Fleetowner 4243 Drivercomfort

Report helps fleets choose idle reduction systems

July 1, 2014
The nonprofit group Trucking Efficeincy has released a new "Confidence Report" that offers unbiased evaluations of idle reduction technologies and fleet strategies the keep drivers comfortable in their sleepers while cutting fuel consumption by up to 8%.

A report and online tool developed by a group dedicated to promoting truck efficiency offers objective analysis of 19 technologies designed to keep drivers comfortable in a sleeper while reducing or eliminating idling. Using the tool to choose the right system for a fleet’s particular operation can reduce fuel costs to $4,000 a year per tractor, according to the report’s sponsor, Trucking Efficiency.

The report also outlines five fleet strategies for successfully implementing an idle reduction program, documents weaknesses and strengths of each technology, offers fleet user perspectives, and provides detailed specifications for 40 system suppliers.  It helps users evaluate the various systems based on their duty cycles, fleet business models and operating climates, as well as detailing performance costs and additional weights for each.

Onboard idling reduction technologies covered include automatic shutdown/start up system, idle limiters, auxiliary power units, fuel-fired heaters, inverter/charger systems, and integrated solutions offered by truck manufacturers. The report also evaluates the benefits of truck-stop electrification systems and idle management training for drivers.

In addition to evaluating idling technologies, the report outlines various state and local regulations covering truck idling and provides links to economic models for estimating cost savings and return on investment for various solutions.

The idling project is the latest in a series of “Confidence Reports” issued by Trucking Efficiency to offer unbiased information on technologies and systems offering fleets potential efficiency gains.  Previous reports addressed tire pressure systems and 6x2 drive axle configurations.  A fourth report on automated transmissions is scheduled for release later this year.

Trucking Efficiency is a nonprofit joint project created by the North American Council on Freight Efficiency and The Carbon War Room to promote a doubling of freight efficiency by 2016.

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Report: The 2024 State of Heavy-Duty Repair

From capitalizing on the latest revenue trends to implementing strategic financial planning—this report serves as a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of ...

Fleet Industry Benchmarks: How does your fleet stack up?

Discover how your fleet compares to industry benchmarks and gain insights from a 2024 Benchmarking Report on maintenance spend, turnaround time, and more. Join us to identify ...

Build a Tolling Program to Manage Toll Fees and Risks

Fleets looking to effectively manage their operational costs should consider their tolling costs. Download the PrePass whitepaper, “Build a Tolling Program to Manage Toll Fees...

Reducing CSA Violations & Increasing Safety With Advanced Trailer Telematics

Keep the roads safer with advanced trailer telematics. In this whitepaper, see how you can gain insights that lead to increased safety and reduced roadside incidents—keeping drivers...