According to the article, “Big-rig fuel rules” by the toledoblade.com, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Transportation Department are looking for trucking industry fuel consumption to be lessened by 10 to 20 percent. They are also expecting emissions to diminish 10 to 20% between 2014 and 2018. The two departments realize that the new trucks with diesel engines will be more expensive, but worth the cost for everyone. They believe the fuel costs will be so much cheaper that the more expensive trucks will pay for themselves within one full year.
Glen Kedzie, a vice-president in the American Trucking Association, is quoted as saying, “We’ve been flatlined at 6 to 6.5 miles per gallon for years,” talking about a loaded tractor-trailer.
The article goes on to state:
“According to the trade group, that amounts to about 16 gallons of diesel fuel consumed per 100 miles traveled. Large tractor-trailers tend to be driven as much as 150,000 miles a year, making them ripe for improved efficiency.
“Tougher fuel-economy standards for heavy trucks, the White House plausibly argues, not only will help sustain trucking companies, but also will reduce the nation’s dependence on oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions tied to global warming.
The trucking association says the proposed standards can be achieved with current technology. That assessment should drive the program for greater truck fuel efficiency into high gear.”
With the American Trucking Association supporting President Obama’s administration on fuel regulations, the federal government has a much better chance of convincing the trucking industry that fuel rulings are a good direction for the United States and the freight industry as well. The article made some estimates.
Better gas mileage can be a huge windfall for drivers if freight rates stay the same. Check out CR England’s truck driving jobs with training if your looking for a new career in the industry.
http://toledoblade.com/article/20101030/OPINION02/101029522/-1/OPINION
Many people are going to 