SMARTWAY provides guidance and recognition programs as part of encouraging shippers and carries to become more energy efficient. The following is a link to the SMARTWAY website: https://www.epa.gov/smartway
Intermodal transportation allows for efficiency in the way freight and people are moved via some combination of marine, rail, truck/bus and air plane. Generally, the intermodal conversation focuses on fright movement. The state’s current final report on the Georgia Statewide Freight and Logistics Plan, 2010‐2050 Task 5 Report Freight Improvement Project Recommendations can be found at: http://www.dot.ga.gov/Projects/programs/georgiafreight/logisticsplan/Documents/Plan/GAFreightLogistics-FinalReport-Task5.pdf
Hybrid technologies can improve vehicle efficiency. A “Stop and go” drive cycle will benefit from hybrid technologies. Hybrids take advantage of the regenerative braking and elimination of unnecessary idling. DOE describes how the electric hybrid works (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml). Hybrid electric work trucks can be a great option when power takeoff is important. A hybrid electric bucket truck is a good example. The large battery capacity on a hybrid work truck can be used to efficiently power the bucket for hours without the need to use the internal combustion engine. The hydraulic hybrid technology works well when the drive cycle includes repeated instances of harsh braking followed by quick acceleration. This type of drive cycle is typical of refuse trucks and residential delivery trucks. EPA has a good description of how the hydraulic hybrid technology works (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/research/research-hhvs.htm).
Truck Stop Electrification (TSE) locations may be found by visiting the Alternative Fuel Data Center provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). www.afdc.energy.gov/tse_locator.
Telematics is the integration of information and communication technologies. For example, global positioning systems (GPS) and computer technology can be used to optimize truck delivery routes to save time and money. Telematics can track safety and maintenance parameters too. Telematics has broad application and is fast expanding into every part of the supply chain because it helps companies better understand their operations and how to improve efficiency. Telematics is also showing up in non-road applications. For example, telematics is being used to help grader operators become more efficient at moving dirt to achieve proper grade.
Electric alternatives can improve efficiency. Electric powered systems do an excellent job matching energy supply with power demand. Unlike, internal combustion engines, electric motors are efficient through the full RPM range. Also electric motors can efficiently handle transient conditions and can be efficiently turned on and off. Electric alternatives are well suited to take advantage of energy regeneration opportunities. Georgia Tech has done research and found some economic benefits of electric delivery trucks over diesel for certain situations. (http://www.news.gatech.edu/2013/09/25/diesel-or-electric-study-offers-advice-owners-urban-delivery-truck-fleets). There are other ways to apply the use of electric power as a diesel alternative. Electric belt conveyors and electric cranes are a couple of examples. Large stationary electric cranes in the right application can take advantage of regeneration. Repeated lowing of heavy payloads can be used to generate electricity. The Georgia Ports Authority (http://georgiaportssustainability.com/) has implemented electric loading cranes and gantry cranes. Hartfield Jackson Airport uses electric concourse people mover, electric sky train and electric MARTA train. Delta is using electric systems for loading bags and containers (http://www.cleancitiesgeorgia.org/grants-a-projects/delta)..
Improving traffic flow is an important strategy to increases efficiency thereby reducing air pollution. Capital investment in road construction to reroute traffic; investment into sequencing traffic signals; and advanced transportation management systems (ASTMS) may be used to improve traffic flow efficiency. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP21) is currently the Federal law guiding transportation decisions as administered through the Georgia Department of Transportation. MAP21 empowers Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPOs) to make key decisions on strategies to improve air quality. The Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization provides contact information for MPOs in Georgia (http://www.gampo.org/mpos.htm). .
Carpooling and teleworking are very effective strategies for reducing vehicle traffic and improving efficiency. Georgia Commute Options (http://gacommuteoptions.com/) is a great resource if you are interested in carpooling or teleworking.
Mass transit is a very efficient means of transportation. The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority is broadly responsible for coordination of Georgia’s transit efforts (http://www.grta.org/cur_reg_tran.php )..
Georgia Environmental Protection Division is interested in promoting and assisting in the full array of strategies that improves air quality. Please do not hesitate to email or call Richard McDonald at Richard_McDonald@dnr.state.ga.us or 404-362-6594 if you have any suggestions, questions or comments regarding the content on this page.