Today, the trucking industry is an essential contributor to the US economy, making up a stunning 70% of all freight moved in America. With 8 out of 10 US communities receiving everyday products such as food and medicine by trucks, heavy goods vehicles indeed play a vital role in road transportation. However, the trucking industry’s operations come with a significant environmental footprint, necessitating immediate action to promote sustainable transportation.
Freight transport is a major contributor to climate change
Generally speaking, emissions from freight transport contribute to poor air quality and smog, which affect the quality of life of US residents. Among the primary air pollutants are particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) – leading causes of weather patterns and drought.
Concerning freight transportation systems, trucks are the most rapidly growing contributor to climate change. While heavy-duty trucks constitute only 10% of all US vehicles, they are responsible for over 30% of CO2 emissions, reports Sierra Club. And, according to various sources, freight transportation is expected to increase. By 2025, through a smoother system of global commerce, supply chains will become more advanced, with US goods’ shipments going up by 23.5%. Meanwhile, predictions for 2040 indicate a 45% increase. Therefore, as freight transport increases in size, its environmental footprint is also expected to grow.
It goes without saying that freight trucks, responsible for 3% of the world’s carbon emissions, need a lot more power to operate than electric cars. And today, truck manufacturers are designing larger batteries and electric motors supported by cells of fuel. Needless to say, environmental activists are concerned with the situation, and they are emphasizing the need to get a European system of electric-charging stations. And President Biden is facing much pressure to adopt stringent rules for trucks to address their environmental footprint. Among the most common arguments is to match California’s recent initiatives and decrease trucks’ nitrogen oxide emissions by about 75% by 2024 and 90% by 2027. In addition, President Biden’s administration has prepared a charging infrastructure that addresses freight trucks. However, up to now, no passage has been ensured, and the legislation is yet to be approved. And interestingly, Biden’s team has designed the “Clean Trucks Plan,” an attempt to decrease the trucking industry’s negative impact on the environment. However, the rules and regulations won’t be finalized until 2022.
It goes without saying that the role of the federal government is of the utmost importance to deal with the situation. In fact, Katherine García, the acting director of Sierra Club, a sustainable transportation promoting company, has recently called on the federal state to protect the rights of communities across. High standards and aggressive targets are all necessary to solve the environmental issues in America, according to García. The calls for environmental sustainability in the trucking sector came after President Biden, from the South Lawn of the White House, pledged to impose new rules for carmakers. According to the plan, car manufacturers need to produce fuel-efficient car fleets, sports utility vehicles, and pickup trucks averaging 52 gallons a mile by 2026. Additionally, Biden noted that by the end of the decade, 50% of all cars sold to the US population would have the capacity to operate without producing emissions. “It’s about leveraging once-in-a-generation investments and a whole-of-government effort to lift up American auto workers and strengthen American leadership on clean car and truck technology,” noted the US President.
Concerning the history of car pollution in the US, Congress has initiated protection against car pollution starting from the 1970s. However, the very first standards for trucks’ greenhouse gas emissions were launched in 2014, with the first couple of years being conducted on a voluntary basis. Interestingly, it was the Obama administration that launched the first truck-emission rule in 2014, requiring truck drivers to operate their vehicles using a gallon of fuel per six miles.
When it comes to the interests of truck drivers, they must benefit from reducing their fuel consumption and contributing to sustainable business. Each gallon of fuel saved means a lower cost of freight transport and price of goods. In addition, the trucking industry transports 12 billion tons of freight each year, and, needless to say, truckers have much interest in fuel efficiency. After all, fuel makes up the second largest proportion of expenses in the trucking sector after labour.
MDB Transportation’s Contribution to Sustainability in Business?
As the best transportation company, MDB Transportation has set a mission of achieving zero emissions through its operations. The recent figures of the transportation company attest to its commitment to climate goals. In fact, MDB has succeeded in conducting operations equal to replacing 78,460 diesel gallons with renewable natural gas (RNG). In addition, the number of trees that could have been planted thanks to MDB Transportation’s operations today amounts to over 12,000. The figure is equally impressive for carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution, with about 170 metric tons of eliminated emissions. Also, through its commitment to using sustainability systems, MDB Transportation could have managed to take over a hundred cars off the road.
Meanwhile, MDB Transportation does everything possible to ensure its customers experience world-class service. With various high-standard fleets, from electric vehicles to Compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, the transportation company boasts tons of trucking options that appeal to those interested in environmental sustainability. When one considers how essential sustainability is among MDB employees, it should come as no surprise that the company was able to achieve many of its environmental goals.
One aspect that makes MDB Transportation a leader among sustainability companies is that, through its use of natural gas and electric vehicles, MDB can well be regarded as promoting Corporate Socially Responsible (CSR). It is worth noting that while operating on an environmentally sustainable basis, the company is able to keep cost certainty and tackle CARB requirements put forward by the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. In addition, being an environmentally-conscious provider of transportation services, MDB Transportation boasts the highest quality of freight transport, and it looks forward to being an industry leader for many years to come.
Are you looking to join a trucking service provider where environmental sustainability is a key goal? Join MDB now, and let’s get started saving the Earth’s energy!
