These days, in a conversation about trucking and transportation, one topic that is likely to come up is the environment and what kind of impact our freight system is having on it. There is a substantial debate about what types of policy should be implemented at the industry-level, but it’s worth taking a closer look at the numbers and discussing what truck drivers can do to go green on the road.

What Is the Impact of Trucking and Transportation on the Environment?

The Environmental Protection Agency collects a yearly inventory called the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, and the transportation sector accounted for the largest portion of total GHG emissions in 2022. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks account for 23% of that portion due to their high fuel consumption and fuel inefficiency.

Last year, InTek Logistics predicted U.S. truck freight emissions would rise by 7% in 2025, from 392 million metric tons to 420 million metric tons of CO2. That’s the equivalent of adding more than six million cars on the road. The most emission-intensive freight corridors were in Texas, California, and Illinois.

What Steps Can Truckers Take to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint?

So how do truck drivers play their part in going a little greener while they’re on the road? There are several steps you can take:

Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency

Freight trucks eat up a lot of fuel, so improving your fuel economy and efficiency can go a long way. It’s a benefit that goes beyond the environment, actually, because saving gas is also good for your pocketbook. Simple adjustments on the road can help you, your rig, and your fuel tank. Driving smarter includes:

  • Avoiding rapid acceleration and deceleration
  • Utilizing cruise control to maintain a consistent speed on the highways
  • Driving at moderate speeds to reduce wind resistance and fuel consumption
  • Reducing the amount of idle time by turning off the engine during short stops, using auxiliary power units to power amenities in your cab, and investing in things like engine start-stop systems

Route Planning

Structuring your drive not only helps you to avoid heavy, stop-and-go traffic and steep grades, but also it can help you identify the shortest, most efficient routes and reduce your overall mileage. Taking a few minutes each day to plan for rest breaks, fuel stops, and delivery times before you hit the road can be a huge time and resource saver in the long run.

Owner-operators have an additional tool at their disposal when it comes to planning their routes because they can leverage new tech tools to match available freight with their route. This allows them to combine loads or backhauls to prevent empty miles and maximize each trip’s productivity. Route-planning apps and tools are invaluable when it comes to mapping out your optimal drive, and again, it benefits you as much as the environment. It not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your rig. Speaking of…

Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained truck is key when it comes to reducing GHG emissions. The better your rig runs, the more optimized your fuel efficiency is and the less pollution you produce. Truckers should regularly and consistently assess their trucks and performance maintenance like:

  • Ensuring all tires are properly inflated and maintained at recommended levels
  • Tuning up your engine and regularly changing the oil and replacing the air filters
  • Checking for fuel leaks and promptly repairing them
  • Increasing the aerodynamics of your rig by using skirts, keeping your load low and toward the front, and adjusting air deflectors to minimize wind drag

Technology and Innovation

Adopting new, innovative developments in the industry can save you and the environment in the long run.

  • Newer rigs are more fuel efficient than older ones, and electric and hybrid trucks are becoming more and more widespread.
  • Telematics can help you monitor fuel consumption and driving behaviors and give you options for optimizing your routes.
  • Advanced driver assistance systems provide features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance, all of which can reduce unnecessary braking and acceleration.
  • Eco-friendly fuel alternatives to diesel are on the rise, including biodiesel (fuel made from oils, animal fats, and grease), compressed natural gas, and hydrogen fuel cells

Sustainability-Focused Carriers

If you are a company driver and eco-friendly practices are important to you, it’s important to stay aware of which carriers are setting and working toward sustainability goals, like lowering emissions and improving energy efficiency. Also, make your voice heard with your carrier, offering feedback on the importance of adopting environmentally friendly business practices.

Get Behind the Wheel at ASC

Now that you know what type of license you want, it’s time to find the proper truck driving school for you. At ASC Technical Institute, you can complete your Truck Driving CDL in just five weeks, from the first course to graduation. The curriculum includes comprehensive training, log record keeping, hazardous materials procedures, and more. Learn more online.

Getting your CDL opens a world of opportunities in the trucking industry, but knowing which types of CDL licenses and endorsements to get is crucial when it comes time to apply. ASC Technical Institute wants students to have the proper licensure or endorsements in hand, so students have an edge above other job applicants.

Whether you’re aiming for long-haul trucking with a Class A CDL, or you want to drive a school bus with a Class C and an S endorsement, there’s a path that fits your interests. Now that you know the basics, you’re one step closer to hitting the road! Enroll online today.

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