The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry's not-for-profit research organization, has released the results of a national survey characterizing the extent of idling
and use of idle reduction technologies among trucking companies.
The results were unveiled in Tampa, Fla. at last week’s Winter Leadership Meeting of the American Trucking Associations.
In the report, "Idle Reduction Technology Fleet Preferences Survey," trucking company views on several idling-related topics are explored including impacts of idling regulations, and current and future planned use of idle reduction technologies.
The survey participants provided data on more than 55,000 trucks.
Participants have already spent more than $8.8 million equipping sleeper cabs with on-board idle reduction technologies. These technologies – which include direct-fired heaters, auxiliary power units/generator sets and battery-powered air conditioners – conserve fuel and reduce pollution by powering heaters, air conditioners, and/or in-cab appliances while eliminating main engine idling. Over the next five years, participants are expected to spend an additional $56 million to further deploy these technologies.
"This report provides a timely snap-shot of the use of idle reduction technologies among trucking companies. With the trucking industry having spent an unprecedented $87.7 billion on fuel last year, companies are taking a closer look at technologies that can reduce fuel consumption," said ATRI Chairman Doug Duncan, President and CEO of FedEx Freight.
According to the report, trucking companies appear to be investing more in idle reduction technologies. In general, users seem to be satisfied with the performance of these technologies, although costs appear to be higher than most are willing to pay. Nonetheless, the use of idle reduction technologies is expected to expand.
When growth projections associated with the U.S. trucking industry are considered, a 70 percent increase in the volume of goods moved from 1998 to 2020, the demand for idle reduction technologies should continue to increase well into the future.
The report can be accessed on ATRI's website at www.atri-online.org.