At Estes, we’re laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future—one facility at a time. Across our vast terminal network, we’re investing in smarter, more environmentally conscious freight shipping solutions that support our people, our customers, and the planet. From solar power and long-life LED lighting to improved materials management and resource conservation, every investment is a step toward a cleaner, more responsible future.
Explore our information below to learn more about the steps Estes is taking to make our facilities more sustainable.
Estes invests in solar energy as a nonpolluting, renewable resource that delivers reliable power year-round. So far, we've installed nine solar-power systems at our terminals located in:
We’re expanding our solar footprint in 2025 with plans to install eight additional arrays—nearly doubling our capacity. And the impact is already measurable. In 2024 alone, our solar arrays generated nearly two million kWh of clean electricity—offsetting the equivalent of more than 145,000 gallons of gasoline. That’s enough to power 174 homes for a year or charge over 100 million smartphones. As we grow, we’re continuing to invest in smarter, more efficient solar technology to maximize our impact.
We’re lighting the way to a more sustainable future with long-life LED lighting installed in 60% of our terminals. By reducing bulb waste and cutting energy use, we’re minimizing our footprint while enhancing efficiency. We’re also making the most of natural light with daylight harvesting systems that automatically adjust indoor lighting based on available sunlight, reducing our reliance on artificial lighting.
Repurposed Materials: Across our nationwide terminal network, we repurpose materials like cardboard and pallets as dunnage to help protect customer freight in transit, reducing waste while reinforcing every shipment.
Paper: We’ve significantly cut paper usage by transitioning away from printed dock paperwork in nearly 150 terminals. With tools like electronic delivery receipts, and customer-friendly digital shipping tools, we’re streamlining operations while reducing environmental impact.
Metal: We send all scrap metal to certified recyclers, keeping tons of waste out of landfills and giving valuable materials a second life.
Clean-up Sheets: We conserve water and electricity and help keep detergents and other chemicals out of the environment by replacing washable cloth shop rags with biodegradable, paper-based clean-up sheets.
Cleaning Solutions: Our shops feature self-contained sinks for washing vehicle parts with nonhazardous solutions, helping to prevent oil and chemicals from entering the environment. To help protect groundwater from contaminants, we also do not use chlorinated solvents.
Wash Systems: Many of our wash systems include oil-water separators and closed-loop technology to minimize discharge into local sewer systems. At locations without on-site systems, trusted contractors reclaim wash water to prevent contamination. We’ve also eliminated acids from our trailer wash process to protect groundwater from metal runoff.
Stormwater: Estes employs stormwater control measures and best management practices (BMPs) to achieve stormwater discharge permit compliance and general stormwater compliance for all facilities.
Batteries: Our vehicle batteries are stored in custom racks that capture acid and other hazardous materials. When servicing air conditioning units, we recover and properly dispose of refrigerants like Freon to prevent environmental release.
Refrigerant: When servicing air conditioning units, we always capture Freon and other harmful refrigerants to ensure their disposal in an environmentally friendly manner.
Antifreeze & Oil: We partner with certified disposal companies to collect and recycle used oil, antifreeze, and filters—keeping contaminants out of the environment. And by streamlining our maintenance schedules, we’re reducing waste at the source and operating more efficiently across our fleet.
Tank Systems: Most of our in-house fueling stations use above-ground tank systems that meet all federal, state, and local regulations. Many are also equipped with protective canopies to reduce stormwater runoff and card readers that help minimize the risk of spills.
Wheel Restoration: To reduce aerosol use in our shops, we partner with trusted contractors who follow responsible wheel restoration practices, helping us protect air quality and maintain a cleaner working environment.
Read a summary of Estes' corporate responsibility efforts in 2024.
Check out a recap of Estes’ corporate responsibility efforts in 2023.
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