The roster of Truck Carrier Partners as published by EPA’sSmartWay Transport Partnership has become a listing of the industry’s “Who’sWho” in recent months. Every issue of its newsletter includes a tally of newmembers that commonly runs in the neighborhood of a 100 fleet names. These arefleets that have recently committed themselves to decreasing fuel consumptionand exhaust emissions, so when they learn of the accomplishments of a fleet thesize of Celadon, they’re likely to sit up and take notice.
By the end of this year, Celadon Trucking Services’ entire long-haultrucking fleet will be composed of U.S. EPA SmartWay certified tractors. Theseare designs that utilize SmartWay verified technologies, all of which have beenshown to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and airpollution.
Manufacturers of SmartWay certified tractors provide theircustomers with the option of installing their own idling reduction technologyor specifying that their tractors come equipped with a factory installed idlingreduction unit. Other fuel-saving features include aerodynamic mirrors andbumpers, low-rolling resistance tires, fuel tank skirts, cab side extender andintegrated high roof fairings.
Celadon has also upgraded its lightweight, hi-cube trailerswith low rolling resistance tires and a well-tuned tire inflation program thatis further helping improve fuel efficiency and lower costs. All of thisdemonstrates the company’s commitment to operate at a level of efficiency thatpositively affects both its profitability and the environment.
The fleet estimates that in the first three months of 2009idling was reduced by 637,000 hours as compared to same quarter in 2008.According to Jeff Bryant, vice president of fleet maintenance, the company’songoing investment in SmartWay certified tractors has helped reduce idlingtime, fuel use and costs. He projects even greater savings will be achieved bythe end of the year once the company’s investment in the tractors is complete.“We wouldn’t have been this successful if it were not for the support of our professionaldrivers.
Celadon’s driver training program is a key factor in thecompany’s success in achieving this level of operating efficiency. The trainingmaterials that is uses emphasize tactics and fuel-savings that can be achievedby reducing idling time and lowering top road speeds. Through training, seniordrivers share tips and advice for safe and smart driving with newer employeesto help realize a positive end result for the overall team.
To achieve this level of success, Celadon has also made a numberof equipment changes. Among them are:
• Installed auxiliary air heaters on all new trucks toeliminate the need for idling engines in cold weather,
• Shortened the trailer to tractor gaps to minimizeaerodynamic drag,
• The use of synthetic lubricants in all transmissions anddifferentials to minimize friction,
• Reduced the maximum road speed for the entire fleet,
• Converted the trailer fleet to lightweight, high cube,53-ft. plate trailers,
• Introduced the use of biofuels in the fleet.
“For us the auxiliary heater units have been an excellentchoice. They use as little as three-hundredths of a gallon of fuel per hour andcan be set to temperatures that ensure driver comfort all the way down to justbefore the fuel gelling point,” said Bryant.
As a result of these initiatives, Celadon has madeexcellent progress in reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency.Between 2005 and 2007, the most recent years with complete data, CO2 emissionsper truck declined 40%. Per mile PM emissions declined by 62%. NOx emissionsper mile declined by 86%, and fleet fuel efficiency improved by 25%.
