Can truck drivers reduce their carbon emissions?

The logistics sector has long played a key role in the global economy. It now has to play a key role in the global fight against climate change. In the UK specifically, changes to the logistics sector will be vital to reaching the target of net zero by 2050. With that in mind, Fleet Ex look at some of the ways truck drivers can reduce their carbon emissions. 

Utilising alternative fuel sources 

Over the long term, the logistics industry will need to move away from fossil fuels. Apart from anything else, at some point, they are simply going to run out. Realistically, the logistics sector is not, yet, likely to be in a position where it can make a wholesale move away from fossil fuel. With that said, it can and should, begin to prepare for the transition. 

Most businesses in the logistics sector will aim to replace vehicles on a scheduled timetable. They will aim to prepare for the changeover well in advance. Now, part of this preparation should include looking at options for using trucks powered by alternative fuels. It should also include keeping up-to-date on the alternative fuels landscape. 

Right now, electricity is the clear frontrunner to replace fossil fuels. It is, however, worth remembering that the frontrunner during a race doesn’t always win. What’s more, even if electricity becomes the default fuel, there may be a need for others. For example, hydrogen may be used for routes where it is impractical to install charging infrastructure. 

Updating vehicles to be more fuel-efficient 

There are several ways that existing vehicles can be upgraded to be more fuel efficient. Some of these upgrades can be undertaken for very little cost. It may also be possible to implement them during regular maintenance periods. This means that trucks will not have to be off the road for any longer than they would have been anyway. Here are some of the key upgrades you might want to consider. 

Tyre upgrades - Switch to low rolling-resistance tyres.

Component upgrades - Regular wheels and suspensions tend to be heavy. Switching to lighter options can do a lot to reduce fuel consumption. If you don’t want to replace components that are in proper working order, make the switch when they need to be replaced anyway. 

Improved transmission - You can retrofit existing transmissions with fuel-saving technology. If the transmission does need to be replaced, then you can opt for a fuel-efficient option. 

Engine-idling reduction - Engine idling is a massive drain on fuel. Sometimes it is necessary. It should, however, only be used for short periods. Instead of relying on your drivers to remember to turn off the engine, consider fitting an engine idle reduction system. This will automatically turn off the engine if the truck is idle for an extended period.  

Improved aerodynamics - Installing aerodynamic equipment, such as trailer skirts, fairings, and roof-mounted devices, can reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. 

Engine upgrades - Full engine upgrades are a relatively expensive option. Sometimes, however, they can be entirely justified. This is particularly likely with diesel engines. Upgrades here can often pay for themselves by eliminating, or at least reducing, penalties for entering clean-air zones. 

Implementing vehicle maintenance programs 

The default business case for implementing effective vehicle maintenance programs is that it helps to expand the useful lifetime of the vehicle. This in itself is relevant to reducing carbon emissions. Creating and transporting parts does itself create carbon emissions.  

An additional business case for doing so is that it increases fuel efficiency. This means it reduces carbon emissions.  

In simple terms, regular maintenance ensures that a vehicle continually operates at its maximum level of efficiency. This means that it is always at its most fuel-efficient. By contrast, if a vehicle is not properly maintained, its overall efficiency will be reduced. It will therefore require more fuel to operate and hence produce more carbon emissions. 

It’s particularly important to take care of a truck’s tyres. Firstly, there always needs to be sufficient tread on them. Secondly, they always need to be at the right pressure. Tyre pressure is influenced by atmospheric conditions. This means that it will generally need to be managed by drivers rather than mechanics. 

Optimising route planning and load management 

In the context of logistics, optimising route planning essentially means taking into account the differences between trucks and regular cars. In the UK specifically, it means being very aware that there’s often a limit to how much route planning can be done in advance.  

For a lot of the year, the UK’s weather can be very changeable. This means that drivers frequently have to update their routes for safety reasons. Likewise, there can be unscheduled issues with roads that can force drivers to divert. For example, there may be emergency roadworks or accidents. 

It will be easier for drivers to divert effectively if they have trucking-specific tools to help them to do so. For example, truck-specific GPSs can highlight low bridges they need to avoid. They can also show truck-accessible fuelling points.  

Adopting energy-efficient driving practices 

The way vehicles are driven can massively influence how much fuel they use. This means that truck drivers themselves have a critical role to play in reducing carbon emissions. For drivers to fulfil that role, however, their employers have to guide and back them. 

Firstly, employers need to ensure that their drivers are actually clear on what fuel-efficient driving means. These days, there is a strong chance that drivers will know that. As an employer, however, you cannot assume this. 

Secondly, you need to make it clear to drivers that you really do support fuel-efficient driving strategies. This starts by planning and scheduling routes in a way that supports them. Allowing a reasonable amount of time to complete a route places drivers under less pressure to make up for any time they lose, e.g., by getting stuck in traffic. 

This reduces the likelihood that they will feel compelled to push the pace when they get stretches of clear road. Increasing speed may be fine if you are confident, you have a long stretch of empty road ahead. Over short distances, however, it tends just to eat up fuel with no real benefit as the vehicle quickly gets stuck in traffic again.