Upcoming Truck Fuel Economy Standards

          The truck industry advocacy organization has proposed new fuel economy standards which will cover new trucks and other large vehicles that are manufactured between 2013 and 2018. The proposal must finalize this year after the public has a chance to comment on the changes. The new mileage and emissions standards for trucks are an extension of those standards already applied to some passenger cars and some commuters.

         The standards would severely reduce fuel costs for truckers due to better gas mileage, low-resistance tires, increased engine efficiency, hybrid systems, and aerodynamic improvements. Additionally, Supporters of the legislation cite that it will create new jobs in the truck manufacturing industry since new technologies will need to be invented, tested, and applied to the new vehicles, and it will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. These improvements may reduce fuel use anywhere from one-third to one-half of current levels.

Among other Types of Vehicles Manufactured Between 2014 and 2018 including:

Semi-trucks

Tractor-trailer 

Cement-Mixer

Buses

Delivery vans

         Different vehicles will be held to different fuel consumption and emissions standards depending on their size, weight, and use. A truck industry advocacy organization, approved of the approach to the legislation, that gives truckers and manufacturers the freedom to find their own ways and means to meet the new standards, rather than executing a fuel tax or another program on the entire industry. However, this change may put financial pressures on truckers and manufacturers. For those needing financial assistance, freight factoring may be a great solution to the problem.