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The impetus for change in the trucking sector has never been greater.  Today’s high fuel prices, greater regulatory pressure and increased attention to climate change are creating a strong strategic and business rationale for increased efficiency of truck transportation.

Heavy trucks use over 18 percent of of all U.S. oil -- or 3.8 million of barrels a day!  The average long-haul truck gets only 6 miles per gallon. Yet, tractors and trailers have not changed significantly in the past 20 years.

Creating a more efficient truck and freight industry is key in MOVE’s strategy to remove our dependence on oil.  (See Winning the Oil Endgame)

The MOVE team works actively within the trucking sector in research and consulting to help clients find efficiency solutions. Partners include:

• Truck Fleet Operators
• Truck Manufacturers
• Trailer Manufacturers
• Truck and Trailer Efficiency Device Manufacturers
• Government agencies
• NGOs working to promote efficiency in Heavy Duty Vehicles

Previous projects include work with Wal-Mart, Logistics Management Incorporated and the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

The Future of Trucking

MOVE’s vision of the next decade of truck development is a radical shift to more cargo being moved with less fuel.

To do this:

• Aerodynamic drag will be greatly reduced by improving the design of new trucks. Older trucks can be improved through aerodynamic retrofits of older tractors and trailers
• Energy will be saved by increased use of tires with lower rolling resistance
• Trucks of the future will be designed to weigh much less, enabling them to carry more cargo with every trip
• Heating and cooling systems that provide driver comfort overnight without idling the main engine will be standard

By combining these four important steps with improved engines and hybrid technologies, trucks that deliver freight at half or even one-third the environmental impact will not only be possible, they will be profitable.

MOVE also works in the wider freight industry to optimize the delivery of cargo across multiple modes of transportation.

For further information regarding consulting and research opportunities, please Contact Us.