Highway Transport Takes Top Sustainability Recognition at National Chemistry Industry Conference
Highway Transport has been named the very first recipient of the Responsible Care® Partner Sustainability Award, a new honor from the American Chemistry Council (ACC). The recognition was announced during the 2025 ACC Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The award highlights Highway Transport’s leadership in environmental sustainability and its commitment to cleaner, more responsible chemical logistics. This marks a major milestone not just for the Knoxville-based tanker company, but for the broader transportation sector that supports the chemical industry.
Why Highway Transport Was Chosen
The ACC launched the Partner Sustainability Award in 2025 to spotlight partner companies that go above and beyond in their sustainability efforts. Highway Transport stood out for its comprehensive and science-based environmental initiatives under its Green Treads program.
The company’s efforts include:
- Advanced emissions monitoring and transparent reporting aligned with scientific standards
- Collaboration with Net Zero and Salesforce for environmental data tracking
- Adoption of idle-reduction technologies across its fleet
- Installation of electric HVAC systems (EPU units with lithium batteries) to eliminate engine idling during rest periods
- Company-wide sustainability training programs for drivers and staff
- Emissions reduction strategies aimed at a 70% cut at service center locations
- Participation in the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership
- Long-standing engagement with the ACC’s Responsible Care® program
These initiatives collectively reflect a company-wide shift toward sustainability in tank truck logistics—an industry not always seen as green-forward.
Recognizing Drivers and Support Teams
Travis O’Banion, Managing Director of Safety and Sustainability at Highway Transport, emphasized that this award is a direct reflection of the people behind the wheel and in the service bays.
“It was exciting to be recognized at this year’s ACC Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference and receive the inaugural Partner Sustainability Award,” said O’Banion. “This award was made possible by the daily commitment from Highway Transport drivers and service center support personnel to lower emissions. We’re doing that through consistently practicing sustainable processes and utilizing technologies implemented by our organization. We truly are driving for a better tomorrow.”
A Model for Sustainable Tanker Operations
The ACC conference, known for tackling critical industry issues like water conservation and supply chain decarbonization, provided the perfect platform to spotlight Highway Transport’s progress. As the chemical industry pushes for greater environmental accountability, the success of Highway’s Green Treads program shows what’s possible when sustainability becomes a shared mission across all levels of a company.
By setting a new standard in green fleet operations, Highway Transport is not just hauling chemicals—they’re helping lead the industry into a more sustainable future.
Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Highway Transport) Rick Lusby, VP of Safety & Fleet Services, and Travis O’Banion, Managing Director of Safety & Sustainability
