According to research on engine idling reduction, there is money to be had by not allowing trucks to idle excessively. In addition to lowering fuel costs, reducing the idling time of heavy-duty trucks reduces petroleum consumption, engine wear and maintenance costs, diesel emissions and noise.

Argonne National Lab estimates that, based on the approximately 460,000 long-haul trucks currently operating in the United States, idle reduction technologies could reduce diesel fuel use by 838 million gallons per year. That wasted diesel fuel translates to $1.4 billion, which might be saved by drivers using idling reduction technologies.

By reducing the amount of time that trucks idle – some estimates suggest engines are idled about six hours per day – drivers can significantly reduce engine wear and associated maintenance costs. Routine maintenance can be performed less often, and trucks can travel farther before needing an engine overhaul.

In addition, Argonne National Lab estimates that idle reduction technologies used by the approximately 460,000 heavy-duty trucks operating on diesel fuel could reduce emissions of NOx by 140,000 tons, CO by 2,400 tons, and CO2 by 140,000 tons per year.

All this information begs the question: If idling is so expensive, why don’t more fleets purchase onboard idling reduction systems or provide shorepower options for drivers? The short answer is probably because there is a moderate-to-hefty upfront cost (and varying weight considerations) per truck, and the payback may be difficult to ascertain, since it could be based on which solution is purchased, where the fleet operates and the fleet application.

However, as more state and local governments start to limit idling time, impose fines and, in a few cases, imprison offenders, finding viable alternatives to keep drivers warm (or cool) and comfortable with the engine turned off will become more of a priority.

In this issue of Fleet Equipment, we have included a Compendium of Idling Regulations (pages 50-51) compiled by the American Transport-ation Research Institute, which lists the states and cities in the United States that have anti-idling legislation on the books, as well as the specific areas and times where there are restrictions, the amount of the fines and a list of the punitive actions that may be imposed on offenders.

This list suggests that we may be just at the beginning of a trend for more stringent legislation regarding idling limitations. Luckily, the industry has provided many efficient and effective solutions to limit excessive idling, such as gensets, auxiliary power units and shorepower options. From a technology standpoint, there has never been a better time to review the options and make an investment. Selecting the right products will not only help limit idling without depriving drivers of creature comforts, but it also will save money on fuel while helping to protect the environment and lessen the consumption of valuable resources.