Green freight programs and technology verification

Voluntary “green freight” programs have been established in a number of countries and regions, with the goal of increasing the fuel efficiency (and reducing GHG emissions) of trucking fleets and supply chains. These programs are in various stages of development, and vary considerably in their design and objectives. However, all seek in one way or another to share information on technologies and strategies for improving efficiency and environmental sustainability.

A key to meeting that information-sharing goal most effectively is technology testing and verification. This independent vetting of fuel-saving technologies and operational practices can be a crucial input to the decision-making process for trucking fleets.

This paper summarizes technology verification in the context of established and emerging green freight programs around the world. It presents an overview of some key technologies and best practices, outlines the role of technology verification and the increased need for robust, independent testing, and concludes with recommendations for future research.