President Obama calls for fuel efficiency from best-in-class Safeway DC

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Safeway welcomed President Barack Obama to its Upper Marlboro, Md., distribution center as he called for new fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, the grocer announced Tuesday.

In using the Upper Marlboro distribution center for the backdrop for this announcement, President Obama recognized Safeway's commitment to operating its business in the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible way.

Safeway's participation in the EPA SmartWay Transport Program as both a carrier and shipping partner helps the company move goods through its supply chain in the cleanest and most efficient way possible, the company stated. In 2013, 99.9% of the truckloads that moved through Safeway's distribution centers were shipped by SmartWay Transport carriers who have implemented technologies to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Safeway has increased its ton miles per gallon (the amount of fuel needed to transport one ton of material one mile) by nearly 28% since 2006.