sustainability

Penske Logistics has been highlighted as a 2024 High Performer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program, in the mixed fleet category. The company is a leader in the transportation sustainability space.

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A recent check-in with a group of senior economists revealed that on the U.S. domestic front, the next several quarters will likely experience slow economic growth. Recession or not, the outlook isn’t for a high-octane economy.

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Boost energy efficiency and lower impacts on the planet by reducing emissions in logistics operations

As a leader in transportation and logistics, we acknowledge our environmental responsibility to deliver sustainable logistics solutions and are committed to decarbonization and energy efficiency within our operations.


For decades, Penske has been investing in sustainable solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce the transportation sector’s environmental impacts. We are committed to moving the world forward in a way that benefits people and our planet.

Through dedicated research, strategic pilot projects and partnerships, Penske remains committed to advancing initiatives that add value to our operations and enable customers to harness the benefits of conserving resources. Our comprehensive suite of solutions — spanning equipment, strategic optimization and infrastructure — empowers businesses to achieve their environmental sustainability goals.

Vehicle Decarbonization

Battery Electric Vehicles

Penske actively works with customers to identify the routes that fit electric vehicle characteristics and select the appropriate equipment.

Penske has taken proactive steps by establishing a network of heavy-duty electric high-speed charging stations across California. Some of these locations feature an innovative battery energy storage system engineered to alleviate strain on the electric grid during peak charging periods.

Renewable Diesel

Renewable diesel is a versatile alternative fuel that is commonly made of refined plant-based oils that mimic the chemical makeup of petroleum diesel. Since it’s chemically identical, it is compatible with existing medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines and infrastructure without requiring modifications.

Renewable diesel also presents performance benefits due to its molecular composition and requires less maintenance. Penske is expanding the use of renewable diesel, which reduces overall emissions.

Vehicle Maintenance

Advanced maintenance practices enhance the performance and longevity of trucks, ensuring that they operate at optimal efficiency. Penske Logistics vehicles are equipped with telematics to help maximize productivity through data-driven service intervals that monitor vehicle health.

Sustainable Logistics Facilities

Penske Logistics strives to decarbonize warehouses and distribution centers. Our facilities power operations and essential equipment with energy efficiency in the forefront.

We decarbonize through a number of sustainable logistics practices, including:

  • Shifting a significant portion of energy usage to renewable sources
  • Expanding the number of LEED-certified facilities with sustainable architectural design and operational practices
  • Implementing focused recycling initiatives across waste streams
  • LED lighting retrofits
  • HVAC equipment upgrades
  • Electrified material handling equipment
  • Use of low GWP refrigerants
  • Use of shore power for refrigerated trailers wherever possible

Supply Chain Optimization

Penske Logistics provides strategic optimization tools to further enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness with the goal of decarbonization.

Route Optimization

We offer full-service, long-term solutions to minimize empty miles and maximize truck utilization. Through a comprehensive data analysis, we can identify opportunities for backhauls and cut empty miles, driver hours and emissions. Route optimization takes the guesswork out of logistics and minimizes excessive company dollars spent on idling on congested motorways. All of this lowers emissions with fewer miles traveled and enhances fuel efficiency.

Carbon Footprint Analysis

Our expert team of network design engineers can help you understand your transportation’s environmental impact by executing a carbon footprint analysis, which helps explain your baseline figures and different scenarios to achieve emissions savings.

Driver Development

One often overlooked tool to drive sustainability is training. Equipping drivers with knowledge of fuel efficiency and best practices can help lower environmental impacts and drive performance optimization.

Penske Logistics takes it one step further with smart features that monitor driver behaviors, reporting habits like speed trends, route selections and idle times. These features enhance both fuel efficiency and safety.

Navigating Changing Regulations

Emission regulations in the transportation industry are becoming increasingly strict and complex. This makes it challenging for operators and carriers to stay on top of existing requirements and future developments. Penske can keep your vehicles compliant in all states where you operate.

Penske is ahead of ever-changing regulations, taking proactive measures to protect our customers’ brands as well as our own. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team monitors federal, state and local requirements and handles all the necessary paperwork and vehicle enhancements. Penske has the resources and expertise to track these requirements and work with manufacturers to stay ahead of regulatory changes.

Penske Energy – EV Charging Infrastructure

Penske Transportation Solutions and ForeFront Power have launched a new joint venture called Penske Energy LLC. Accessible energy infrastructure helps commercial fleet operators optimize EV charging capabilities that support and safeguard their operations.

Penske Energy can help Penske Logistics customers deploy EV charging infrastructure.

Awards and Noteworthy Partnerships

Since 2008, Penske has actively engaged in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, earning prestigious accolades including:

  • Seven EPA SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Awards
  • Six EPA SmartWay Excellence Awards
  • 2022 High Performer in both the Logistics and Carrier categories by EPA SmartWay

As one of over 1,300 partner organizations committed to utilizing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually, we proudly endorse and participate in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership.

Furthermore, we proudly serve as a founding sponsor of the annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, an invaluable resource providing insights into sustainable technology decisions made by on-road fleets across America, offered at no cost.

Our sustainability measures have garnered additional recognition, including:

  • U.S. EPA – Clean Air Excellence Award
  • Food Logistics Magazine Top Green Provider
  • Supply and Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award
  • Inbound Logistics Magazines Green Supply Chain Partner

Submit a Sustainability Inquiry

Tell us about your unique business needs, so we can help you reach your sustainability goals. Visit our contact page.

A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) is a battery-powered vehicle that does not emit exhaust or other pollutants from its tailpipe. ZEVs are fully electric vehicles and must be plugged in to recharge.

What Is WAIRE?

Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE), sometimes called the Indirect Source Rule, is a truck traffic-based credit and deficit system impacting class 2B to class 8 trucks. Under the rule, some facility operators must monitor and submit accurate vehicle travel data, and they must earn a specified number of points through emissions-reducing activities or pay mitigation fees. The regulation also requires warehouses with ≥100,00 ft2 of indoor space within a single building to complete emission mitigation actions and investments.

Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) are climate-controlled devices that provide essential cooling or heating for consumer products being transported in various containers. They maintain a steady temperature for goods during transport or storage and allow the trailer to be cooled when the engine is shut off.

TRUs are also subject to state and federal regulations, most recently in the CARB TRU regulation mandating that owners and operators of truck TRU fleets in the state of California switch to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) TRUs by a specified date.

Renewable diesel is an advanced fuel option that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is refined using plant-based oils and can be added to existing fuel truck systems to help lower a fleet’s carbon footprint.

A carbon footprint analysis is a tool for measuring, analyzing and managing carbon emissions throughout a supply chain. It helps identify ways for a business to reduce its environmental impact and improve sustainability.

What Is CARB?

The California Air Resource Board (CARB) is a state agency that leads California’s efforts to reduce air pollution and climate change. Because California often takes the lead at the state level on regulatory requirements and creating stricter emissions rules, CARB has adopted several measures that are currently being introduced or implemented in other states including ACF, TRU and WAIRE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program has named Penske Logistics a 2023 High Performer among mixed truck carriers in the carbon recognition category. Less than 10% of eligible fleets qualify for this designation.

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Penske Transportation Solutions was recognized in Los Angeles by the Climate Registry for its work with electric trucks. Penske was honored with an Innovative Partnership Certificate at the 2023 Climate Leadership Awards for being a part of the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet.

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In the fourth annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, commercial transportation fleets continue to report a resounding trend — their use of clean fuels and advanced vehicle technologies is rapidly accelerating.

Report author and leading clean technology consulting firm, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), unveiled the findings at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California.

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Sustainability is taking on increased importance as companies respond to consumer trends and preferences, regulatory requirements, and environmental and climate impacts. Organizations are using their supply chains to better align with their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

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Penske Logistics has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as a High Performer in a pair of clean transportation categories. Penske earned the listing in the Truck Carrier Carbon Metrics and Logistics Freight Management categories.

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An energy-efficient warehouse can cut operational costs while improving sustainability in warehousing initiatives, making a win-win solution within the supply chain industry. A range of solutions can be applied to new construction or existing facilities.

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Penske Logistics will take part later this month in a brand-new event being hosted by the National Retail Federation, the Supply Chain 360 conference and expo, taking place June 20-21 in Cleveland. Penske will be an exhibitor and speak on a panel.

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Penske Transportation Solutions makes its return to the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in 2022 with an action-packed presence in Long Beach, California. The company is a Presenting Sponsor of the conference itself (which runs May 9-12) and a Title Sponsor of the third annual Gladstein, Neandross and Associates (GNA)-produced State of Sustainable Fleets Report.

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Sustainability takes a strong corporate commitment and an integrated team approach to make it happen. At Penske, we are dedicated to readying our businesses for the future of electrification, decarbonization, and enhancing our overall sustainability as responsible corporate citizens.

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On Thursday, Team Penske and long-time partner Freightliner, part of Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), made history by using the pre-production, fully-electric Freightliner eCascadia semi-truck to pull a full-sized Team Penske racecar hauler to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ahead of this weekend’s Clash event.

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SmartWay Certification is an innovative collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to help businesses learn to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficiency ways possible, increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution, and protecting public health. The EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-drive initiative and since 2004, SmartWay Partners have avoided emitting more than 134 million metric tons of harmful air pollution, while saving 280 million barrels of oil and $37.5 billion in fuel costs.