It’s summer, and in many parts of the country, a gallon of diesel is $6. That’s a double whammy for fleets that want to keep their drivers comfortable while operating profitably.
It is nearly impossible to eliminate idling entirely, especially in long-haul trucking, but fortunately, there are a variety of options for fleets that value both driver comfort and operational efficiency.
It’s important to note that excess idling not only wastes fuel but also accelerates engine wear and raises maintenance costs by straining diesel particulate filters and aftertreatment systems. In addition, each gallon of diesel emits approximately 22.4 lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO₂), meaning that eliminating excessive idling can avoid up to 15 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per truck per year.
The good news is that there are a variety of things fleets can do to control and reduce the time drivers need to idle without sacrificing driver comfort and safety. Some of the things are fairly basic. For example, drivers can reduce HVAC demand by parking with the windshield facing away from the sun, closing sleeper curtains, or using reflective shades in hot weather.
Some of the technologies fleets can invest in include:
- Auxiliary power units (APUs): Both diesel and electric options
- Targeted heating: Fuel-operated heater and fuel-operated coolant heaters.
- Intelligent engine management: Smart shutdown, auto-start-stop, predictive idle shutdown, contextual idle management, and adaptive power management.
There are also a variety of supporting technologies that can improve a fleet’s efforts to reduce idling. These include things like spec’ing additional insulation, painting the truck a light color, using an auxiliary CPAP battery, using an ultracapacitor starting system, using hotels for drivers on nights when they cannot get back home, and adding solar panels.
The best way to reduce idle time is to take a holistic approach. The most effective solutions are a combination of operational practices, driver engagement, and technologies tailored to each fleet’s idle reduction strategies.
As temperatures and fuel prices rise, make sure you analyze your idling data and take steps to reduce the time your trucks idle while still ensuring your drivers are comfortable and safe.
