Committed to Smarter, Greener Growth

Chairman and CEO Gary Sasser shared his thoughts on the award: “Responsible growth means doing the right thing for our associates, our customers, and our communities. We are honored by this recognition from Transtex, as it reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation. We’ll continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and operate more efficiently across our entire network.”

Fuel-Saving Innovation Making a Difference

This award highlights Averitt’s continued use of Transtex’s EDGE Trailer Skirts and EDGE Top Kits—technologies designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, lower fuel use, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Real-World Results

Averitt’s investment in sustainable technology is already paying off. So far, the company has:

• Cut 69,322 metric tons of CO2 emissions
• Saved 6,809,672 gallons of diesel fuel

To learn more about how Averitt is working toward a more sustainable future, visit Averitt.com/Sustainability.

Image Source: Averitt
Source: The Trucker

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“They’re already buying tires, so by simply changing a brand, they can improve fuel economy and save a tremendous amount of money.”

The Evolution of Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) Tires

Since their debut about two decades ago, low-rolling-resistance tires have significantly advanced in technology. These innovations have resulted in notable benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater adoption by fleet operators.

“They’re just making the tires better and better all around,” Bear added, noting that these advancements have fueled their popularity, particularly in specific applications like long-haul trucking.

Practical Applications in the Industry

Although LRR tires dominate certain sectors like over-the-road trucking, their utility is application-dependent. For example, fleets requiring robust traction for off-road or snowy conditions might steer away from LRR tires due to traction concerns.

For long-haul operations, however, these tires are becoming increasingly common. Jim Garrett, product category manager at Michelin North America, explained their effectiveness in highway scenarios, adding, “At lower speed, varying load, starting and stopping or other applications, it becomes more difficult to measure the fuel savings,” he said. While regional and urban applications will still generate savings, it will be less obvious, he added.

Advanced Design and Longevity

Modern LRR tires are far removed from their early iterations, which were criticized for thinner treads, limited life spans, and reduced traction. Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), acknowledged the evolution by stating, “Tire designs have become incredibly sophisticated. Goodyear, Michelin, and other leaders have improved traction, wear, and fuel economy through lower rolling resistance.”

Some of today’s LRR tires can last up to 250,000 miles, a significant leap forward compared to earlier models. However, fleets still balancing multiple priorities, such as traction for snowy or wet conditions, may hesitate to adopt LRR tires entirely.

Return on Investment for Fleets

The financial benefit of LRR tires is undeniable. NACFE research highlights that the fuel cost tied to tire rolling resistance is about five times higher than the tire’s initial price. This means switching to LRR tires can offer substantial long-term savings.

Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared how his organization has embraced these tires for their 4,200-tractor and 23,000-trailer fleet, explaining, “We make a lot of investments in our fleet each year to replace older units, reduce our carbon footprint, and lower the fleet’s age—including the use of LRR tires.”

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of LRR tires align with broader sustainability trends. Many fleets now choose SmartWay-verified tires, a program promoting fuel efficiency and reduced freight transport emissions.

For example, ABF Freight has approximately 60-70% of its fleet operating on LRR tires while integrating SmartWay-certified recaps to amplify its environmental efforts.

Challenges and Future Developments

Though LRR tires have made great strides, there’s room for improvement. The trucking industry seeks extended tire lifespans and tread designs better suited for specific conditions. According to Godfrey, enhancements in tire longevity would help decrease the total number of tires necessary in fleets and minimize labor costs associated with replacements.

“You’d want to see something that wears slower, provides a longer life expectancy, and potentially be capped more frequently at a lower cost,” said Matthew Copot, VP of Fleet Management at Saia Inc.

Experts also note the need for adaptations to accommodate battery-electric trucks, which place unique stress on tires due to higher torque. Roeth emphasized, “Current designs suit diesel trucks, but battery-electric trucks require changes to sustain wear under heavier loads.”

Driving Industry Change

The broader influence of LRR technologies is undeniable. Many features originally designed for LRR tires are now commonplace in other tire categories, pushing the entire industry toward more fuel-efficient designs. Garrett from Michelin anticipates that as fleets refine how they track fuel usage, they’ll naturally continue adopting LRR tires.

“Factors such as GHG regulations, fuel prices, and societal pressure will further drive adoption,” Garrett stated.

A Clear Path Forward

Low-rolling-resistance tires are no longer just a smart option; they are a competitive advantage for fleets looking to reduce expenses, enhance sustainability, and maximize operational efficiency. While their implementation depends on specific trucking applications and conditions, continued advancements offer growing benefits for the industry.

For fleets striving to remain at the forefront, LRR tires represent a critical investment in the present and the future.

Source: Transport Topics

Image Source: Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions

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Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future

Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Schneider has secured its position as an environmental pioneer, becoming the first major transportation company to achieve six million zero-emission miles. This milestone highlights Schneider’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and industry leadership.

“Reaching six million zero-emission miles is a testament to our steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation,” stated Mark Rourke, Schneider’s president and CEO. “Leading the way in adopting electric vehicle technology not only benefits the environment but also serves as an example of the broad service capabilities and flexibility we can offer to customers.”

This accomplishment has prevented over 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the environment—the equivalent of removing approximately 2,100 gas-powered vehicles from the road for an entire year.

A Record-Setting BEV Fleet

Today, Schneider operates one of the largest battery-electric vehicle (BEV) fleets in North America, with around 100 Freightliner eCascadias supplied by Daimler Truck North America (DTNA). Charging infrastructure at Schneider’s Southern California Operations Center includes 16 dual-corded 350 kW chargers, capable of simultaneously powering up to 32 trucks.

“Schneider is a great example of the kind of forward-thinking entrepreneurship our industry needs,” said David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing at DTNA. “They’ve achieved over 6 million zero emission miles, which is a reminder for us all to keep working on overcoming challenges together on the path to zero emissions. At DTNA, we’re committed to the shift to zero emissions, alongside pioneers like Schneider, who are showing us what’s possible.”

Supporting Businesses in Sustainability Goals

Schneider’s electric fleet enables customers to meet their sustainability objectives. This was evident in 2023 when Schneider became the first carrier to complete global zero-emission shipments for PepsiCo. During this partnership, over 31,000 zero-emission miles were logged within months.

“PepsiCo is proud to celebrate this milestone driven by Schneider in California,” said David Allen, VP and chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo Foods North America. “Together, we’ve demonstrated how cross-industry partnerships can reduce emissions and create a healthier, cleaner environment.”

Enhancing Driver Experience

Schneider’s drivers have also embraced the advantages of electric vehicles. Thanks to quieter operation and smoother performance, BEVs are transforming the day-to-day lives of long-haul drivers.

“Once you drive an electric truck, you won’t want to go back to a diesel truck. The ride quality and the quietness make a huge difference in our daily operations,” shared Marty Boots, a seasoned Schneider driver.

Improving Air Quality for Southern California

Schneider’s BEV operations are centered in Southern California—a region with critical air quality challenges. This aligns with sustainability objectives set by initiatives like the California Air Resources Board and the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI). Funding from JETSI, the U.S. EPA, and the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust has played a role in expanding Schneider’s electric fleet.

“Achieving six million zero emission miles is more than a milestone — it’s a clear demonstration of how innovation in transportation can lead to cleaner, healthier air for our communities,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s executive officer. “By embracing battery electric vehicles, Schneider is setting a great example for the industry while directly contributing to improved air quality and public health in regions like Southern California.”

Expanding Beyond Electric

Schneider isn’t stopping with BEVs. The company is actively exploring other eco-friendly alternatives like renewable natural gas and hydrogen-powered engines. Their current fleet of non-electric tractors runs entirely on biodiesel blends, underscoring their comprehensive commitment to a greener transportation future. Schneider has also set ambitious goals, striving to reduce its CO2 emissions per mile by 60% by 2035.

Redefining Sustainable Logistics

The achievement of six million zero-emission miles underscores Schneider’s leadership role in sustainable logistics. This milestone fosters benefits across the board—from reducing environmental impact to enhancing driver satisfaction and empowering clients to meet their green goals.

For more details on how Schneider is transforming the future of transport, check out their Sustainability Page here.

Source: The Trucker

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