The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and truck engine manufacturer Cummins Inc have released their updated research on the energy and emissions impacts of operating commercial vehicles at various weight classes, according to American Trucking Associations information.
For nearly every vehicle configuration studied, operating at higher weights allowed freight payloads to be increased at a greater rate than the additional fuel required to move the heavier load.
"As we look for ways to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing the supply chain efficiencies that the trucking industry supports, higher productivity vehicles should be considered as a viable part of an overarching solution," said Douglas G Duncan, FedEx Freight president and chairman of the ATRI Board of Directors.
Using computer modeling which reflects the operation of trucks with engines meeting current Environmental Protection Agency engine emission standards, the updated research confirms potential fuel efficiency improvements which can be achieved through the operation of higher productivity vehicles. These efficiency improvements also yield environmental improvements.
In addition to investigating the operation of higher productivity vehicles at gross vehicle weights greater than the current federal limit, the updated study also investigated the operation of longer combination vehicles hauling low-density freight.
A one-page summary of the report is available online at atri-online.org. Copies of the full report can be ordered through the Web site as well.