SmartWay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +
Improve Freight Logistics
A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies
ENERGY & FUEL SAVINGS
©
Gallons Saved:
750
gallons
CO2 Savings:
7.6
metric tons
Reduction in
Fuel Consumption:
4.5%
Fuel Cost Savings:
$2,180
A trucking fleet that optimizes its freight logistics can save fuel, time, and improveA
productivity. This reduces fuel costs and generates additional revenue, while cuttingA
greenhouse gas emissions.A
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, 20 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 20,000 miLes each
year, consuming over 750 gallons of diesel fuel and producing 7 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
communicate logistics information among dispatchers, drivers, and customers.
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EPA-420-F-19-023 | August 2019 | SmartWay Transport Partnership | epa.gov/smartway	(continued)

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Improve Freight Logistics: A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies (continued)
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.
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 4.5 percent, resulting in 7.6 metric tons of
CO2 saved.
7.6
metric tons
of CO2 saved
NEXTSTEPS
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Trucking firms can take advantage of the available options for improved logistics and encourage
shippers to adopt more flexible shipping and recieving practices.
Individual truck drivers can seek out numerous trucking oriented websites that provide information
on load matching services and opportunities.
Freight brokers and software vendors can provide information on logistics services and software.
Information is also available from professional organizations, such as the Council of Logistics
Management (www.clml.org).

Please visit the SmartWay website at www.epa.gov/smartway
to access more tech bulletins.	U.S. Environmental protection agency^

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