As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, many trucking companies are looking for ways to “go green.” Implementing eco-friendly practices can help reduce a company’s carbon footprint and show customers that they are committed to being environmentally responsible. Here are some tips on how your trucking company can go green.
Educate truckers on fuel-saving practices.
Training drivers on how to save fuel can help reduce fuel consumption. Some tips that you will want to give your truckers include:
- Making sure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag and save fuel.
- Reducing speed, as driving slower uses less gas.
- Avoiding the use of air conditioning if possible.
- Using cruise control when driving on the highway.
- Planning ahead and combining trips to reduce the number of times the engine is started.
- Shutting off the engine when stopped.
- Taking advantage of opportunities to idle less. For example, if a trucker is waiting to make a delivery, they can park so the engine isn’t running.
- Installing trailer skirts to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
You will also want to make sure your truckers and fleet are protected on the road with sufficient truck insurance coverage. The most common type is liability insurance, which covers damages that the truck causes to other vehicles or property. Collision insurance covers damage to the truck itself in the event of an accident, and comprehensive insurance provides protection against all other types of damage, such as theft or vandalism. The type of insurance policy you need for your trucking business will depend on the type of truck each trucker is driving, the distances they are traveling, and any environmental damage your trucking business may be responsible for. If you can reduce your environmental damage, you may be able to save money on your insurance policy and deductible.
Use alternative fuels.
Using alternative fuels such as biodiesel or compressed natural gas can help reduce emissions and save money on fuel costs. Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement made from vegetable oils or animal fats. It can be used in most diesel engines without modification. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, and produces significantly less harmful emissions than petroleum-based diesel.
Reduce emissions.
Reducing emissions from trucks is important for the environment and public health. One of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is to use fuel-efficient tires. Fuel-efficient tires can improve a truck’s fuel economy by 3 to 5 percent. They also help reduce emissions by up to 10 percent.
Another way to reduce emissions is to use engine idle reduction technology. This technology allows a truck engine to idle at a lower speed, which reduces the amount of pollution created. Idle reduction technology can save a truck driver up to $2,000 per year in fuel costs. Other methods that can help reduce emissions include using aerodynamic trailer designs, low-rolling resistance tires, and electric or hybrid engines.
Use technology.
Technology has come a long way in making trucks more fuel-efficient. One way this is done is by using technology to optimize the truck’s speed and gear ratios. This can be done through the use of GPS systems and other tracking devices. By knowing exactly how fast the truck is going and what gear it is in, the truck’s computer can adjust these settings to make them as efficient as possible.
Another way that technology can help make trucks more fuel-efficient is by using sensors to detect when a truck is idling. Trucks that are not in motion use more fuel than those that are, so anything that can be done to reduce engine idling time will save fuel. Sensors can be used to automatically turn off a truck’s engine when it is stopped for an extended period of time. This will help reduce emissions from idling trucks, which account for a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
Minimize waste.
The trucking industry is responsible for transporting goods all across the country. While this is an essential function, it also comes with a large carbon footprint. One way to minimize waste in the trucking industry is to use lighter cargo containers. For example, packing goods in reusable crates instead of cardboard boxes can help reduce wastefulness on the road. Additionally, using biodegradable packing materials such as straw or bamboo can help decompose materials faster once they’re disposed of properly. Finally, recycling and composting are two other important ways to reduce wastefulness in the trucking industry. All businesses and facilities should have recycling programs in place, and food scraps should be composted whenever possible instead of being sent to landfills.
