Why Does Trucking Matter to the Environment?
The trucking industry has an important role to play and is doing its part in reducing harm to the environment. It's imperative that we live up to our responsibility because trucks play a critical function in moving freight within Canada and internationally. In fact, 70% of freight by value and 90% of consumer goods are transported by truck. We're already winning the battle: the latest data show that trucks consumed only 41% of energy used to transport all freight. This is important because trucking continues to grow as consumerism and demand continues to escalate.
So, our industry is going to be a major consumer of diesel fuel into the forseeable future. The challenge is to do the best we can to mitigate consumption and reduce emissions and other impacts on the environment.
Trucks today are marvels in productivity and efficiency. While they may look like the trucks of yesterday, their performance is light years ahead. Technological advances have made trucks safer and radically more reliable and fuel-efficient. Here are the details.
Trucks Are Technological Marvels
From computerised telemetry that rivals what is available in Formula 1 cars to new low-drag tires to satellite communications, technology is being applied in a variety of ways to improve not only trucks' operational efficiency, but their environmental performance as well. New aerodynamic cab and trailer designs and add-on devices are especially effective in cutting fuel consumption in highway operations. On-board computerised driver management and performance systems monitor and control engine idling, the acceleration rate, braking and speed. Satellite tracking systems improve vehicle tracking and utilisation. As a result of these applications, trucks have already decreased their fuel consumption by 50% since the 1970s. Lower fuel consumption means fewer emissions and less impact on the environment.
Engine Emissions Dramatically Reduced
Vehicle emissions are controlled by engine standards and fuel standards that are set and enforced by the federal government. Canadian standards closely mirror U.S. standards because of the concentration of production of trucks in the U.S. and the volume of cross-border truck traffic.
In the last round of changes, the 2002 engine standards reduced NOx by close to 40%. The upcoming 2007 standards will virtually eliminate these emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) new standards will result in PM and NOx emission levels that are 90 per cent below today's levels. According to the U.S. EPA, the 2007 standard will be the equivalent of eliminating 13 million trucks and buses in the U.S.
The following graph illustrates the change in truck engine emission standards from 1990 to 2007:
Fuel Standard Virtually Eliminates Sulphur Content
The fuel standard also plays an important role because regulation of the components in diesel fuel has a direct impact on emissions and smog. Since 1998, Canada has mandated low-sulphur fuel of no greater than 500 ppm for use in trucks. Today's diesel fuel is cleaner than the gas used in most cars. The upcoming 2006 standard will further reduce sulphur content by 97% to 15 ppm. Obviously, this will help to dramatically reduce particulate matter emissions.
Aerodynamics Plays a Role, Too
Improved aerodynamics on a typical long-distance tractor-trailer can cut annual fuel consumption by 6,000 - 7,000 litres and eliminate 20 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. For example, tractor improvements could mean adding integrated roof and side fairings, cab extenders and air dams while new truck buyers can purchase aerodynamic models with streamlined profiles. Similarly, trailer aerodynamics can be improved by minimising the tractor-trailer gap, adding side skirts and rear air dams, and arranging cargo and tarpaulins to be as low, taut and smooth as possible.
Efficient Logistics Reduces Empty Miles
Enhancing logistics means reducing the miles that a truck drives empty. Eliminating even 15% of a long-distance truck's empty miles could reduce 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This could be achieved by such things as load matching, satellite communications and tracking, more efficient route and delivery schedules and improved shipping and receiving practices.
Who Knew Tires Could Improve Fuel Efficiency?
Single wide-base tires, which replace two traditional width tires, on a new combination tractor and trailer could reap annual fuel savings of about 2%. Single wide-base tires save fuel by reducing vehicle weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. A 2% reduction in fuel consumption translates into a carbon dioxide reduction of more than 3 metric tonnes.
Driver Training & Technology Are Formidable Collaborators
Even highly experienced drivers can boost their skills with training aimed at raising fuel economy. Fleets that have done this report fuel savings of between 5% or 7 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and 20%. Driver training programs consist of such things as learning about progressive shifting, engine speed optimisation, idle reduction, smoother braking and acceleration, anticipatory driving, speed control and optimal gearing.For example, an idling truck can burn 3 to 4 litres of diesel fuel per hour. Reducing unnecessary idling could cut up to 19 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Training can be augmented by technological improvements like systems to reduce unnecessary engine idling like auxiliary power units that provide electricity to the cab, direct-fired heaters and coolant systems that provide temperature control, and programmable automatic engine shut-off systems.
Low-Viscosity Lubricants Reduce Resistance
When used in long-distance trucks, synthetic engine and drive train lubricants can improve fuel economy by 3%, cutting 5 tonnes 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 with additional savings possible due to reduced wear and maintenance of truck systems.
There's More We Can Do
Long combination vehicles or LCVs are exactly what they sound like - a tractor with 2 and sometimes 3 trailers that exceed maximum legal length, but don't exceed maximum legal weight. This means that more goods can be transported in fewer trips using fewer trucks. Fewer trucks means fewer emissions.
LCVs are already used in 5 Canadian provinces - including B.C. - 23 U.S. states and in Mexico. Because of strict permit conditions, the LCV safety record is even better than the safety record of traditional tractor-trailers, which is already considered commendable (see Truck Safety for more details on the trucking safety record).
In Conclusion...
Technology, aerodynamic design, training, and stringent standards all play a role in helping the trucking industry do its part to reduce harmful emissions to the environment. While trucks are the economic engine for delivering necessary consumer products and manufacturing inputs, our industry wants to do this responsibly and efficiently.