Reducing Empty Mileage and Emissions

According to the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), commercial transportation accounts for 27% of the annual greenhouse gasses in the U.S., and emissions from freight transportation, which is projected to outpace passenger vehicle emissions by 2050, are a significant problem. Despite the potential in alternative fuels and electric vehicles, they have been slow to catch on. Although the electric truck market is valued at $22 billion, only 2% of all truck sales in the U.S. in 2021 were electric. Because of technology and infrastructure constraints such as the lack of charging stations across the country, the adoption of electric trucks is low. It is estimated that a majority of trucking fleets will not be electric until at least 2040. To assist with lowering emissions, companies will need to assess other areas within their fleets that can be adjusted. One great way to decrease emissions in trucking is to eliminate empty mileage, which is also known as ‘deadheading’ within the industry. 

The quantity of deadhead miles, which are accumulated when a vehicle travels without a payload, is calculated by measuring the distance a vehicle travels without a payload. Drivers return to their starting points or carriers send vehicles empty rather than accept a discounted cargo to accumulate deadhead miles. Deadheading negatively impacts drivers, vehicles, and roads. Drivers lose valuable time and waste fuel, which is already one of the most significant expenditures for fleets. Truckers and shipping operations across the country are already suffering from higher diesel prices. To decrease deadheading and help preserve the environment, companies can start by improving routing, which can lead to greater operational efficiency, sustainability, and lower fuel costs.

Photo by Kelly: https://www.pexels.com/photo/industrial-retro-style-trucks-parked-in-row-4320468/