Survey explores common fuel efficiency initiatives

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partnered with PepsiCo and Transplace to sponsor a fuel efficiency initiatives survey. More than 65 transportation carriers responded, allowing the EPA to gain valuable insight into the best ideas and procedures to integrate into the SmartWay program.

"Striving for cleaner, more efficient transportation is a key part of PepsiCo's commitment to making environmentally sustainable practices part of our daily operations," Mike O'Connell, senior director of fleet operations for PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America division, explained. "Co-sponsoring this survey with Transplace led to valuable insights from the participating carriers that we believe will benefit leaders across the industry who are striving to make their fleets more efficient."

Survey data showed that the best ways to promote energy efficiency include traveling at slower speeds, requiring compliance training for truck drivers, utilizing progressive shifting and recording engine data for driver feedback. Low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic mirrors, pressure monitoring systems and gap reducers were also effective, but were found to be less popular initiatives.

As transportation emissions account for approximately one quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, the information will be able to help industry leaders and carrier officials make more environmentally friendly choices for the nation's fleets.

Survey explores common fuel efficiency initiatives

Thursday, December 13th, 2012