At Estes, we know that building a more sustainable future takes collaboration. That’s why we’re proud to partner with industry-leading organizations, nonprofits, research institutions, and regulatory bodies that share our vision for reducing emissions, improving transparency, and driving innovation across the freight industry. From data-driven carbon tracking to circular economy initiatives, these partnerships help us turn ambition into action and move the entire freight transportation industry forward.
Estes was one of the first carriers to join the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership in 2004, proving our early and ongoing commitment to a cleaner, greener future. Through SmartWay, we track and reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and choose certified vendors for our tractors, trailers, and tires.
In 2023, Estes partnered with Watershed to calculate our first-ever carbon footprint for Scopes 1 and 2 (direct and indirect emissions from our operations). This data-driven approach helped establish baseline information to compare progress with our emissions reduction initiatives. We’ve now expanded our annual reporting to include partial Scope 3, reflecting value chain emissions. Explore this year’s footprint in our 2025 annual report.
In 2025, Estes joined the Smart Freight Centre to strengthen our global approach to emissions reduction. Using the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) framework, we’re refining how we calculate allocated emissions and collaborating across the freight industry to drive innovation and reach our decarbonization goals.
As a member of the Smart Freight Centre, Estes strengthens its approach to allocated emissions and identifies additional pathways to meet decarbonization commitments through collaboration and innovation.
In 2025, Estes launched its Allocated Emissions Reporting Program (AERP) to provide customers with the data needed to effectively track and advance their sustainable freight transportation goals. The program uses the allocated emissions calculator developed by SMC³, a leader in LTL freight transportation technology solutions. Estes partnered with SMC³ and other LTL carriers to develop this calculator, which standardizes allocated emissions reporting across the industry. The methodology leverages U.S. EPA SmartWay methodologies and aligns with the Smart Freight Centre’s Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework, ensuring consistency, transparency, and global credibility.
During the pilot phase, several customers participated and provided feedback that informed program enhancements, resulting in robust shipment level emissions reporting. Now available on a quarterly or annual basis, the program enables customers to consolidate emissions data using a globally recognized framework.
On an annual basis, Estes participates in sustainability assessments with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Ecovadis, trusted global leaders in sustainability ratings. These organizations help us benchmark performance, reduce risk, and continuously improve our environmental impact.
Estes is a proud member of the Dock to Door (D2D) Coalition, led by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. This cross-sector alliance of more than 85 member organizations drives next-gen innovation to build a more connected, sustainable, and resilient supply chain—from dock to door.
Estes is collaborating with Virginia Commonwealth University, Molg, and regional partners to explore circular solutions that reduce waste and protect ecosystems. Early efforts focus on extending battery life cycles by keeping them out of landfills, recovering rare earth materials, and supporting sustainable reuse.
Estes meets all regulatory requirements set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is fully certified under its current freight transportation standards, demonstrating our dedication to cleaner air and responsible operations.
Discover the progress Estes has made toward lowering carbon emissions across our network.
Read a summary of Estes' corporate responsibility efforts in 2024.
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