Many truck drivers are still unaware of truck stop electrification technology and a recent survey was conducted via truck social media on drivers’ attitudes towards TSE.
Following are the survey questions, driver responses, and industry analysis:
- Are you an owner operator, leasing operator or business driver? 31.1% answered owner-operator with 8.9% as leased and 60% as driver of the company.
Analysis: As companies realized that logistics is a fundamental element of their strategy, trucking operations were carried out internally or were contracted to large national fleet operators. Therefore, the high percentage of respondents who identify as “business drivers” is consistent with industry trends.
- About how many nights do you spend on the road each year? 0-100 = 11.1%, 101-200 = 8.9%, 201-300 = 40% and 301+ = 40%.
Analysis: Road transport continues to be a fundamental element of the country’s transport infrastructure. With the exponential growth of e-commerce and its trusted network of fulfillment centers close to population centers, long-distance trucking has gained in importance. In turn, drivers are spending more and more nights away from their base of operations.
- Where do you usually park at night? Company terminal = 26.7%, Sender-Receiver = 48.9%, Rest area = 57.8%, Truck stop = 86.7%, Other = 22.2%.
Analysis: To date, TSE facilities have focused marketing efforts on truck stops and rest areas across the country. While these locations are the most important for meeting drivers’ TSE needs, a great opportunity to save fuel and reduce emissions involves the installation of equipment at the shipping and receiving points. Currently, a TSE company is working to install its technology alongside the JFK Air Cargo facilities. This pilot program would provide invaluable information on the value of TSE in a sender / receiver parking area.
- Are you inactive most nights? Yes = 42.2%, No = 57.8%
Analysis: Internal TSE field surveys suggest that the main alternative to idling is a sleeping bag and drivers’ tolerance for discomfort. While this saves fuel and reduces emissions, drivers do not rest overnight, which in turn affects their alertness during the day and overall safety on the road.
- Does your company provide an APU? Yes = 28.9%, No = 71.1%
Analysis: APU is an important technology. However, cost and weight (over 400 pounds) have been major inhibitors. There is no national legislation that excludes the weight of an APU from the general weight limits. With an emphasis on maximizing loads, the weight factor is significant.
- Does your company pay for TSE services? Yes = 6.7%, No = 93.3%
- Does your business pay for hotel rooms instead of being idle? Yes = 6.7%, No = 93.3%
Analysis: Trucking companies have done little to offer alternatives to idling. More than 93% of drivers reported that their employers pay neither for TSE use nor for accommodation. Since these same employers will pay for fuel, few drivers have an incentive to turn off their engines. Even in those cases where the company will cover the cost of the idle alternatives, drivers report slow reimbursement.
- Does your company offer you a fuel voucher? Yes = 24.4%, No = 75.6%
Analysis: Again, there is a disconnect between driver rewards and TSE financial savings, including lower fuel consumption and reduced engine wear. More than 75% of drivers do not receive any incentive to reduce fuel consumption.
- Do you regularly see TSE locations where it closes overnight? Yes = 8.9%, No = 91.1%
- Do you regularly pass TSE places along your route? Yes = 35.6%, No = 64.4%
Analysis: The biggest challenge for the industry is readily available TSE sites, especially along major highway corridors. The survey clearly shows that much remains to be done to make TSE facilities ubiquitous.
- Have you ever tried Truck Stop Electrification Services (TSE) before? Yes = 28.9%, No = 71.1%
Analysis: Truck Stop Electrification makes sense for drivers. Even with limited availability, nearly 30% of respondents have tried it.
- If your company paid you to use TSE, would you give it a try? Yes = 86.7%, No = 13.3%
Analysis: Clearly, the biggest barrier to using TSE is economic. As seen in the previous answers, the vast majority of drivers have no incentive to save fuel. If trucking companies covered the fight against idling, utilization would increase significantly.
The Truck Stop Electrification Survey was conducted during November 2012.