The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), in conjunction with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and ExxonMobil, launched an online survey seeking fleet manager input on fuel economy and fuel usage.
The survey will be investigating current and future approaches to improving fuel economy in heavy-duty (Federal Highway Administration classes 7 and 8) truck fleets. Current and future trends in fuel-saving technologies and strategies in today's trucking fleets will be documented. Additionally, fleet managers' views on the advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuels will be examined.
The results of this research will help inform truck manufacturers, fuel providers, fleet managers, policy makers and others with an interest in heavy duty truck technology trends. The findings also will help provide a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with various fuels and fuel-saving technologies in heavy duty fleets.
"Fuel remains one of the top operating expenses for trucking companies. Understanding fleet attitudes toward fuel-saving technologies and alternative fuels will help identify where opportunities and obstacles lie. I encourage fleet managers throughout the industry to take a few minutes to complete the survey," said Duke Drinkard, energy manager for Southeastern Freight Lines and a member of ATRI's Research Advisory Committee.
The confidential online survey is available until July 1, and can be assessed here. Participants who complete the survey can receive a copy of the final report later this summer.
