Environmentally-Friendly Transportation Services: an Examination of Green Initiatives & Their Impact on the Environment
We’ve all heard about the harmful effects cars and other vehicles have on the environment. Here’s a statistic if you need one to remind you:
- Vehicles are America’s biggest air quality compromisers, producing around one-third of all US air pollution.
Statistics like this one are persuading people to look for more eco-friendly alternatives when it comes to getting around. There are more carpools, people are taking to two wheels, and let’s not forget public transportation when it’s available in cities.
People are choosing these options to help save money, but also as a way of decreasing their carbon footprint.
Eco transportation - is there such a thing?
In general, the auto transport industry has not fared well in terms of being eco-friendly. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Companies operating in the auto transport industry have recognized the harmful effects they’re having on the environment. This has led to a significant amount of resources being used to find ways of operating more efficiently. The auto transport industry is keen to reduce the number of detrimental emissions released in as many ways as it can.
It might surprise you to learn that the auto transport industry is more eco-friendly than ever before and shipping your vehicle is one of the greenest ways to transport vehicles. Let’s expand on that statement further.
More fuel efficient
Auto transport carriers tend to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, either through open car transport or enclosed auto transport. When a carrier transports more than one vehicle, it results in lower emissions compared to one vehicle being transported on its own.
Carriers use vast amounts of fuel in their trucks, but being able to move multiple vehicles is better than each vehicle being driven individually on the highway. This is especially true now that carrier trucks achieve much better miles per gallon than ever before.
Less congestion and traffic
An additional benefit of transporting several vehicles using a truck and trailer is that it reduces the amount of traffic on the roads. When there’s less traffic it means less congestion and less time drivers are wasting gas sitting in traffic and stopping and starting their cars.
You can transport personal items at the same time
This point depends on the individual carrier because not all of them allow customers to transport personal belongings in their cars. In many cases, you’ll be able to transport some personal items with your vehicle.
Here at SGT Auto Transport, you’re allowed to ship up to 100 pounds of personal items in your car. However, there are some guidelines you need to follow.
- Items must be contained in a single box or suitcase, preferably locked in the trunk.
- Both front seats and front seat floorboards must be empty and free of personal items.
- The backseat must also be empty unless you’ve received an all-inclusive rate for items to be stored there.
- Under Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, you’re not allowed to ship anything outside of your vehicle on an open transport trailer.
- You can ship additional items, such as an engine or transmission, outside the vehicle but only when using an enclosed car shipping trailer. The items must also be created.
- If you’re shipping your car to Hawaii, no personal items are permitted inside your vehicle.
If you’d like to know how much it’ll cost to ship your car anywhere in the United States, use our instant quote calculator. Alternatively, speak with our shipping advisors on (864) 546-5038 or use our Live Chat option.
You’re probably thinking that choosing to ship your vehicle isn’t going to make a massive amount of difference, given that millions of vehicles are transported every year. However, more people choosing auto transport is going to add up.
One of the biggest culprits of carbon emissions is vehicles, so it makes sense that every effort made will help reduce them. According to the Department of Energy, one gallon of gasoline can produce around 19.564 pounds of carbon dioxide. We’ve all got an important part to play in saving the planet.
Let’s look at what else is happening in the world of auto transport and the efforts being made so that the industry is more eco-friendly.
Technological advancements in the auto shipping industry
Thanks to technology, the auto transport industry has become more efficient and environmentally friendly. It is the most preferred way of transporting cars from city to city and across the country for good reason. Technological advancements mean more cars can be delivered quickly and conveniently. Let’s take a look at some of the innovations auto shippers are using and how they’ve improved the auto transport sector.
Cloud technology
For car shippers, cloud technology has been a significant game changer. It has changed the way they send and store information relating to jobs, client details, and much more.
Before cloud technology came along, auto transport companies had to rely on external hardware for storing all the information they needed to perform their duties. The downside of this hardware was that it was expensive to install. Maintenance was also time-consuming and costly. In turn, it limited efficiency.
Thanks to the cloud, auto shippers now store all information on a remote database such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Access to information is possible 24/7 from anywhere using a smartphone. A bonus is that there is no risk of losing data completely should there be a computer malfunction.
For shippers, cloud technology offers the following benefits:
- Saves time
- Reduces costs
- Increases speed
- Improves efficiency, productivity, performance, and security
Car shipping providers can use cloud technology to track and monitor the movements of their fleets. They can also dispatch information to drivers quicker and more reliably than before.
Lightweight materials for trucks
Another advancement is the use of lightweight materials in the manufacture of trucks. The advanced materials enhance the economical use of fuel. At the same time, they ensure optimum performance and safety.
According to studies, if a vehicle’s weight can be reduced by 10%, it can improve fuel consumption by between 6% and 8%.
Weight reduction is achieved by replacing cast iron and steel components with lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, high-strength steel, fiberglass, aluminum (AI) alloys, polymer composites, and Magnesium (Mg) alloys. These materials reduce the truck's body weight by as much as 50%. In turn, this reduces fuel use and additional costs.
When lightweight materials are used in the manufacture of trucks, advanced emission control systems can be added, making the trucks a sustainable alternative.
A bonus is that the lighter materials absorb energy better than steel, providing better protection for the driver should there be an impact. They are also a more secure option to use in areas where the roads are poor. The trucks are easier to maneuver and absorb shocks without harming the driver or vehicle. Brakes’ risk reduction is another benefit of lighter materials. Trucks are lighter and the vehicle’s brakes don’t have to work as hard.
Internet of things
The Internet of Things (IoT), is an advanced network. Physical items in the network have sensors and other technologies which allow the items to swap data with other systems and devices while online.
Some examples of IoT in your everyday life include high-speed internet, portable health monitors, and smart homes. Many industries have already embraced IoT and the auto shipping industry has taken the lead. Auto shippers use it to discover and use the most efficient routes, maximize fuel usage, and make trips less stressful.
IoT is more than just a tool that makes things more efficient and convenient. It will also be used to improve assisted driving features. These play a key role in keeping drivers and their vehicles safe.
Thanks to IoT-enabled communication lines, trucks will have instant access to information informing them on what to expect on the road. Using the information, the driver will be able to decide whether to turn to avoid crashes or slow down.
Seat belt sensors can be used to check on a driver’s physical state and spot when they’re fatigued or intoxicated. The sensors will be able to render the vehicle inoperable should the driver be tired or under the influence.
These are just a few examples of IoT currently in use. The potential of this technology is endless and new ways of improving the driving experience continue to be found.
Sustainable fuel sources
For more than a century, we’ve been happy to use petrol and diesel as a main fuel source. They’ve also been easier to buy because of their availability. However, in recent years, we’ve realized that these fossil fuels aren’t renewable, and by the year 2060, it’s estimated there will be none left.
Petrol and diesel also produce vast amounts of carbon waste, which has contributed to the degradation of the environment. For these reasons, petrol and diesel are now considered unreliable and relatively costly. Governments around the world are now starting to ban new petrol and diesel cars and championing the introduction of more electric vehicles.
Such possible bans are forcing automobile manufacturers to look for new fuel sources that are not likely to run out and are more eco-friendly.
Eco-friendly and sustainable fuel source options include:
- Biodiesel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats
- Bioethanol derived from corn and sugarcane
- Heat powered by thermoelectric technology
- Kinetic energy
- Steam
- Hydrogen
- Air
- Nitrogen
- LPG
These fuel options are different from fossil fuels because supplies are not going to be depleted anytime soon. However, their use will require measures to be put in place to renew them every time they’re used.
Sustainable fuel sources also have low carbon emissions, making them safe to use and environmentally friendly.
Autonomous trucks
Eco-friendly cars are already here while self-driving trucks are still very much in their development stage. However, it’s anticipated that they will dominate the auto-transport industry and other transport industry sectors.
Autonomous trucks won’t require a driver and will be similar to self-driving cars. The technology used includes sensors such as radars, cameras, and lidars. These provide a computer with the data it needs to control the vehicle. The computer has driving skills that have been learned, so to speak, following lots of simulation and training.
Building autonomous trucks will likely be easier than building self-driving cars. This is because trucks tend to follow fixed routes and are always on the highway. Navigating is easier on highways compared with surface streets. Trucks are also a better platform for self-driving technology. Their size provides more power for the computer. The sensors have a better view because they can be mounted off the ground.
Research has shown that trucks are responsible for a large number of deaths on the road. For example, in 2018, accidents involving trucks were responsible for 5,000 deaths in the US. Human error was the reason for 90% of those deaths.
Self-driving trucks have the potential to significantly reduce accident rates. They are programmed to stay in one land and travel at a predetermined speed. Autonomous trucks won’t weave in and out of traffic. Text while driving, drive while intoxicated, or get distracted.
An autonomous truck will also be able to operate every day. This will boost business productivity and maximize profits. They’ll also be able to map out routes to avoid issues such as rush hour traffic.
The developments we’ve introduced above are examples of how quickly the car shipping industry is moving forward. The applications of technology are limitless. It is always evolving and innovations are introduced regularly.
If you’re ready to take advantage of some of these innovations and want to ship your car, we’re waiting to hear from you. Call (864) 546-5038 or use our Live Chat.
FAQS
How does eco-friendly transportation affect the environment?
Eco-friendly cars and other forms of eco-transport will help reduce damaging carbon dioxide emissions and therefore reduce the environmental impact.
How do eco-friendly cars help the environment?
Eco-friendly cars conserve fuel better and emit lower emissions. They also decrease the impact on the air quality and the overall environment.
What is the impact of green transport on society?
When green transport is embraced by society, it will reduce air pollution and help the population stay healthier.
What is an eco-friendly method of transportation?
Examples of eco-friendly transportation include green vehicles, car sharing, carpooling, transit, cycling, and walking.
Why are eco-friendly vehicles important?
Eco-friendly vehicles are important because they can help improve air quality in towns and cities. Electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving so air pollution is reduced considerably.
