ShipCarsNow has received the 2014 SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The annual honor recognizes the top 1 percent of EPA partners that have optimized the environmental performance and efficiency of their freight management operations, according to the company.

ShipCarsNow, a subsidiary of Union Pacific Railroad, is the first railroad logistics company to receive the award.

The award was based on ShipCarsNow's ability to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution through innovative transportation offerings, and by effectively hauling more than 90 percent of its freight ton miles with environmentally and energy-efficient SmartWay carriers.

"Union Pacific and ShipCarsNow strive to protect the environment and reduce emissions by leveraging multi-modal options and SmartWay carriers to move goods in the most efficient way possible," said president Marty Coalson. "Collaborating with the EPA and sharing best practices with our customers helps create socially responsible supply chains."

ShipCarsNow is one of 11 companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay's nearly 3,000 partners. The shipper and logistics excellence award winners were honored at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Global Conference, held Sept. 23 in San Antonio, Texas.

"On the occasion of our 10-year anniversary, EPA applauds this year's SmartWay Excellence Award recipients," said Chris Grundler, director of the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "These firms are leading their business community to a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable future for goods movement. The award recipients' efforts foster a more sustainable economy and strengthen energy security while generating environmental results."

Launched in 2004, SmartWay is an EPA program that reduces transportation-related emissions by creating incentives to improve supply chain fuel efficiency. Award selection is based on environmental performance. This year, the SmartWay partners requested that multi-modal carrier, shipper and logistics company semifinalists be allowed to submit supplemental documentation demonstrating environmental leadership.