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MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY »
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Improve Freight Logistics
A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies
ENERGY &
FUEL SAVINGS
Gallons Saved:
1,208 gallons
CO2 Savings:
12.26 metric tons
Reduction in Fuel
Consumption:
7.25%
Fuel Cost Savings:
$4,591
A trucking fleet that optimizes its freight logistics can save fuel, time, and
improve productivity. This reduces fuel costs and generates additional revenue,
while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the challenge?
Inefficiencies in freight operations can cause trucks to travel empty (without cargo), use longer
or more congested routes, and idle unnecessarily. These inefficiencies increase fuel consumption
and fuel costs, and cause trucking companies to miss opportunities to generate revenue.
When motor carriers cannot arrange for a return shipment, the empty truck move (called a
deadhead) doesn't generate revenue, but accumulates costs in labor, equipment wear, and fuel.
In some fleets, 10 percent or more of annual truck miles may be non-revenue deadhead miles.
For a typical long-haul truck, this could add up to about 10,000 miles each year, consuming
over 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel and producing 1 2 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the most
prevalent greenhouse gas. Inefficient truck routing and loading and unloading practices also
contribute to excessive fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the solution?
Improved freight logistics can minimize inefficient freight operations, saving fuel and increasing
revenue for trucking companies. Improved logistics includes load matching, more efficient routes
and delivery schedules, and improved shipping and receiving practices.
Options for Load Matching
Motor carriers can use a variety of load matching strategies to reduce deadhead mileage.
• Routes can be arranged so trucks haul successive loads in a triangular pattern.
• Trucking companies in different areas may coordinate on loads and back hauls.
• Trucking companies can use freight brokers or logistics companies that match empty
carriers with shippers.
• Drivers may check the electronic monitors (called load boards) available at some
truck plazas for information on loads that shippers have available to carry.
• Trucking companies can use an electronic data interchange system to communi-
cate logistics information among dispatchers, drivers, and customers.
The Internet, with its potential for widespread, real-time information exchange, also
offers load matching opportunities via a number of trucking-oriented web sites.
Options for Routing and Scheduling Software
Computerized routing and scheduling software that is based on optimization
models can often provide more efficient routing solutions than dispatchers
can achieve on their own. This software allows routes to be constructed
taking into account driver hours-of-service rules, pick up and delivery
schedules, vehicle size constraints, vehicle-product compatibility, equipment
availability, vehicle-loading dock compatibility, route restrictions, and
deadhead mileage.
Continued
U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA-420-F-16-031 | June 2016 | www.epa.gov/smartway
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SmartWay*
MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY »
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Improve Freight Logistics
A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies
Continued
Options for Flexible Loading and Receiving Schedules
Increased flexibility at loading docks can contribute to fuel efficiency and cost reduction. Innovations like 24/7 shipping-and-
receiving allow trucks to travel at off-peak times and avoid traffic congestion. With more flexibility to deliver and pick up loads,
trucking companies can decrease idling, minimize the time spent loading and unloading, and make better use of their hours and
equipment to haul freight and generate revenue.
Savings and Benefits
Load matching, improved routing and scheduling, and flexible loading and unloading practices help trucking fleets improve
productivity and increase revenue-miles while decreasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing truck trips
can decrease fuel use by about 7 percent, resulting in 12 metric tons of CO2 saved.
NEXT STEPS
1 Trucking firms can
take advantage of
the available options
for improved logistics
and encourage ship-
pers to adopt more
flexible shipping and
receiving practices.
2Individual truck
drivers can seek
out numerous truck-
ing oriented websites
that provide informa-
tion on load match-
ing services and
opportunities.
3Freight brokers
and software
vendors can pro-
vide information on
logistics services and
software. Information
is also available from
professional organi-
zations, such as the
Council of Logistics
Management
(www.clml.org).
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