Performance Team

To the average consumer, Los Angeles-based Performance Team's (PT) business may seem a little complex. PT handles supply chain logistics starting from coastal ports throughout the country, transporting goods to warehouse and distribution centers and then on to retail stores. Simply put, any time you wonder how your flat screen arrived in your living room, or that pair of sneakers got from China to your feet, or how any of those cosmetics became readily available for you to purchase, chances are PT helped get those products to you.

The transportation industry has been the focus of many "green" campaigns in recent years, and PT is well aware of the effects its business has on the environment. It is making a name for itself as a company that is not just going green, but is proudly green. PT's president Cliff Katab said, "Our company is committed to being an environmentally responsible organization taking pride in maintaining and enhancing environmental causes and conditions. This commitment extends to selecting business partners who share a similar philosophy. Our goal is to be a conscientious steward of the environment."

PT is a member of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) and is a SmartWay partner. CRT consists of member companies such as Target, Gap Inc., and Wal-Mart who are dedicated to reducing truck pollution at the ports and supporting clean truck programs around the country. The SmartWay brand signifies a partnership among government, business and consumers to protect the environment, reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality for future generations. PT is not merely a silent member of these two organizations; it is putting these philosophies into practice.

PT first looked to the fleet of trucks it maintains for moving cargo to help reduce its carbon footprint. The company then took possession of more than 30 2009 Kenworth Clean Diesel Tractors. All of the containers for harbor drayage will be picked up with this equipment and will be exempt from any Clean Truck Fees from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles through 2015. In addition, PT recently acquired 50 new forklifts for warehouse facilities that meet the California .06 carbon requirements.