Impact of Trucking on the Environment Amidst Increasing Demand for Shipments

As ecommerce is currently realizing its full potential as a trading sector, the pressure on trucking organizations to meet increased shipments intensifies. Since truck operators have to ramp up and expedite pickup and delivery operations, the effects of the environmental problems created by freight carriers will likewise heighten.

Moreover, the Biden administration is resolute on reviving local manufacturing, which will make it even more important for trucking companies to use the best trucking software, to be competitive whilst compliant with environmental regulations.

Paying Heed to Regulations on NOx Emissions

During the past decades, the diesel engines of heavy-duty trucks and locomotives have been identified as major producers of nitrogen oxides (NOx), the largest gaseous component making up the ground-level ozone and causing regional haze. While diesel fuel represents one of the highest operational costs, the Environmental Protection Agency introduced programs designed to reduce NOX emissions. One of which is a requirement to reduce reduce the sulfur component of heavy-engine diesel fuel

Additionally, the New England states, namely Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts have enacted laws consistent with EPA’s programs that placed a cap NOx emissions. The said region accounted for having the highest concentrations of noxious compounds in ground level ozone and regional hjaze.

Currently, some improvement have been achieved in addressing NOx emissions attributed to the trucking industry. Still, the projected increase in demand for freight shipment should not be a reason to overlook the environmental regulations. More so now that the EPA under the Biden administration is expected to take more serious actions in the implementation of NOx regulations.

Increase in Demand and Resulting Traffic Congestions and Noise Pollution

Urban truck traffic also degrades air quality, and at the same time contribute to noise pollution. Traffic congestions result to delays, aggravated by the country’s aging infrastructures that require frequent repairs, Although the Biden administration intends to launch infrastructure projects, the forthcoming constructions will likewise pose as additional causes of traffic congestions.

In meeting the expected increase in demand for trucking services, dispatchers must have access to real time data when providing drivers with alternative routes. The increase in load orders started during the quarantine periods of 2020, yet even a manually run trucking business was able to perform with utmost efficiency due to the absence vehicular and human traffic.

Increase in Demand and Worsening Climate Conditions

Now that there is heightened awareness about the damaging effects of climate change as a result of environmental pollutions, every industry must be ready to respond in terms of flexibility, resiliency and operational strategies under any condition.

Such readiness could be achieved through the adoption of the best trucking software, combined with the application of the best industry practices for reducing environmental impact.