Greener Trucking is Trending

Have you ever wondered what freight tech has enabled trucking to go greener? It's not just on Earth Day where sustainability leads the conversation. Environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, sparking many industries to join the race to reduce their carbon footprint. The trucking industry, a vital component of global commerce, is no exception.

With advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the trucking sector is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at minimizing its environmental impact.

Global Efforts Toward Sustainable Trucking

Around the world, various initiatives are underway to promote sustainable practices in the trucking industry. From the adoption of electric and hybrid trucks to the implementation of alternative fuels like natural gas and hydrogen, companies are exploring innovative solutions to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the optimization of logistics networks through route planning software and the use of telematics technology helps minimize unnecessary mileage, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.

Green Concepts for Full Truckload Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking

Full truckload over-the-road (OTR) trucking plays a crucial role in transporting goods across vast distances. However, it also presents challenges in terms of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly when trucks are required to travel empty or "deadhead" to pick up a new load.

Miles Not Driven

One key strategy for enhancing sustainability in OTR trucking is the concept of "miles not driven." This involves reducing unnecessary mileage by optimizing route planning and load consolidation. By minimizing empty backhauls and maximizing the utilization of truck capacity, companies can significantly decrease their carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.

When considering whether it's better for a trucking company to deadhead empty to pick up a load or to drive longer with a load, several factors come into play. While deadheading empty may seem counterintuitive from a logistical standpoint, it can sometimes be more environmentally friendly than driving longer distances with a partial load.

However, we all know that deadheading empty incurs additional costs for trucking companies, including fuel and labor expenses. Balancing environmental concerns with economic realities poses a challenge for companies seeking to optimize their operations.

Telematics & Fleet Management Systems

That's where technology comes in! In order for trucking companies to make better decisions about fleet optimization and their carbon footprint, they need data. Telematics technology allows trucking companies to monitor and optimize vehicle performance in real-time. By collecting data on factors such as fuel consumption, engine idling, route efficiency, and driver behavior, fleet management systems enable companies to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These systems also facilitate route optimization, load consolidation, and maintenance scheduling, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.

All AMX drivers are equipped with tablets that provide real-time telematics. Tablet training takes place their first week at orientation with our Driver Development Manager, Trent Lester. This technology allows our asset operations team to report on impact by making it easy to track progress and pinpoint key metrics. 

Our system allows us to pull data on:

• Fuel efficiency
• Vehicle idling
• Emissions
• Driver performance

Reporting and analytics are built in to help fleets like AMX tailor training and operations to be more environmentally friendly and efficient. The system uses the data collected from the equipment to calculate each driver's efficiency score.

Driver Training

Professional truck drivers play a crucial role in promoting environmentally friendly practices within the trucking industry.  Providing drivers with training and resources on eco-friendly driving techniques and environmental best practices empowers them to make informed decisions and contribute to sustainability efforts. Here are some ways they can contribute to running equipment more sustainably:

• Maintaining a steady speed
• Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking
• Reducing idle time
• Avoiding traffic congestion and choosing routes with favorable road conditions

Regular Maintenance

Ensuring that trucks are properly maintained is essential for maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions. Regular inspections, tune-ups, and timely repairs help keep engines running smoothly and reduce the environmental impact of truck operations.

To keep our equipment running as efficiently as possible, AMX has equipment inspected as drivers enter the yard via our safety lane. Pre-trip inspections are carried out within twenty minutes. Any immediate issues are reported and taken care of while the driver is at the yard by our on-site shop and professional maintenance team. By catching urgent issues as drivers return to the yard, we have reduced the amount of tire blowouts in transit.

In addition, the status of the equipment is logged with details of non-urgent maintenance that is scheduled in advance. This allows for better planning as drivers and dispatchers are both aware of upcoming maintenance needs. We are able to plan ahead, which keeps our trucks and drivers running smoothly.  

The Path Forward

With real-time data insights and comprehensive driver training programs, AMX empowers its team to make informed decisions that contribute to a greener future. If you're ready to partner with a company that prioritizes sustainability and efficiency, why not get started with AMX today? Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly trucking industry, not just on Earth Day, but every day.