Freight Industry Brief

November 22, 2005

This brief examines different methods of reducing the environmental impact of the freight and commercial trucking industry. EPA regulations beginning in 2006 will, over time, significantly reduce the emissions of commercial trucks. However, current commercial trucks, which will be used for decades, emit a significant amount of air pollution. There are many technological and logistical improvements that would improve fuel economy and reduce air pollution. In addition, truck stop electrification and auxiliary power units
could significantly reduce emissions from truck idling (truck drivers often idle their engines while they rest to produce heat and air conditioning).
Biodiesel emits significantly less carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter than conventional diesel, although regulatory changes in 2006-7 will eliminate most of these differences; however, even after the regulatory changes, biodiesel will emit much less carbon dioxide than diesel over the life-cycle. The EPA currently has a SmartWay program designed to reduce the environmental impact of the commercial freight industry. There are few foundations funding in this area.