In recent years we have seen an increase in interest in obtaining more environmentally friendly practices in all industries. Since then, the commercial transport industry has been no exception. In the United States, 6.5% of greenhouse emissions are the product of freight transport. Thus, it is our responsibility to adopt practices that will help us reduce our impact on the environment and become eco-friendly drivers.
There are different habits and routines that can help us become more eco-friendly drivers without having to completely change the way we work. The first thing is to learn to maintain an adequate speed, always respecting the established speed limits. It is also important to learn how to reduce idle time when the engine is not in use. Finally, we must ensure that our truck is constantly maintained, thus improving its performance.
One of the most important steps to be able to become more efficient, and therefore ecological, drivers is to drive at an adequate speed. To achieve this, it is enough to respect the speed limits established on the different routes and roads through which we travel. Usually, the limits are between 55 and 70 miles per hour. However, the ideal speed is between 55 and 65 mph. This way, we reduce the amount of fuel we use without sacrificing the delivery times of our cargo.
Another alternative we have to become eco-friendly drivers is to reduce the amount of engine idle time. This can help us reduce the amount of fuel we use by 20% – 30%. This, in turn, has a positive impact on the environment, as it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A fairly simple advice is to turn off the engine completely when we are not moving. Another option is to adapt electric heating systems to keep the cabin at a warm temperature.
Ensuring a fast and efficient operation of our truck is an essential part of an ecological transport. This is why it is really important to give our truck constant maintenance. Checking the oil levels and changing it when necessary, as well as monitoring the tire pressure, are essential. In addition, we can also consider the idea of installing aerodynamic panels to improve the efficiency of our trucks. If we adopt these practices, we can become more ecological and efficient truck drivers.
