When it comes to transporting goods, there is no more efficient way than with a semi-truck.These big rigs can carry heavier loads than any other type of commercial vehicle and they can travel for miles without stopping. However, that efficiency comes at a cost: They produce more greenhouse gas emissions than any other commercial vehicle, and are one of the largest contributors to air pollution in urban areas.If you’re in the business of transporting goods, there are several things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your fleet. These include lowering idling times, reducing idling time after stopping, replacing older trucks and implementing driver-training programs.
Reduce Idling Times
There are multiple ways to reduce the idling times of your trucks. One of the simplest ways is to find a place to park your trucks that doesn’t require constant idling. If you run a fleet that delivers food from restaurants, for example, you may want to consider putting your trucks in a centralized location where they can pick up and drop off multiple customers at once.If you’re running a fleet that delivers construction materials or heavy equipment, you can park your trucks in a central location where they’re within easy reach of multiple customers. This will reduce the need for your drivers to idle their trucks while waiting for a customer.
Reduce Idling Time After Stopping
If you’re operating in an area where emissions are regulated, you’ll likely have to install an idling-reduction device on your truck. However, even if you’re not required to use one, you can still reduce idling times by stopping in designated “idle reduction” areas.In areas where the government has installed idle reduction devices, you can see them almost everywhere you turn. They’re usually located near highways and at intersections, where they reduce the amount of time a truck has to idle.If you’re in an area that doesn’t have idle reduction devices, you can install a simple device on your trailer that turns off the engine when it comes to a stop.
Lowering the Weight of Your Trailers
By lowering the weight of your trailers, you can reduce their fuel consumption and emissions. This is especially true if you’re hauling raw materials that are used to make other products.If you’re transporting food, you can lower the weight of your trailers by buying smaller containers. If you’re transporting construction materials, you’re best off lowering the weight of your trailers by using smaller loads.
Using a Drier Fuel
If you’re using a more expensive type of fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, you can reduce your fuel consumption by using a drier fuel.There are a few different types of drier fuel, but the most common is fuel oil. You can buy fuel oil at most gas stations, and it will typically cost more per gallon than gasoline. If you’re using fuel oil to power your trucks, you can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 10%.Be aware that you might need to get new fuel lines installed to use fuel oil. You also have to be careful to avoid mixing fuel oil with gasoline in your fuel tank.
Driving Strategically
Another way to reduce the environmental impact of your semi-truck fleet is to drive more strategically. By driving slower and taking more time to reach your destination, you can reduce the amount of fuel that your trucks burn and the amount of emissions they produce.You can also consider avoiding heavy travel times, and using alternative modes of transportation, such as air travel, when possible.
Conclusion
Like any other type of commercial vehicle, semi-trucks produce a significant amount of pollution. However, there are several ways to reduce their environmental impact.If you’re in charge of a fleet, you can start by monitoring the amount of fuel your vehicles consume, and reducing idling times whenever possible. You can also lower the weight of your trailers, and use a drier fuel to reduce fuel consumption.