Higher fuel-efficiency and lower emission for cars are known to the world for about a half century. However, semi-trucks or trucks have always been incognito to the global emissions.

The information in the Green Card Report notes that the US, China as the European Union is responsible for one-fifth of the global oil. In other words, 17 million pipe of oil is used per day.
It also notes that there are just four countries who have a rule for energy efficiency for semi-trucks. Whether the U.S. is one of them, is not stated. On the other hand the U.S. in particular has made a lot of progress in reducing GHG and emissions.

By reducing the emission, request for oil and air population you can boost the effectiveness of trucks over decades, says the IEA report, ‘’The Future of Trucks: Implications for energy and the environment.’’ It notes that by 2025 globally the energy use in road freight can be condensed by 50% and emissions by 75%. The most important areas that need improvement are:

• Being more efficient in logistics.
• Develop the efficiency for example aerodynamic retrofits.
• Alternative fuels other than oil.

In the U.S. many fleets use the first two recommendations because there is a return on investment in saving on oil.  Both, California Air Resources Board as the federal government have agreed to push Number 2 with emissions regulations and greenhouse gas.

Because of the ROI the third item, alternative fuels, is difficult to achieve. However, for some fleets, it really does make sense. The administration is doing the best to cut regulations, however some of the technology still will make a part of the global trend. Changing the vehicles to all hybrid or electric will be one of the solutions. France just announced that by 2024 all the vehicles will be changed to hybrid and electric vehicles.

It is important that the trucking companies in the U.S continue to raise the bar as high as possible on fuel economy. Keep your eyes open for changes, they may be coming soon.