Fuel for Thought
Posted by Brandy Alvarado on Thu, Feb 07, 2008 @ 12:30 PM
This just in from the Energy Information Administration: The average cost of diesel fuel per gallon in the US just reached $3.28 as of February 4th.
Consider: A big rig can hold as much as 150 gallons of fuel. Translation: It will cost nearly $500 dollars to fill er’ up.
Only a few years ago in 2004, when pump prices began their steady incline, the trucking industry was able to shoulder the pricey blow. Retail sales were high, large ticket products were in demand, and fleet owners were able to offset fuel costs with surcharges.
Nowadays, gas prices are still on the rise while the overall economy is experiencing a slowdown. In 2004 some of the nation’s largest fleet owners were footing a $50 million gas bill. Today, those same owner-operators are finding new ways - even eco-friendly ways - to reduce fuel costs.
The American Trucking Association advocates the use of a biodiesel fuel blend that improves fuel efficiency and lowers emmissions. In addition to backing the use of biodiesel fuel, the ATA is also working to integrate an ultra-low sulfur diesel as standard equipment on trucks. This type of diesel reduces 97 percent of on-road diesel.
It didn’t take long before the topic of eco-friendly trucks became political. Last October, a bill was proposed in Maine that would limit a big rig’s cargo weight and require each truck to earn a low-emission certificate rating. The proposal is currently pending legislature approval.
Smart Cars have finally hit mainstream - perhaps hybrid big rigs are not that far behind.