Trucking Companies All For Green Freight Shipping
Environmentally friendly trucks are coming with a storm. Although there are no substantial changes in 2009 truck designs, several freight truck manufacturers are adding to their production line offerings several models that are environmentally friendly, including several hybrid models. Manufacturers like Freightliner Trucks, Kenworth Trucks, and Peterbilt motors are some of the market leaders who are joining the green push.
Major freight companies are getting involved in the push for green. Recently, UPS Freight ordered 200 hybrid electric truck chassis from Freightliner. UPS Freight also ordered over 2000 compressed natural gas cars. Coca-Cola purchased over 100 hybrid trucks. Executives report noteworthy savings by going with the new vehicles, with over 30% fuel efficiency improvements, and over 30% reduction in emissions. Much of this is attributable to the fact that these vehicles utilize electric motors.
Some noteworthy contenders in this years’ 2009 green shipping friendly vehicles include Ford Motor Co.’s medium duty line of trucks, including the F-650 and the F-750. Some of these vehicles come with engines that are designed to meet the most recent new standards of diesel emissions. Freightliner is weighing in on several fronts. The company launched its Hybrid M2 which has a hybrid electric and diesel drive system, as well as the Cummins ISB engine which can utilize biodiesel up to B20 levels. Kenworth is offerings a production model hybrid that can utilize a lithium-ion battery so drivers can turn off the engine while idling.
All in all, freight trucking truck manufacturers are responding to market demands and government regulations requiring the freight shipping industry to go green. Freight companies are purchasing greener vehicles. Unfortunately, this means an initial higher capital cost. “We want to go green, but freight shippers shouldn’t expect their freight rates to go higher,” explains expert Tim McDonald. “Customers will continue to receive substantially higher freight quotes than in previous years. There’s no such thing anymore as cheap freight shipping.”