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Idle Reduction

Several technologies and practices can be used to assist drivers in reducing truck idling. Reducing or eliminating prolonged idling of long-haul trucks can save up to 1,000 gallons of fuel per truck each year, reduce pollution emissions, and lower engine maintenance costs. The use of one of several idle control technologies that provide heat, air conditioning, and electrical power to the truck cab can minimize fuel consumption.

For trucks, there are several options for reducing idling: 

Onboard Technologies

• Automatic Shut-Down/Start-Up System: Electric-powered automatic systems are designed to automatically start and stop the engine to reduce excess idle time
• Battery Powered: Using either the existing battery power in the vehicle or additional, rechargeable batteries, these systems provide heating and air conditioning to the cab.
• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) or Generator Set (GS): An APU/GS device is a stand-alone system that contains a diesel engine that supplies cooling, heating, and electrical power to trucks

Stationary Technologies

• Electrified Parking Space (Single System): Electricity is supplied where trucks park, with HVAC and other electrical components provided at the parking location, requiring no truck modifications or additional hardware.
• Electrified Parking Space (Dual System): Electricity is supplied where trucks park to provide power for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC). The dual system requires the truck to have a receptacle on board to plug in to and an electric capable HVAC system.

More Resources

EPA's Smartway Transport Partnership Program contains information about idle reduction technology benefits, tools and financing options. Visit the Smartway Program HERE.

Argonne National Lab

National Idle Reduction Network News

Idle Reduction Policies

Many state and local government entities are enacting policies which limit idling time. Some examples are included below:

North Carolina: City of Concord; City of Salisbury; NC School all must adopt "policies and procedures to reduce students' exposure to diesel emissions" (H1502)

Others: Houston Schools; Minnesota, National Listing of Idle Reduction Regulations

If you have a policy and would like for it to be posted here, please email it to a CCFC Coordinator.