Double-trailer trucks save transport costs

The transportation industry is realizing its environmental impact and is looking to reduce its carbon footprint by finding cost-effective solutions. A collaboration between the transportation industry, government and safety groups is helping trucking companies achieve cost-effective, environmentally-friendly goals to improve efficiency and fleet management.

The Financial Post reported longer combination vehicles are becoming a more mainstream method of transporting goods across Canada. The vehicles are extended units interconnected with two full-size trailers. The larger trucks help reduce the environmental impact of truck traffic while saving trucking companies money. They also improve the productivity of supply chains, adding value to a number of industries which can be translated to cost savings for consumers as well.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the use of longer combination vehicles can save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 34 metric tons annually. Cargos are typically limited by trailer capacity. A typical combination truck has a three-axle tractor in front of a two-axle trailer that can carry about 3,800 cubic feet and 45,000 pounds of cargo. The extra weight LCVs provide allow truck fleets to haul the same amount of cargo using fewer vehicles and less fuel. LCVs have better ton-mile fuel economy than other combination trucks, as only part of the truck's fuel consumption is used to overcome the mass.

Double-trailer trucks save transport costs

Monday, May 14th, 2012