Trucks are the backbone of most modern economies, delivering millions of tons of goods every year. The problem is most trucks rely almost exclusively on diesel fuel to power them. That is a lot of unwanted fuel emissions hitting our atmosphere and adding to the global warning situation.
While eliminating the use of fossil fuels altogether is not practical in the near future, limiting its usage in the trucking industry is not.
By making small, relatively simple changes trucking companies can drastically reduce their fuel intake, improve efficiency, and make a big contribution to sustaining the environment.
Here are six simple ways to green the trucking industry
Speed reduction
Reducing speed is a highly effective way of reducing diesel consumption, and it’s simple to implement. All trucks usually have speed governors, and by reducing the maximum allowable speed by a mere 3-6 m/h, can save fuel and increase your mileage per tank, win-win. In addition by driving slower you reduce the driver’s chance of an accident.
Use GPS
Another simple but effective method. All drivers get lost once in a while and truck drivers are no different. Except they often get lost in uncharted territory, and when carrying a large load any extra mileage costs both the company and the environment.
There are excellent commercial driving GPS systems designed specifically for commercial drivers. These are slightly more involved than regular GPS systems, they provide routes specifically designed for commercial drivers, allowing for issues like clearances and load limits.
Avoiding wayward journeys saves time and fuel, as well as irritation for the driver, company and client.
Driver behaviour
While only qualified drivers are allowed to drive commercial trucks, small changes in their driving behaviour can make a big difference to their fuel consumption, improving fuel economy by anywhere between 5% and 10%.
Minor adjustments like progressive shifting of gears (changing gears as early as possible), and avoiding hard breaking and fast starts can make a significant difference to fuel consumption. Truck tracking devices can monitor driver behaviour to make sure they drive in a safe and efficient manner.
Predictive Cruise Control (PCC)
While we have already spoken about speed governors, predicative cruise control is something different. PCC uses GPS technology to make small adjustments to a truck’s speed to maximize fuel efficiency based on upcoming terrain changes.
Mercedes-Benz Actros – Predictive Powertrain Control advert in HD
This is a relatively new technology that has the potential to have a large impact on trucks’ fuel economy in the not too distant future.
Low rolling resistance tires (LRRT)
Many electric or hybrid cars already make use of low rolling resistance tires. LRRT use less energy when they roll, consuming less fuel. Cars use anywhere from 5%-15% to overcome rolling resistance, it is reported that this number can be as high as 15% – 30% for trucks. Using LRRT can make a significant difference to your truck’s fuel economy and these tires do not cost much more than regular ones.
Hybrid trucks
Hybrid cars are all the range with the green and trendy, claiming they are saving the earth by driving an expensive hybrid. While this is all good, the actual impact on fuel savings of these mixed fuel and electric vehicles is relatively small. Much greater gains can possibly be found in the hybrid trucking industry. The question is, is it possible to create an effective hybrid 18 wheeler heavy duty truck.
It will be, technology is in place and there are a number of smaller hybrid trucks rolling around. This number is set to increase exponentially over the coming years. Researchers are also busy on testing a combo system whereby diesel trucks will connect with electric cabling set up above the road, similar to electric trams and trains. The trucks would detect whenever they are under these lines and the truck will change to using electricity, when there are none, the truck will revert back to Diesel. This will only be effective on specific routes but the potential fuel savings are enormous.
With a little effort and ingenuity we can go a long way to reducing our impact on the environment. The trucking industry is one sector that uses enormous amounts of fuel, and with relatively little effort, can make drastic changes to its overall fuel usage.
Contribution by Perth based freight experts, Express Link in conjunction with Brad Rowe.