vxSmartWay
Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
SM
Overview of Carrier Strategies
Truck and rail transportation provides a cost-effective means to transport
much of America's freight. There are simple actions that can be taken to make
ground freight more efficient and cleaner for the environment. The follow-
ing technologies and practices can help truck carriers save fuel and money,
reduce air pollution, and cut carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to cli-
mate change.
Idle Reduction
An idling truck burns nearly one gallon of diesel fuel per
hour. Reducing unnecessary idling could save each truck
over $3,000 in fuel costs, reduce air pollution, and cut 19
metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
On-board idle reduction systems include auxiliary
power units that provide electricity to the cab, direct-
fired heaters and coolant systems that provide
temperature control, and programmable automatic
engine shut-off systems.
Truck plazas equipped with truck stop electrification
systems allow trucks to draw electrical power and in
some cases heating, cooling, telecommunication, and
Internet hookups from a ground source.
Improved Aerodynamics
Reducing the aerodynamic drag of a typical line-haul
truck by 15 percent could cut annual fuel use more than
2,000 gallons, save over $3,500 in fuel costs, and elimi-
nate 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Tractor aerodynamics can be improved by adding
integrated roof fairings, cab extenders, side fairings,
and aerodynamic bumpers. New truck buyers can pur-
chase aerodynamic models with streamlined profiles.
Trailer aerodynamics can be improved by minimiz-
ing tractor-trailer gap, adding side skirts and rear air
fairings, and arranging cargo and tarpaulins as low,
taut and smooth as possible.
•Single-unit trucks can be improved with air deflector
bubbles or by purchasing new streamlined models.
Improved Freight Logistics
Improved logistics can reduce the miles that a truck
drives empty. Eliminating 15 percent of a line-haul truck's
empty miles could save $3,000 in fuel and reduce 24 met-
ric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Improved logistics include load matching, more effi-
cient routes and delivery schedules, and improved
shipping and receiving practices.
A carrier may employ low-cost options like triangular
routing, coordinating loads with other fleets, and
checking electronic load boards, or the carrier may
purchase freight broker services and logistics soft-
ware.
Automatic Tire Inflation Systems
Retrofitting a line-haul truck u/ith an automatic tire
inflation system could save 100 gallons of fuel annually
and reduce tire wear and maintenance, while eliminating
one metric ton of carbon dioxide.
Truck fleets that find it too difficult or expensive
to monitor tire pressure on a regular basis should
consider installing automatic tire inflation (ATI) sys-
tems on drive and trailer tires.
An ATI system used on a typical line-haul truck can
generally pay for itself in just over two years, while
decreasing the risk of expensive tire failure caused
by under inflation.
Single Wide-base Tires
Specifying single wide-base tires on a new combination
truck could save $1,000 immediately and reap annual
fuel savings of 2 percent or more while cutting carbon
dioxide by more than four metric tons.
Single wide-base tires save fuel by reducing vehicle
weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag.
These tires can also improve tank trailer stability by
allowing the tank to be mounted lower.
There are several single wide-base tire models from
which to choose, plus these tires can be retreaded.
Driver Training
Even highly experienced drivers can boost their skills
with training aimed at raising fuel economy by 5 percent
or more, which would save $1,200 in annual fuel costs
and cut eight metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Effective driver training programs can improve fuel
economy by 5 percent or higher. Some fleets report
fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent.
Among other techniques, drivers learn progressive
shifting, engine speed optimization, idle reduction,
smoother braking and acceleration, anticipatory
driving, speed control, and optimal gearing.


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