An emphasis on sustainable technologies has led many shipping and logistics leaders to assess the pros and cons of transitioning from diesel. However, technological improvements have made this well-established fuel a greener choice, allowing organizations to continue using diesel while progressing toward sustainability goals.
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The Role of Truck Upgrades
When decision-makers plan fleet enhancements, many focus on emissions-cutting technologies. These near-zero-emission vehicles have integrated components that reduce their polluting effects. For example, selective catalytic reduction systems are active technologies that use catalysts and particulate filters to convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen, water and tiny amounts of carbon dioxide.
A July 2023 analysis highlighted diesel’s dominance in heavy-duty trucks but revealed strategic enhancements will elevate sustainability. It found that approximately 99.91% of the United States’ trucking fleet has internal combustion engines. Additionally, 57% run on near-zero-emission technologies.
The study found 1,100 internal combustion engine trucks for every electrically powered one. The wide availability of electric trucks theoretically makes adoption easier, but fleet managers must consider several factors, including charging station locations and government grant eligibility. These potential challenges can make diesel upgrades more feasible than switching to electric models.
Many fleet managers use built-in sensors to detect abnormalities in their trucks. They alert technicians and mechanics to emissions-elevating problems, revealing which aging vehicles to replace first to optimize sustainability.
The role of a diesel mechanic is evolving slightly with the influx of technological improvements. These mechanics should learn about the technologies’ impacts and remain adaptable as the landscape changes. Currently, these professionals earn average starting salaries of over $24 per hour. The future could welcome more opportunities and demand for diesel mechanics if these individuals prioritize continued education and stay up to date on the latest monitoring solutions.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) has upended many industries, including shipping and trucking. Because it excels with pattern detection and information analysis, the technology supports forward-thinking efforts for cleaner diesel operations. For example, formulating biodiesel from ingredients such as used cooking oils can reduce emissions, but making these projects commercially viable takes time. AI could potentially shorten the process.
Identifying new fuel mixtures involves weeks-long laboratory tests. However, an international group of researchers built a system that accelerates the process with machine learning (ML). It finds promising compositions in a few hours. This method suggested over 150 options to lower diesel soot emissions by more than 70%.
Building the ML tool required huge databases of fuels’ chemical and physical properties. For example, the cetane number indicates diesel’s combustion speed. The training dataset included 708 cetane numbers for 475 substances. Additionally, a soot index contained over 400 pure compounds.
Researchers could specify a fuel’s target properties and rapidly receive options aligned with current technological and regulatory constraints. This advancement does not replace expert insight but could help scientists minimize lengthy lab tests, shortening their development time frames.
Some shippers use AI to offset rising fuel costs, automating steps to find reasonably priced carriers with intelligent freight procurement tools. Similarly, platforms can predict fluctuating diesel prices, aiding budget planning. These offerings will remain valuable until cleaner diesels become accessible and affordable.
Engine Additives
Securing diesel’s future could be as straightforward as using specialized products. One lubricant makes engines up to 8.4% more fuel efficient. The manufacturer published the results after four years of controlled testing, independently verified by the University of Queensland and supported by customers reporting similar results in field tests.
Because people can safely use this additive in any mineral or synthetic oil used in internal combustion engines, it is easy to include in maintenance programs. Additionally, each bottle contains 50 doses, making it an economical option for large fleets.
The graphene liquid concentrate boosts fuel efficiency during increased engine loads, such as when trucks begin to move or encounter wind resistance at fast speeds. The product also enhances diesel engine performance in generators, which typically operate at high loads.
Decision-makers should consider adding this product to some trucks in their fleet and comparing their performance over time to trucks without it. Their findings can help them determine whether to expand their usage.
Transition Programs
Even if fleet managers intend to primarily use diesel in their operations, some may want to gradually switch to electricity. Startups make the transition fast and simple, appealing to executives who lack the time to research grants, vehicle types and other specifics.
Forum Mobility is a California-based operation that aggregates clean energy rebates, using them to buy vehicles and increase charging locations. Representatives offer trucks and chargers through a subscription model.
One logistics client runs 50 trucks dailydriven by contractors hauling freight for shippers. The company now has several battery-electric vehicles and high-voltage charging stations to complement its diesel models. According to a Forum Mobility executive, typical subscription costs are the same or lower than the expenses to run conventional fleets.
These startup-enabled possibilities eliminate transition-related headaches, making the switch more attractive to busy leaders juggling numerous other challenges. These solutions could become significant features of the trucking landscape as managers explore electric models while continuing to use diesel assets.
Diesel Dominance
As diesel maintains its prominent position in the trucking industry, technologies and new business models offer greener alternatives. They do not necessarily require completely replacing well-established fuels but encourage decision-makers to consider tech-enabled improvements.
