GaDER Truck Program saving bucks with cleaner trucks
Trucks are an essential part of a successful economy. They are typically used either in moving freight or for service (i.e. utility trucks). While there are other freight modes (trains, ships and planes), trucks have been and will continue to dominate as the preferred means of moving freight across the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The focus of this program is to encourage diesel emission reductions associated with trucks. See our solutions to learn more about strategies that can reduce emissions.
See some great success stories below with lots of links and videos to view:
Idle Reduction Policies can help motivate drivers into action to do their part to improve air quality and save money. Shumate Mechanical in partnership with the Clean Air Campaign has been able to effectively deploy an idle reduction policy. To read more about this go to: http://www.cleanaircampaign.org/Your-Workplace/Clean-Air-Employer-Champions/Shumate-Mechanical
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Truck stop electrification (TSE) is helping to reduce emissions by using electricity from the grid to provide the driver with creature comforts when at rest rather than running the large truck engine, which is designed to propel the truck. TSE helps to reduce the concentration of air pollution that would otherwise directly impact those living and/or working near these parking locations. Furthermore, TSE is more efficient than running the truck's primary engine and can save the driver and/or trucking company money. Here are TSE service businesses currently serving Georgia:
TSE locations across the country may be found by visiting the Alternative Fuel Data Center provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). www.afdc.energy.gov/tse_locator.
- IdleAire (Newnan, Jackson and Dalton)
- ShorePower (Woodbine)
- AirDock (Unadilla.)
Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) can help to reduce emissions by using a small and more efficient engine to provide air conditioning and heat rather than the larger engine designed to propel the truck. Li-Way Transfer and Storage and Clean Cities Georgia coordinated on a grant to explore the benefits of APUs. The results of this project demonstrate the importance of closely considering how well a new product will integrate into your fleet. The following is the final report http://www.georgiaair.org/airpermit/downloads/mobilearea/engines/Idlingreductiondoccleancities.pdf.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is helping to reduce emissions from the DeKalb landfill operations. This is also part of DeKalb’s program to turn trash into cash. Dekalb is operating some natural gas refuse trucks and plans to eventually convert all of their refuse trucks to clean burning natural gas. Watch a video news report about this program. http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/dekalb-uses-landfill-gas-to-power-trash-trucks/vfrLS/.
- Another success story is Saddle Creek, who is a Fleet Leader committed to CNG. Watch a video about Saddle Creek here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1IGQLIW8Bs
Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) is an emerging transportation fuel and well suited for those using lots of fuel on a regular basis.
- BLU recently opened in College Park, GA. The opening ceremony provides more information about the site and can be viewed on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy8Bi5jzCQ4.
- Clean Energy is in the process of building LNG stations in Georgia.**
- LNG fueling locations across the country may be found by visiting the Alternative Fuel Data Center provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_locations.html.
Telematics is helping to reduce emissions by increasing efficiency.
- UPS is well known for efficiency and has been leading the charge when it comes to Telematics. UPS - https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/bussol/browse/leadership-telematics.html.
Hybrid Electric is an excellent way to minimize losses when frequent stops are involved that can benefit from regenerative braking. Coca-cola Enterprises is leading in the area of Hybrid Electric Trucks and currently has the largest hybrid electric truck fleet the country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHOHuIoY97k.
Electric is an excellent way to reduce fueling costs and take advantage of system efficiencies. Frito Lay and Staples have been leaders bringing Electric Trucks to the Southeast. (http://www.southeastdiesel.org/2011%20SEDC%20Leadership%20Award%20Summary.pdf) The following are links featuring electric truck success stories.
- Frito Lay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZNhiE8Wtr4
- Staples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkbyDF1y47M.
Aerodynamic Technology and Low Rolling Resistance are excellent ways to improve fuel efficiencies. The following are YouTube videos telling the success of aerodynamics and low rolling resistance:
- Department of Energy’s PDF showing Efficiency Gains: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/pdfs/merit_review_2012/veh_sys_sim/vss006_salari_2012_o.pdf
- Freight Liner’s promotional Video on their tractor aerodynamics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhGhKmrxgFQ
- Michelin’s super tire promotional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHJYQ_X5gpA .
Empty Truck programs improve efficiency by assuring that trucks are actually moving freight when traveling. SC Johnson was recognized by winning the 2012 SMART Way Excellence award.
- The following is SC Johnson’s description of different efforts in place to minimize their impact, including the use of an Empty Truck program: http://www.scjohnson.com/en/commitment/focus-on/conserving/smart-changes.aspx.