Transport Partnership
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Energy
and
Fuel Savings
Gallons Saved
240 gallons
CO2 Savings
2.44 Metric tons
Fuel Cost Savings
Weight Reduction
A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies
Choosing lighter-weight tractor and trailer components can reduce truck u/eiqht
by thousands of pounds. Reducing 3,OOO pounds from a heavy truck could save
24O gallons of fuel each year, eliminating from 2 metric tons of greenhouse gas
emissions annually.
What is the challenge?
Truck fuel consumption increases with the weight of the vehicle. Many truck components are
typically made of heavier material, such as steel. Heavier trucks require more fuel to acceler-
ate and to climb hills, and may reduce the amount of cargo that can be carried.
What is the solution?
Every 10 percent drop in truck weight reduces fuel use between 5 and 10 percent. Generally,
an empty truck makes up about one-third of the total weight of the truck. Using aluminum,
metal alloys, metal matrix composites, and other lightweight components where appropriate
can reduce empty truck weight (known as "tare weight"), improve fuel efficiency, and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Most truck manufacturers offer lightweight tractor models that are 1,000 or more pounds
lighter than comparable models. Lighter-weight models combine different weight-saving op-
tions that may include:
Cast aluminum alloy wheels can save about 40 pounds each for total savings of about
400 pounds
Aluminum axle hubs can save over 120 pounds compared to ductile iron or steel
Centrifuse brake drums can save nearly 100 pounds compared to standard brake drums
Aluminum clutch housing can save about 50 pounds compared to iron clutch housing
Composite front axle leaf springs can save about 70 pounds compared to steel springs
Aluminum cab frames can save hundreds of pounds compared to standard steel frames
Downsizing to a smaller, lighter-weight engine can save over 700 pounds
Truck trailers offer additional options for weight savings. Lightweight components that can
reduce empty trailer weight by 2,000 pounds or more may include:
Aluminum roof bows save about 100 pounds compared to steel
Aluminum floor crossmembers save approximately 160 pounds compared to steel
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1 When specifying new
trucks, trucking fleets
should consider the light-
est-weight components
that will suit the applica-
tion and where appropri-
ate, buy lighter-weight
versions of standard
truck models. One manu-
facturer, for example,
offers a day-cab tractor
that weighs 2,100 pounds
less than the base model.
" — ^
1 continued Another
manufacturer offers
a 1,200 pound lighter
version of a popular
sleeper model, intend-
ed for dry and liquid
bulk haulers as well as
other weight sensitive
operations.
•"-^
2 Most truck manu-
facturers and dealers
can provide additional
information on weight-
saving options.
SmartWay Transport | EPA420F09-043 | www.epa.gov/smartway | 734-214-4767 | smartway_transport@epa.go
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Automatic Tire Inflation Systems
Aluminum floor saves about 375 pounds compared to 1-3/8" laminate hardwood
Aluminum side posts save approximately 300 pounds compared to steel
Aluminum hubs or light weight cast iron hubs save about 30 pounds per axle compared to standard cast iron hubs
Light weight brake drums save about 45 pounds per axle compared to standard cast iron brake drums
Eight aluminum wheels save about 225 pounds compared to eight steel wheels
Composite trailer springs can save about 70 pounds compared to steel springs
Lighter-weight alternative materials can cost more. Therefore, use of lighter-weight truck options is more common in
freight applications that are weight-sensitive, like heavy-goods and refrigerated foods. However, virtually any truck
fleet could employ weight saving strategies.
Savings and Benefits
Trimming 3,000 pounds from a heavy truck (about four percent of its loaded weight) with lighter-weight components
could save 240 gallons of fuel each year. Saving this much fuel would eliminate between 2 metric tons of greenhouse
gas emissions per year. Trucks that employ more weight-saving options would save more. In addition, in weight-
sensitive applications, lightweight components can allow more cargo and increased productivity.
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SmartWay Transport | EPA420F09-043 | www.epa.gov/smartway | 734-214-4767 | smartway_transport@epa.gov
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