New Tech Our Carriers Use to Reduce LTL Freight Emissions

Proven and Attainable Ways Our Carriers Use to Reduce Emissions While Shipping Less Than Truckload Freight

The world is facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to the environment, and reducing emissions from the transportation of goods is a crucial part of the solution. This is one of the main reasons why Freightera exists. We handpick the carriers we work with to make sure that only the best options are available for our clients. 

In this article, we’ll explore the technology available to reduce emissions in LTL (less-than-truckload) freight transportation and how it can help your business as well as the planet.

Until fully electric freight trucks are available, here’s what we can do.

Route Optimization with TMS Software

One of the most significant ways to reduce emissions in LTL freight is to optimize the routes your trucks take. With new TMS (Transport Management System) software, carriers can plan their deliveries in advance, avoiding peak hours and reducing the number of miles their trucks have to travel.

This not only saves money on fuel (thus lowering prices) but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Use of Alternative Fuels

Another way to reduce emissions is to switch to alternative fuels that emit fewer pollutants. Natural gas, biodiesel, and electricity are just a few examples of alternative fuels commonly used to transport goods. These fuels emit fewer pollutants, helping to reduce the carriers’ contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Freightera is constantly looking to work with carriers that use lower-emission technologies and fuel-efficient vehicles. 

Efficient Engines and Tires

Our carriers strive to equip their trucks with engines and tires designed to be more fuel-efficient. By reducing the fuel their trucks consume, they can reduce emissions and improve overall fuel efficiency.

By reducing their fuel consumption, they simultaneously reduce pricing for our clients, which is a win-win.

Load Optimization

Optimizing the loading capacity of trucks is another great way our carriers use to reduce emissions. 

You may know that the width of a standard freight truck is 96 inches. That’s because the standard width of a pallet is generally considered to be 48 x 48 inches. Two pallets side-by-side fit perfectly into a standard dry van. 

By using vehicles suitable for standardized pallets and distributing weight evenly, our carriers reduce their fuel consumption and improve the efficiency of freight transportation.

Driving Optimization

Wouldn’t it be great if your car told you when you’re going too hard on the gas and wasting fuel? 

The technology is now available to help optimize the driving of truck drivers. Software now exists that can analyze truck driving and detect bad driving habits that lead to increased fuel consumption. By providing detailed reports to drivers, carriers can improve their driving and reduce emissions.

Regular Maintenance

Finally, it’s essential for carriers to maintain their truck fleet regularly. Regular maintenance not only helps to reduce emissions but also improves the performance of vehicles. By keeping trucks in good condition, carriers reduce the number of breakdowns, which can lead to increased emissions from having to make extra trips to repair your vehicles.

Rail freight shipping

Granted, this isn’t exactly new technology. In fact, train cars are older than cars-cars. Regardless of that fact, trains have come a long way in terms of technology. They are, at least for now, by far the best way to reduce emissions when shipping freight, regardless of the amount.

For example, whereas freight in total contributes about 9% of the USA’s total emissions, rail freight makes up only 0.5%. By using Freightera’s rail carriers, which are usually cheaper as well, you can reduce your emissions on a single shipment by as much as 70%. 

In conclusion, there is a wide array of technology available that helps Freightera’s carriers reduce emissions in LTL freight transportation. By using TMS software to optimize routes, switching to alternative fuels, using efficient engines and tires, optimizing load capacity, and performing regular maintenance, our carriers reduce their greenhouse gas contribution and make a more positive impact on the environment.

To learn more about LTL freight carriers, and how to pick the right one, check out our recent blog post on choosing the right carrier here.