by Dalton Paul Saunders, Guest Author

Big rigs have gone green! In short, the transportation industry is saving money by going green. Alas, the choice to go green was not a result of disdain for greenhouse emissions but one of survival. High energy costs have forced many trucking companies to rethink their fuel consumption. An average eighteen-wheeler will consume 120 gallons of fuel each day. As energy prices increase, so does the cost of business.

The current strategies of choice to limit fuel consumption are:

1. Slowing down. This equals better mileage per gallon.

2. Retrofitting equipment to be lighter or more aerodynamic. This means burning less fuel.

3. Better route planning. This means driving fewer miles.

Now that fuel prices have decreased, trucking companies continue to make the above changes because of the economic melt-down. Currently, there are too many trucks (lots of supply) chasing too few freight loads (low demand). The result is a dramatic decrease in freight prices. Trucking companies must continue to lower costs to remain competitive.

Volatile fuel prices and economic gloom have forced trucking companies to green their fleets. The net effect is positive for the environment. But has the fundamental problem of greenhouse emissions produced by this important industry been solved? No. We must continue to push for product and scientific innovation that is cost effective to implement. This is the only way to take the next step in “greening” the transportation industry. Some say that stricter standards and regulation will help transportation to become green more quickly. This is partly false and unrealistic. Over 70% of all goods are transported by truck and the macro-economic cost of regulation will be unacceptable to most Americans as they see their foodstuffs and other lifestyle goods increase in price.

Until a comprehensive solution is developed, let’s applaud the transportation industry on their accidental environmentalism and push for more innovation to further the progress.

Further reading: EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Natural Gas Vehicles for America, Michelin X-One Tires

- Dalton Paul Saunders is an executive in the transportation industry.