Ecom was founded on principles of integrity and quality. Our environmental commitment is based on a common-sense desire to be efficient and to do things right. Our culture of innovation and efficiency is completely in harmony with our commitment to protect the environment. Ecom's people, equipment, processes and technology are focused on the efficient use of resources and sustainable operations.
Ecom's environmental policy calls for meeting or exceeding environmental regulations, maximizing fuel efficiency and monitoring and guarding against accidents, emissions and avoidable pollution.
Better fuel economy, better routes and higher payloads together have greatly reduced our fuel consumption per ton of freight moved while at the same time provide our customers with improved service. The Ecom companies consistently score among the most efficient fleets in the nation according to the US EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership and have earned the prestigious SmartWay Excellence Award for several years in a row.
Ecom has invested in the industry's best equipment. More than 80% of our trucks are less than 5 years old. These newer, more efficient tractors and ultra-efficient diesel engines have dramatically improved fuel economy and reduced air emissions. We have invested in the most efficient refrigerated units to achieve the industry's lowest energy consumption and we are phasing out propane in favor of cleaner, more efficient electric forklifts.
Ecom has a long history of operating safely and responsibly in the sensitive and challenging lands, air, and waters of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and everywhere that we operate.
Small changes at the workplace can add up to big savings for the environment. In 2008, we launched a Green Initiative to expand the Ecom tradition of efficiency and innovation. Through the efforts of Ecom's people and continual improvement of our processes and equipment, we continue to do more with less, reduce our impact on the environment, and to act as good stewards of the communities, land, air, and waters where we live and work.
We maintain long-standing customer, employee, and community relationships by treating people honestly and fairly, providing high quality service, and maintaining environmentally responsible practices.
We have been recognized for our proactive commitment to the environment by becoming the first Alaska-based transportation company to be recognized by the EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership and the first trucking company to earn the Green Star Award for Alaskan businesses. We have also been named to Inbound Logistics' Green Supply Chain Partners list and have earned the EPA SmartWay Excellence Award for several years in a row. Our commitment to safety has also been recognized by several safety awards.