The Trucking Industry and the Environment

The condition of our environment and the factors affecting it are a major concern in the international community, especially within the transportation industry. Many assume that freight trucking and traffic congestion generate an excess of pollution but are necessary to the nation’s economy and our way of life. While no one will disagree that the trucking industry generates pollution, many freight companies are evolving with changing industry initiatives to decrease the impact of trucking on the environment.

Government agencies regulate freight trucking companies, reducing their pollutant emissions per mile and per ton mile. Both the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have endorsed this push for fuel efficiency and the use of greenhouse gas for over two decades. In the years since, the trucking industry has saved over 120 million barrels of oil. The result is a significant decrease in the impact of freight trucking on the environment.

The benefit of working with these initiatives doesn’t stop at the environmental impact. Trucking companies have also invested in improving fuel efficiency and streamlining the process which increases profits. While we all want to reduce the stress that we place on the environment, conserving fuel also helps the bottom line for shippers and shipping companies.

So, as a truck driver, how can you help the environment while doing your job efficiently? Here are a few things you can do to help make a big impact:

  1. Idling Time:  Making a stop? Turn your truck off. Consider this the same as turning off lights or computers at home or in an office. Take advantage of truck stops and use their auxiliary units or truck stop electrification systems. These let you heat or cool your truck instead of wasting diesel while idling which emits greenhouse gas emission.
  2. Speed: It is hard to maintain a constant speed depending on traffic, but try to maintain do so. Be cautious of the traffic flow by looking ahead for brake lights and smoothly decelerate.
  3. Regular Maintenance: Both carriers and owner-operators should keep regular maintenance on their vehicles. Frequently ensure proper tire pressure and check fluid levels. You must also change oil, oil filters, and air filters routinely. All are important factors in improving fuel efficiency and creating a healthier environment. (Keep these tips in mind in your regular passenger vehicles as well!)
  4. Route Planning: Planning routes ahead improves efficiency and ensures that trucks are used to capacity. It also helps you avoid bad weather, added driving time, and frustrating traffic jams.

While better machines and compliance with initiatives help save both the environment and money, the biggest expense of a fleet is fuel. With the Fuelz Fleet Card, fleets in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia can help lower and regulate the cost of fuel. Contact us today and see how we can help you make or beat the bottom line.

*Sources: RCX Solutions and JBT Transport