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Profile: Southeastern Freightlines, Inc
Columbia, South Carolina
Annual company revenue: $450 million
Number of employees: 5,800 plus
Southeastern Freight Lines was one of the first companies to use idle time limits starting in 1984 with a retrofit electronic road speed governor. At that time, fuel mileage increased by 1.1 miles per gallon. Southeastern was the first LTL carrier in the USA to use 100% radial tires in the fleet starting in the late 1950's. These two items alone have saved millions of gallons of fuel over the years. In 1985, Southeastern added aerodynamic devices to all line haul tractors. All of the tractors are limited to 60 and 65 mph. Forklifts are controlled and limited to 8 mph. Southeastern is currently looking into electrical power usage at all of the service centers in an effort to reduce the power that we consume to reduce the amount of fuel that the power companies burn to supply that power. All components of the vehicles are looked at for their effects on the environment as well as life cycle cost. Only the components that have proven to be cost-effective andenvironmentally safe are chosen for use on our vehicles.
In addition to working with and belonging to the SmartWay Transport and Green Freight Programs dealing with the environmental issues to cleanup our air, Southeastern has worked hard to see that the hazardous materials that we carry are moved safely and efficiently. All drivers, warehouse-staff, and other necessary associates have been trained to properly handle hazardous materials. Every service center is supported by a trained hazardous material response team. The American Chemistry Council has certified Southeastern Freight Lines as a Responsible Care Partner. This designation means we demonstrate a commitment to the health, safety, and protection of the environment during the transportation and maintenance of chemicals and allied products in accordance with the Guiding Principles for Responsible Care as established by the ACC.
Southeastern Freight Lines is committed to protecting the environment through providing quality transportation services which meet the expectations of our customers. We will provide services in a manner that protect human health and the environment, even if not required by law. Our established prevention and avoidance focus on quality improvement will minimize releases to the atmosphere, land or water in amounts that may harm human health or the environment. We will continue to train associates to enhance understanding of sound environmental practices and to promote continuous measurable improvement in job performance relative all environmental matters.
"Southeastern Freight lines feels that it is of the utmost importance that all companies involved in the production and use of energy, must be responsible for the results of that effort. Any pollution that we produce has the possibility of reducing our ability to live healthy and provide a future for our children. As a responsible caring industry that is seen in all areas of the planet, the transportation industry should set the example for other industries to follow. We should all work together to make our environment cleaner for our future health."
Duke Drinkard
Vice President of Maintenance