NACFE Report: Truck Platooning Could Save 4% in Fuel

Platooning is one of the steps toward autonomous trucking, but still requires drivers in all trucks, NACFE says. 

Platooning – the electronic linking of trucks where a lead vehicle largely controls the one following -- would save about 4% in fuel compared to a pair of rigs running separately, says the latest “confidence” report from the North American Council on Freight Efficiency.

The money thus saved will pay back an investment for necessary equipment in one to two years, say estimates in “Two-Truck Platooning,” released Wednesday by NACFE.

"Two-truck platooning is showing real promise as a fuel-saving technology, even when considering the actual performance in real-world use,” said Mike Roeth, the organization's executive director, in a statement.

Fuel savings come from reduced air turbulence between the two tractor-trailers when they operate 40 to 50 feet apart, Roeth said. Reducing that distance should save more fuel, but would introduce operating complications, like reduced air flow to the second truck's radiator.

Testing shows that reduction in fuel use is 7% as the vehicles move at highway speeds, he explained. But probably one-quarter of the time they would not be operating as a platoon as they split up to pick up and deliver freight, stop for driver rest breaks, etc., during a trip. Taking out those times yields the 4% figure.

Payback estimates outlined in three scenarios set equipment costs at $1,050 and $2,800, with the higher figure including more equipment than the lower dollar amount. Installation cost of $200 was also factored in.

Equipment includes collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, and in-cab cameras – all now available on the market, Roeth said. Vehicle-to-vehicle radios, the key element, are not yet available but should be soon as testing and perfecting progress.

Two scenarios assume a tractor would platoon three-quarters of its running time, and a third scenario ...Read the rest of this story

Ministers discuss ELDs, systems to protect “vulnerable” road users

Two-truck platooning could deliver 4% average fuel savings

Platooning could potentially deliver a 4% average savings over two trucks in real-world operating conditions, according to Trucking Efficiency's most recent Confidence Report. That is after accounting for traffic, terrain and time when equipped trucks will not be operating in a platoon, explained Michael Roeth, North American Council for Freight Energy (NACFE) executive director.

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EPA Testing Results on Propane Autogas Ford Transit

In a recent Environmental Protection Agency emissions test, the Ford Transit showed dramatic reductions of harmful emissions while performing on propane autogas when compared to the same engine operating on gasoline.

What is the Significance of EPA Testing?

EPA testing is required for any alternative vehicle fuel system operating in the United States. Without this complex certification process, alternative fuel manufacturers and vehicle operators would be liable for emissions tampering on vehicles, which can result in significant fines. Not only does this process look at tailpipe emissions directly, but also builds in emissions deteriorations factors to 120,000 miles, meaning the emissions standard will be met for the entirety of a typical vehicle's lifecycle.

The Results

Through this rigorous EPA testing protocol, propane autogas has clear, proven benefits over gasoline:

Why Should This Matter to Your Fleet?

With more and more companies mandating sustainability goals for their companies, fleets can be confident that propane autogas is a measurable and legal way to comply with these initiatives. This, compiled with the addition cost savings of operating on propane autogas, make it a viable alternative fuel that fleets can take advantage of right now.

As Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas, notes, “Propane autogas helps company owners and fleet managers produce immediate results for their sustainability programs – and reduces operating costs at the same time.”

For more about Alliance AutoGas visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Related: The All-New Propane Autogas Ford F-750

* Emissions testing conducted on a 2015 Ford Transit equipped with 3.7L port fuel injected engine. Testing conducted at Roush Laboratories at average temp 76.15 °F, April 2, 2015 with an odometer reading of 2,088 miles.

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TMW Introduces Mobile Applications for Innovative IES

Photo: Jim Beach

Mobile apps designed for TMW Systems Innovation IES Access and Access Plus truck management systems were introduced at the PeopleNet TMW in.sight User Conference in Nashville Sept.27.

IES Mobile Dispatch allows fleet managers to review ending EDI tenders and key information such as customer, load-at location, consignee and bill-to information from their Android or iOS mobile devices.

The app also lets managers search and review available loads, match those loads to drivers and equipment and then dispatch the load from the same interface. It offers quick access to customer account information and also allows them to review stops and advance funds to s driver.

IES Mobile Driver enables drivers to review and manage trip details, messages and other information using their smartphone. Both Android and iOS devices are supported.

Once drivers log into the app, they can see details on their trips, hours of service and other information. The app's driver hours tab shows a breakdown of the drivers current-day hours-of-service, hours driven in the past eight days and hours available for the current week. Drivers can also use the app to view maps, load characteristics and ETA for each stop.

Related: TMW Systems, PeopleNet Hold First Joint User Conference

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PeopleNet and TMW Recognize Innovators at User Conference

PeopleNet and TMW Systems recognized the winners of their 2016 Innovator of the Year awards at their joint in.sight User Conference in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 27.

The awards are presented to customers from each company every year to recognize those that have made the most innovative use of technology in their businesses.

A joint award was presented to Solar Transport. The carrier achieved improved fuel mileage and enhanced driver safety by implementing technologies from companies.

The recipients of the PeopleNet awards were selected from three tiers, based on fleet size. Plus, a Canadian fleet was recognized. PeopleNet 2016 Innovators of the Year included OrTran Express (less the 100 vehicles), Solar Transport (100-500 vehicles), DOT transportation (more than 500 vehicles) and Grimshaw Trucking (Canadian Innovator).

TMW Systems recognized fleets in specific categories and the recipients included OrTran Expres (truckload), Liquid Freight (non-asset), Grimshaw Trucking (less-than-truckload, intermodal and specialty), Western Refining, Inc., (energy), Master Fleet (maintenance), Nebraska Furniture Mart (private) and Royal Trucking Co. (business intelligence).

Related: TMW Systems, PeopleNet Hold First Joint User Conference

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West Virginia trucks haul flood relief to Louisiana

The severe 1,000-year flooding that struck Louisiana back in August left a trail of devastation in its wake – devastation that continues to be set right, however, by shipments of donated supplies to affected areas. Earlier this month West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) soldiers loaded five of their tractor-trailers with much-needed donated goods and headed down to the Pelican state. (All photos by Sgt. Zoe Morris of the 153rd Public Affairs Detachment)