Trucking is a highly competitive industry, and one that is partially responsible for the maintenance of the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, rising operating costs have created an industry where the profit margins are wafer-thin, and fuel emissions regulations is a major contributor to this rise in costs.
The Environmental Protection Agency
Rising fuel costs are caused by many factors, one of which is the latest round of emission control regulations laid out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has been responsible for implementing tougher emissions standards for decades, while the trucking industry has been left to bear the burden of rising fuel costs, additional taxes, and more stringent operating guidelines.
Understandably, emissions regulations are created to assist in reducing the environmental impact of vehicles on the air quality, and greenhouse gas contributions, which helps to create a cleaner, safer planet. Although, a healthier environment benefits everyone, the situation is complicated by the economic ramifications of the EPA’s emissions standards.
How Do Emission Control Regulations Affect Trucking Companies?
Unfortunately, the implementation of these regulations has not come with a corresponding increase in research for fuel efficient technology to replace the highly effective diesel fuel already being used. Neither has the government offeredsufficient subsidies for trucking companies abiding by these rules by purchasing expensive new trucks fitted with particulate matter and emissions filters. Fortunately, there are incentives available granting subsidies to the vehicles manufacturing industry and for research into new technologies. Hopefully, these benefits will trickle down to the trucking industry, allowing companies to implement new technologies without having to make a huge initial investment, which can end up crippling companies in the current economic climate.
Another factor that also needs to be considered is the long-term impact of these new technologies in the industry. Trucking companies estimate that it takes 18 – 24 months to road test new technologies, all the while they are incurring the costs of any repairs that are needed as a result of poorly performing technologies. And in an industry, that counts the cost of operations by the mile, technologies that are good for the environment, but bad for engine performance, can cost a company big bucks. In fact, to be in full compliance with the current emissions standards, many trucking companies must replace any old trucks with an entirely new fleet.
Final Thoughts
For now, the most effective way to abide by the standards set out by the EPA is to invest in research into developing new, cost-effective technologies for commercial trucks. You can also join us today, and help truckers take a stand against stricter regulations that do not offer trucking companies any direct incentives to make use of current environmental technologies.
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