9 Keys to Zero Fleet Emissions

The path to zero emissions is different for every fleet.

In 2020, Walmart set a goal to achieve zero emissions by 2040, including electrifying and zeroing out emissions from all vehicles. However, “transforming our transportation fleet is not as simple as flipping a switch,” says Walmart’s senior vice president Fernando Cortes.

That’s why the company is “layering solutions” such as renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity for yard trucks, refrigerated trailers, day-cab trucks, and medium-duty delivery trucks. Cortes remarks that “becoming a zero-emissions company won’t be as simple as adopting electric alternatives.”

ZEV or Bust?

Zero-emission trucks are rising due to regulations such as California’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule and customer demand for greener freight transport. Brian Antonellis (SVP of Fleet Advantage) noted that shareholders and executive leadership teams are pushing for lower carbon footprints. Fleets are overwhelmed by multiple emissions reduction goals and ways to measure them.

1. Consider Reducing Trucking Fleet Emissions
   Start with the reasons you need to reduce emissions. “What goals are we trying to set?” Couch says. “Are we looking at carbon reduction goals? Are we looking at zero-emission goals? Are we looking at compliance with regulations?”
   
   For Portland-based regional less-than-truckload carrier Titan Freight Systems, the focus was reducing greenhouse gases. In 2010, it set a goal to cut carbon emissions by 20% in 10 years, driven by what competitors were doing and its company values.
2. Determine Fleet Emissions Source
   You can only get to where you’re going if you determine where you are first. GNA’s Couch says fleets should start with what fuels and energy sources they’re purchasing and how much, to highlight areas to focus on and identify emissions-reduction opportunities.
   
   You may be wasting a lot of fuel idling, or Companies could replace some older vehicles with fuel-efficient models. Do you need to do all the math? You can, but understanding where most of your emissions are coming from is essential, as you will only be able to do some things at a time. When you communicate what you’re achieving to customers, shareholders, or regulators, you need to characterize the reductions you are getting.

1. Investigate Zero-Emission Truck Technology
   Cummins is developing internal combustion engines that run on alternative fuels, and the industry is seeing a new generation of hybrids. Battery-electric trucks may fit some fleets and applications, and learning about them and hydrogen-fuel-cell trucks is essential. Dependable Supply Chain Services was one of the early pilot fleets for Volvo’s VNR Electric, and after a year of running EVs, they shared insights on what they would have done differently.
2. Set emission goals for your trucking fleet.
   Start by identifying what type of goal to set (e.g., a fraction of zero-emissions vehicles, GHG emissions reductions) based on fleet evaluation, GHG inventory, and feasibility assessments. Be clear on what stakeholders are looking for, and set realistic goals. e.g., J.B. Hunt has improved its overall fleet fuel mpg by 3% by 2025, and Titan’s goal is to lower emissions and operating costs. Consider idle reduction and autonomous trucks, and be flexible to embrace tech that makes sense.

1. Don’t Forget the Bottom Line When Exploring Emission-Reduction Goal
   Ambitious emissions-reduction goals may need to be improved by cost. Traditional vehicles are often cheaper than zero-emission alternatives. Amazon’s capital planning enabled it to purchase 50,000 tractors. Leasing programs can help. Wilson expects his Freightliner electric trucks to cut costs by 20% annually. Complex grant applications may be necessary.
2. Measure the Progress of Your Trucking Fleet’s Emission Goals
   You need a way to measure emissions-reduction goals and progress, whether you’re reporting that to customers, company leadership, or regulators. A challenge is determining what metrics to use, including SBD, SBT, NZT, NZE, Scope 1 and 2 emissions, “net zero,” and more. Measuring baseline and ongoing emissions are essential to evaluate and report your fleet’s progress.
   
   One of the most straightforward metrics is 22.4 pounds of carbon dioxide expended for every gallon of diesel burned, taking into account fuel efficiency and electric vehicles. Titan focuses on carbon intensity, which considers “well-to-wheel” emissions from the manufacture and transport of fuel.
3. Take Your Journey Step by Step
   Getting to a zero-carbon future isn’t like a Star Trek transporter; it’s more like a road trip with many destinations. Improving vehicle efficiency is critical; replacing 10-year-old highway tractors with new trucks can reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions by 28%. Fleets can also consider alternative fuels, hybrids, and even zero-emission trucks in incentivized applications.
4. Build a Team to Support your Zero-Emission Fleet Goals
   “My career was about picking up and delivering freight for 40 years,” says Musgrave, who led the Volvo LIGHTS project. Couch recommends having a person or team whose job it is to learn and become fluent in the language of emissions reduction. Add dedicated staff to manage sustainability efforts, or lean on consultants to supplement your internal team.
   
   “You need to be clear on what your stakeholders are looking for,” said Debbie Kalish of American Tire Distributors. They hired private consultants to assess their carbon footprint and determine where they needed to be. Other companies, such as dealers, truck makers, utilities, charging-infrastructure companies, and government agencies, may need to be included. Titan’s Wilson states, “Business has changed – it is long-lived, capital-intensive, and partnerships are necessary to move this ball forward.”
5. Future Planning with Flexibility
   Titan is planning for more trucks and building a charging facility to succeed in 2030, while J.B. Hunt has piloted electric trucks and created a carbon credit program. A 5- to 20-year plan should be implemented to reduce emissions, knowing adjustments will be needed. Amazon is working to reduce its carbon footprint, but complexity is driving the need for technology to scale.

Sources: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10181415/9-keys-to-drawing-a-roadmap-to-zero-fleet-emissions