Transplace, a provider of transportation-management services and logistics technology, partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program, PepsiCo, J.B. Hunt, Con-way, Western Express, Smith Transport, and Dart Transit to conduct a survey on return on investment (ROI) fleets are experiencing from implementing fuel-efficiency programs. More than 65 motor carrier fleets provided commentaries for the survey.
The highest ROI has come from highway speed reduction, driver training, and progressive shifting. Recording engine data for greater driver feedback is another initiative being implemented by surveyed carriers. Many carriers are implementing aerodynamic mirrors and verified low rolling-resistance tires.
Of the 65 respondents, 59 are SmartWay-verified carriers. A number of SmartWay initiatives have been implemented by more than 75% of fleets surveyed. “We designed this survey, which grew out of the PepsiCo sustainability team, with key input from leading shippers and carriers such as PepsiCo, Con-way, J.B. Hunt and Western Express,” said Ben Cubitt, Transplace’s senior VP– consulting and engineering.