AYWARD, Calif., — ATDynamics, supplier of tractor-trailer rear-drag aerodynamics technology, has been awarded the 2012 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award (in the Transportation category) for its “TrailerTail” line of rear-drag aerodynamic technologies.

The verdict was decided after a team of Wall Street Journal editors and reporters reviewed the entries and forwarded 172 of them to an independent panel of judges from venture-capital firms, universities and companies. From that pool, the judges chose a total of 37 winners and runners-up in 18 categories. In total, ATDynamics was selected from among 536 applications originating from over two dozen countries.

“ATDynamics is proud to be recognized by The Wall Street Journal for the company’s success in redefining the shape of the modern semi-trailer,” said Andrew Smith, clean technology entrepreneur and Founder of ATDynamics.

So what exactly is a Trailer Tail?

It’s a lightweight, thermoplastic composite fairing installed at the back of a tractor-trailer to streamline airflow behind the trailer, reducing aerodynamic drag. This, in turn, reduces fuel consumption by 6.6 per cent at 65 mph.

The devices can be installed by two people in less than one hour and are available for new trailers or retrofits. Drivers can also collapse TrailerTails against the rear doors of their semi-trailer to eliminate additional vehicle length in high traffic areas.