There are always words, terms and ideas that create division among people. These days one of those terms is global warming. Whether or not you agree with the recent information related to changes in the Earth’s temperatures, you cannot ignore the actions that are being taken as a result of the claims.
In our industry alone, we have seen a rush to limit idling like we have never witnessed before. Oh, fleets have known for a long time that excessive idling wastes fuel and, to varying degrees depending on applications, adds to engine wear. Both of which have related costs. But for most fleets it wasn’t until the government stepped in to limit idling through fines (anti-idling regulations imposed across the country) and incentives (government fleet vehicle tax breaks for those operating in non-attainment areas and the EPA SmartWay partnerships) that fleets began looking more seriously at their response to the issue of idling.
As a result, the auxiliary power unit (APU) market is booming. Many fleets that are being forced to drastically limit idling time in the areas in which they operate –– and some fleets that are “green”-minded –– are purchasing APUs to provide key-off cab comforts for over-the-road drivers. The units can provide climate control and are usually self-powered with their own generator or alternator system, and/or an air conditioning compressor. Some vehicle APUs can also use external shorepower connections for their heating and cooling functions, which eliminates fuel when the vehicle and driver are parked.
Actively searching for cleaner air, mandated or otherwise, has precipitated changes in commercial vehicle designs, as well. The most obvious, of course, are the 2007 heavy-duty diesel engines designed to meet the recent EPA emission regulations. The changes in engine designs have allowed engine manufacturers to reach the mandated lower NOx and particulate matter goals through a number of internal changes and aftertreatment devices. The introduction, however, has brought its challenges, including a drop in fuel efficiency in some cases and increased maintenance for some applications –– both of which are adding operational costs. In addition, the ’07 heavy-duty diesel engines introduced diesel particulate filters (DPFs) into those fleets that purchased certain brands of 2007 engines. With that introduction came another layer of concern about how and when DPFs would regenerate and how they are to be maintained.
There are other regulations related to protecting the environment with which fleets have had to grapple over the years. Among them are the recycling of used oil, scrap tires and waste water run-off, to name just a few. All of these have added cost to fleet operations.
While there are many who gripe about the cost (and admittedly, there are valid reasons to do so), there are nonetheless those who have been willing to embrace the changes in an effort to protect our environment and ensure a cleaner planet for the next generations. To those fleets I say, thank you.
