When most people think of clean fleets they think of those fleets whose vehicles are powered by fuels other than diesel. Their minds automatically go to things like electric power, propane, LNG or CNG. But I think I can make the case that clean doesn’t just mean an alternate fuel source. To me a clean fleet is one that does what it can to make whatever fuel it uses go farther.
And that is the theme of the Trucking Efficiency workshop we are holding in conjunction with ACT Expo in May in Dallas. ACT Expo is typically thought of as the go to place for folks interested in alternative fuels. We are partnering with them this year because we believe most fuel efficiency technologies are viable options regardless of fuel choice.
During our Monday workshop we’ll show fleets how they can gain fuel savings of as much as $13,000 per truck with a payback time of 24 months or less. Small group discussions will uncover the benefits and challenges of adopting various technologies including 6x2 axles, idle-reduction devices, electronic engine parameters and automated transmissions. These workshops include real-world examples of how fleets have implemented various technologies, what their experience has been with them including actual fuel savings and driver acceptance. We’ll even hear about any problems that occurred with adoption of a new technology, and how fleets overcame those challenges.
We’ll also be using ACT Expo to share the results of our latest Confidence Reports and we will release the results of our Annual Fleet Fuel Study. This study asks 15 major North American fleets about their adoption of various products and practices for improving fuel efficiency. The study focuses on technologies the fleets actually have purchased.
As a continuation of Monday’s workshop, the Trucking Efficiency Summit will take a deeper dive into advanced technologies that are improving fuel economy for Class 8 tractor-trailers. We’ve put together two panels of heavy hitters who will share what they are doing to improve freight efficiency. Fleet panelists will talk about the technologies they’ve deployed and the fuel saving results they’ve achieved. Suppliers will provide examples of how using one or more of their products can lower fuel consumption. And of course there will be plenty of time for questions.
Panelists include:
- Scott Perry, Ryder System, Inc.
- Andrew Smith, ATDynamics
- Paul Crehan, Michelin
- Todd Lutkauskas, Thermo King
- Randy Cornell, Con-way Truckload
- Vic Meloche, Daimler
- John Nelligan, Meritor
- Mike Taylor, Cummins
- Steve Jarosinski, Schneider
While you are at the show, make sure you stop by to see us in the Trucking Efficiency Pavilion in the Expo Hall where we will be joined by other companies who are committed to make products that improve fuel efficiency regardless of the fuel you use to power your vehicles.
I’m convinced that clean fleets can run on any fuel, come to ACT Expo and let us show you how.
