Lack of access to capital and unavailability of technology are hindering the large-scale deployment of fuel-efficiency technologies for tractor trailers, according to a new report published by The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and Cascade Sierra Solutions (CSS).
The report identifies five hurdles to immediate uptake by fleets of fuel-saving technologies: payback time and high initial cost of trucks; lack of access to capital; lack of credible information; insufficient reliability; and unavailability of technology. The findings are based on a study funded by the International Council for Clean Transportation that examined barriers to large-scale deployment of available efficiency technologies for tractor-trailers.
“The report clearly shows the gap between perceptions and reality of the adoption of technologies. If implemented, currently available trucking technologies could earn fuel savings of as much as $20,000 per truck with a payback time of less than 18 to 24 months,” Mike Roeth, Executive Director of NACFE.
The co-author, NACFE, an unbiased, non-profit, also published an additional review of all the available technologies for ensuring appropriate tire pressure. Benefits of these technologies include decreased roadside breakdowns, improved tire life, and better fuel efficiency. The resulting report describes the various technologies, identifies manufacturers, and shares tractor/trailer OEMs and fleet experiences.
Finally, two tools have been developed for adoption analysis: a technology selection tool and a payback calculator. This “Confidence” report is the first in a series that will be conducted, over the next few years, with reports on 6x2 axles (October) and anti-idling devices next. Confidence reports can be downloaded from the NACFE website at, www.nacfe.org/projects.