The transportation industry is quickly changing to become more eco-friendly. Electric and alternative fuel trucks are being developed to cut carbon emissions and pollution.
Many companies are pushing the trend further by exploring new tech and strategies to create a greener future.
“Sustainability matters,” says Paul Weatherbie, Marketing & Communications Manager of Ontario’s Challenger Motor Freight. “Our industry plays a big part in creating a greener future, and we want to be part of the solution.”
Challenger works to create a greener freight industry by participating in programs like SmartWay. The SmartWay Transportation Program, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), promotes fuel efficiency as well as emission reductions in freight transportation.
As a SmartWay Transport Partner, Challenger uses SmartWay tools to keep track of its environmental performance and set achievable goals for lowering its carbon footprint.
Electric trucks with advanced batteries will significantly cut pollution, especially on short trips and city deliveries. They work well in cities because they lower greenhouse gases and air pollution. On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cells and renewable natural gas (RNG) are more suitable for longer trips, where electric trucks struggle with distance.
These fuel options provide the needed range while being much better for the environment. Companies like Challenger Motor Freight are adopting these technologies to match their sustainability goals and meet customer and government demands for cleaner operations.
“Our fleet strategy includes finding the right tech for each type of operation,” says Weatherbie.
Despite their potential, alternative fuel trucks face issues like high initial costs, limited charging and refuelling stations, and the need for changes to the fleet. Moving from diesel trucks to greener ones requires big investments in new tech and infrastructure. According to Weatherbie, solving these issues requires a team effort.
“Switching to alternative fuel trucks will be tough, but we’re ready for the challenge,” says Weatherbie. “Working together with other leaders in the industry will be key to making these technologies usable and practical.”
Challenger also advocates for government incentives like tax breaks and grants to make it easier for companies to invest in greener fleets. These projects, combined with private-sector teamwork, are speeding up the development of charging stations and refueling networks, ensuring that sustainability becomes accessible for all operators.
Challenger’s eco-friendly efforts extend to elements like aerodynamic trailer designs, low-rolling resistance tires, and telematics systems to optimize fuel efficiency in its current fleet. This helps cut emissions and improve operational efficiency, which is cheaper in the long term.
Through its involvement in SmartWay and its commitment to innovation, Challenger is setting an example for other industry operators. SmartWay has become an important resource in the move to a greener industry, with more than 3,600 North American companies and over 800,000 trucks working toward greener goals.
“Sustainability isn’t a solo effort,” Weatherbie stresses. “It’s about working together to find solutions that help our companies, the environment, and society.”
As electric and alternative fuel trucks become the norm, Challenger’s active leadership shows how companies can embrace innovation to meet environmental and operational goals.