Why (Run on) Less is more…

“Run on Less” is more than just a catchy slogan or fancy new report. What is Run on Less? It’s a first-of-its-kind event in which several trucking fleets are showcasing highly efficient tractor-trailers in real-world operations. Seven fleets, including PepsiCo’s Frito Lay Division, are partnering with the North American Council on Freight Efficiency and have each contributed one driver and tractor-trailer to be tracked over a 3-week period during normal operations. The vehicles have been outfitted with telematics measurement software to log fuel usage and other operational data, which will be shared with the public every day on the Run on Less website. The roadshow will culminate at the North American Commercial Vehicle inaugural show in Atlanta later this month, where the final results will be announced, and each driver and fleet will be able to showcase their equipment and best practices for boosting fuel economy.

Run on Less is more money in your pocket. In fact, according to a study by the Consumer Federation of America, if all of the freight trucks in the United States were to cut their fuel consumption in half, that would lead to $250 in your wallet every year. So, more efficient trucks are a really big deal for you—like having a free coffee and pastry every Monday morning ($5 each week for 50 weeks). Or driving your car for 2.5 months for free (1,000 miles per month with a 25-mpg vehicle and $2.50/gallon gasoline).

Run on Less is more evidence that cost-effective, high-efficiency trucks are on the road today and only getting better. A number of recent ICCT studies have pointed to the fuel-saving technologies that are available for tractor-trailers today and over the next decade that provide attractive returns on investment for trucking fleets in several major markets around the world. We don’t like to say “‘I told you so,” but, well, you know.

Run on Less is more justification to uphold the Phase 2 fuel efficiency standards. The second round of fuel efficiency and GHG regulations for commercial trucks and buses in the United States were finalized in 2016 and apply to new vehicles sold between model years 2018 and 2027. As with the efficiency and GHG standards for passenger vehicles out to 2025, the Phase 2 regulation for trucks and buses is currently being revisited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation and is in danger of being weakened under the Trump Administration. The Run on Less event is an important lesson for government, industry, and consumers that the agencies were justified in setting robust efficiency targets for trucks and trailers, and these standards really are a win–win for the environment and the economy.

Run on Less is more fun with you! So bookmark runonless.com and keep track of the trucks as they show off the technologies and driving strategies that lead to big fuel savings.

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