SmartWay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency +
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 technologies presented in this overview and practices can help truck
carriers save fuel and money, reduce air pollution, and cut carbon dioxide
emissions that contribute to climate change.
IDLE REDUCTION
An idling truck burns nearly 0.8 gallons of dieselfuel per
hour. Reducing unnecessary idling could save each truck
more than $2,700 in fuel costs, reduce air pollution, and
cut more than 9 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
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Overview of Carrier Strategies (continued)
LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE TIRES
Specifying single wide-base tires on a new combination
truck could save $1,455 and reap annual fuel savings of
3 percent or more while cutting carbon dioxide by more
than five 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.
vx There are several single wide-base tire models from
which to choose, plus these tires can be retreaded,
and Internet hookups from a ground source.
LOW-VISCOSITY LUBRICANTS
When used in a line-haul truck, synthetic engine and
drive train lubricants can improve fuel economy by up to
3 percent, saving nearly 500 gallons of fuel and cutting up
to 5 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Low-viscosity synthetic or semi-synthetic lubricants
flow more easily and withstand the extreme pressure
of engine, transmission, and drive train systems
better than conventional mineral oil blends.
The operator of a typical line-haul truck can save up
to $1,400 annually by switching to low-viscosity
lubricants, with additional savings possible due to
reduced wear and maintenance of truck systems.

DRIVER TRAINING
Even highly experienced drivers can boost their skills with
training potentially raising fuel economy by 5 percent or
more, which would save $2,310 in annual fuel costs and
cut 8 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
. Effective driver training programs can improve fuel
economy by 5 percent or more. Some reports
indicate that fleets could achieve a 10 percent fuel
economy improvement through driver training and
monitoring.
Among other techniques, drivers learn progressive
shifting, engine speed optimization, idle reduction,
smoother braking and acceleration, anticipatory
driving, speed control, and optimal gearing.
INTERMODAL SHIPPING
Intermodal freight transport combines the best attributes
of both truck and rail shipping. A freight train emits
two-thirds less greenhouse gas emissions for every ton
mile than a typical truck.
Carriers can maximize resources by using freight
trains to handle the long-distance portion of a
freight move, especially for less time-sensitive
cargo that is shipped over 500 miles.
Intermodal options include trailer on flat car (TOFC),
container on flat car (COFC), double stack service,
rail bogeys and dual-mode trailers, and rail
platforms that can accommodate standard trailers.
(continued)
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Overview of Carrier Strategies (continued)
LONGER COMBINATION VEHICLES
A freight truck using longer or multiple trailers can haul
more cargo than a standard combination truck, potentially
saving more than $10,000 in fuel costs and 35 metric tons
of carbon dioxide on a ton-mile basis annually.
^ Common longer combination vehicle (LCV)
configurations include the Rocky Mountain Double,
Turnpike Double, Triple, and Eight-Axle Twin Trailer.
Si^A motor carrier operating in states that permit LCVs
can reduce the number of trips required to haul a
given amount of freight—saving time and money and
reducing emissionsand Internet hookups from a
ground source.
REDUCED HIGHWAY SPEED
A line-haul truck that reduces its top speed from 65 to
60 miles per hour could cut its annual fuel bill by nearly
$3,800 while eliminating almost 13 metric tons of carbon
dioxide.
^ Reducing highway speed also reduces engine and
brake wear, which cuts down the cost and frequency
of maintenance service and keeps revenue earning
equipment on the road longer.
Any truck carrier can adopt a speed management
policy at little or no cost. The most successful speed
reduction policies combine electronic engine
controls with driver training and incentives.
WEIGHT REDUCTION
Reducing 3,000 pounds from a line-haul truck by using
lighter-weight components could save up to 240 gallons
of fuel annually and eliminate more than 2 metric tons of
carbon dioxide.
Aluminum alloy wheels, axle hubs, clutch housings,
and cab frames can trim hundreds of pounds from a
truck tractor. Downsizing to a smaller engine can
also provide significant weight savings.
Thousands of pounds can be reduced from a truck
trailer using aluminum roof posts, floor joists, upright
posts, and hubs and wheels.
HYBRID POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGY
Hybrid vehicles can provide roughly $1,000 in fuel savings
and cut carbon dioxide up to 4 metric tons per year when
used in stop-and-go freight applications such as parcel
delivery service.
Hybrid vehicles have two propulsion power sources,
making it possible to capture energy otherwise lost
during braking. These power sources boost main
engine, which in turn runs more efficiently.
Most hybrid vehicles use an internal combustion
engine for the main power source with various
secondary power and energy storage configurations,
including electric and hydraulic systems.
ABOUT U.S. EPASMARTWAY
SmartWay is a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to
move freight in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible. It
provides shippers and carriers with the tools and support they need
to track, document, and share information about transport modes,
equipment, and operational strategies that can reduce fuel use and
emissions across the supply chain.

SmartWay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency^
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