The Directory for Transportation - Truckers Get Reprieve From Fuel Efficiency Standards

Truckers Get Reprieve From Fuel Efficiency Standards

7/12/07
The U.S. Senate plans further study of fuel efficiency, particularly for heavy trucks. In mid-June, the legislative body weakened proposed legislation that would have set fuel mileage standards for trucks. The group has now called for another look at the issue before the government can set any standards.

The lawmakers likely will study metrics they would put in place as well as how they would identify and implement standards on trucks.

The original bill was approved by a transportation subcommittee in May, and called for corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards for heavy trucks. They had also called for a study of current mileage rates with requirements of a 4 percent annual increase in mileage improvements thereafter.

Industry groups lobbied the government to carefully consider all the issues. For instance, basic mile-per-gallon requirements would seemingly sway shippers to use smaller trucks, but would lead to more trucks and greater congestion on highways. They also note that mileage can vary based on the weight and type of load being carried.