, two leading industry magazines, have recognized the 3PL as a top green provider.

Inbound Logistics’ "G75 Green Supply Chain Partners" honors companies that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability every day. Food Logistics’ "Top Green Providers" list recognizes companies whose product, service or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry.

Saddle Creek’s CNG fleet represents a significant commitment to sustainability. The 3PL began operating a fleet of 40 alternative fuel vehicles earlier this year and built a $2.2 million fueling station to service them. Saddle Creek plans to add 80 more of the environmentally friendly trucks by 2013. CNG is one of the cleanest-burning alternative fuel options available with near-zero emissions.

The CNG fleet is the most recent in a series of green initiatives for Saddle Creek. The company’s transportation division is a SmartWay(sm) Transportation Partner and has incorporated a number of programs designed to minimize the fleet’s environmental footprint, including adding trailer skirts to make tractors more aerodynamic, using low resistance tires, and utilizing PeopleNet software for optimal vehicle performance. In its warehouses, Saddle Creek uses motion sensitive lighting, quick recharge electric forklifts, and recycling programs. The company’s facility in Charlotte, N.C., is LEED certified.

"We’re proud to be recognized by these leading publications for our corporate sustainability efforts," said Cliff Otto, Saddle Creek president. "It’s exciting to help drive change in the industry while supporting our customers’ sustainability programs. We look forward to building on our momentum and will continue to seek out new opportunities for environmental leadership."

Food Shippers of America
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