The Drive For More Fuel-Efficient Trucks

Image source: greencarreports.com

Some fronts are airing their concerns about the environmental implications of the high volume of fuel consumption of the trucking industry. But the glass-is-half-full people see this as a representation of an opportunity to drastically reduce worldwide consumption of fuel.

Passenger vehicles have faced regulations on fuel economy as early as the 1970s. The same cannot be said for medium- and heavy-trucks – until the Obama administration's efforts to require fuel economy improvements for these trucks.

The first greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for trucks were agreed on 2011 and then took effect in 2014, requiring these large vehicles to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent.

The second phase of these standards was lodged in 2015, necessitating semi-trucks, buses, large pickup trucks, and vans built from 2021 to 2027 to cut fuel consumption further to 24 percent.

Truck manufacturers, therefore, have around six years to make improvements in their vehicles that would help reduce the transportation sector’s carbon emissions by 1 billion metric tons and save $170 billion at the pump.

Image source: cleanenergyfuels.com

And contrary to conventional knowledge, experts say that truck fuel efficiency refinement is easily achievable.

Existing and developing technologies include improved diesel engines, transmission system, aerodynamics, tires, regenerative braking, and hybrid technologies.

Beginning his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 18, Fred Barbara grew his trucking business into a $58.5 million enterprise with a fleet of 150 trucks, which he sold in 1997. To read more interesting articles about trucks and the freight industry, visit this blog.

Truck Record: Fundamental Facts About The Local Trucking Business

The trucking industry leads all means of domestic freight in the U.S. Its flexibility, relative cost-effectiveness, and logistical viability make it a staple to various industries that require transport of commodities. Here are some key trucking facts about the industry:

Image source: fortune.com

The industry can keep up with U.S. economy expansion

In 2014, the top five issues facing the trucking industry were driver shortage, fuel cost increase, increased trucking demands, world trade expansion, and pricing power fluctuations. For the past several months, these issues have been gradually resolved or are currently undergoing significant improvements.

Female drivers on the rise 

The American Trucking Association reveals that there are approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. While this sounds big, it is not enough to cover all the transport needs of the country. Trucking companies have started tapping and accepting female drivers to cover up for the paucity. Approximately 6 percent of the current job pool is comprised of women.

The role of advanced technology

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As with other businesses, trucking companies have found the necessity to invest in modern technologies that include computers and the Internet. Other tools currently on increasing demand include GPS navigation, satellite radio, digital satellites televisions, and autonomous truck technologies. The latter allow drivers to use highway pilot mode and perform non-driving activities at the same time, giving them easier control for safety-critical functions in times of unavoidable traffic or environmental conditions.

Fred B. Barbara is an adept investor and entrepreneur, having grown his first trucking business into a fleet 150 vehicles strong. For more about his ventures, follow this Twitter account.