Finding sustainability and cost control amid a patchwork of problems

A version of this story first appeared in The Inside Lane newsletter. To get it in your inbox twice a week, sign up for free, here.

By Shefali Kapadia | The Inside Lane

With emissions regulations in a state of uncertainty, it can be confusing for fleets, small and large, to strike the right balance between compliance and furthering their own sustainability goals. 

We spoke to Allen Schaeffer, executive director at the Engine Technology Forum, about strategies to navigate current regulations, along with five tips to cut emissions and keep costs in check.

What's one way engine tech has advanced in recent years that benefits trucking companies?

Without question, it's greater fuel efficiency. According to numerous sources, the average fuel economy for heavy-duty trucks today is anywhere from 12-16% higher than engines built a decade ago, with some fleets exceeding 50%! Those are cost savings directly to truckers.

How can small trucking firms make their fleets and operations more sustainable while keeping costs down?

There are several ways fleets can do this. They can focus on proper maintenance, which will reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. They can use blends of renewable biodiesel fuels in existing trucks, reducing carbon emissions by at least 50% compared to regular diesel. Launch a program to stop unnecessary idling. A 2015 US Department of Energy study showed idling burns about 0.8 gallons per hour, and that can quickly drive up costs and create excessive engine wear. Don't tamper with emissions controls—particulate filters and SCR systems are there for a reason—to cut emissions. Disabling, removing or reprogramming engine computers violates the Clean Air Act. And in repairs, consider using remanufactured engines and components. These are warranted like new and reduce demand for raw materials and energy while lowering waste.

What's your top piece of advice for small business trucking owners looking to improve their fleet's fuel efficiency?

Speed control! Driving at higher speeds burns more fuel. Reducing speeds traveled reduces fuel consumption, pure and simple. Every 1 mph over 55 mph costs 0.1–0.2 mpg in fuel economy. Take a driver cruising at 60 mph and incurring a fuel economy penalty of 0.5-1.0 mpg. For 10 trucks, each traveling 100,000 miles every year, the extra fuel cost could be over $127,000, and more fuel consumed equals higher emissions. 

What do you wish the current administration would focus on to benefit trucking companies and improve sustainability?

A rational and national approach to future emissions and fuel policy; one that eliminates the uncertainty for manufacturers and fleets about what kind of truck they can buy in which states, and levels the technology playing field for all fuels without playing favorites, while still encouraging investment in cleaner and more efficient technology and fuels. Some want to try zero-emission trucks, others want to stick with diesel and use renewable biofuels instead, others want to use natural gas. Current rules are setting up a patchwork of problems for buying and operating trucks in the next five years.

Above: Allen Schaeffer (courtesy).

Thanks for reading The Inside Lane! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

Would you like to be featured in an upcoming edition? Shoot us an email.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.