The Global Oil Demand Driver That Is Being Ignored
The oil price guy who wrote that article might know about oil, but he doesn't know much about the trucking industry (which I've been professionally involved in for almost 30 years).
The first area is logistics and operations, which means using things like GPS to “optimize truck routing,” improve supply chain efficiencies so that trucks are carrying heavier loads and making fewer empty trips.
Trucking companies and independents already "optimize routing" as much as possible. Fuel costs money and the most efficient routing minimizes consumption (and cost). Also, no trucking outfit wants to "run empty" and deadheading is avoided whenever possible. As for "heavier loads", there are strict weight limits for big rigs and there are plenty of cops and scale houses to ensure they aren't exceeded. Big fines for going over weight.
autonomous trucks fall into this category.
I could give half a dozen reasons why there will always be a human in the cab. Some sort of autopilot being engaged on a wide open Interstate is about the most that could be safely accomplished (along with a driver on board). No R2D2 will ever be able to handle unexpected emergencies, blowouts, breakdowns or chaining up on a snowy mountain pass. As for said robot dealing with detours, lane restrictions or maneuvering through busy inner city streets, not to mention carrying hazardous materials, forget about it.
the trucking fleet could use aerodynamic retrofits to reduce drag.
Already in use, whenever possible, on the tractor and the trailer(s). Drag reduces mileage and reduced mileage means higher fuel costs and lower profits. The reason that trailers are box shaped is that it's the only way to maximize load carrying capacity. If trucks were shaped like most of the boring new jelly bean cars on the road today, they couldn't carry nearly as much cargo.
Lighter materials, better engines, transmissions and drivetrains can all boost fuel economy.
Fine and dandy, but it's always going to take x amount of energy to move 80,000 lbs down the road, and heavy haulers can be licensed for well over 100,000..
There is also potential for hybrid and even zero-emissions trucks.
Maybe CNG now or fuel cells someday, but hydrogen needs to be "made" before it can used as fuel, and making it requires energy. As for battery powered big rigs (Eric's fantasy, I'm sure), don't make me laugh. You'd need half the weight and cargo capacity of the truck, just to lug them around. Not gonna happen.
the IEA says that governments need to focus on several areas: Fuel economy standards; support for the improved use of data for supply chain management; and policies to promote alternative fuels, including R&D, market uptake and refueling infrastructure.
Yada yada yada.. What the government needs to do is to get the hell out of the way and let the market drive efficiency, which it is always best at doing.. |
