Environmental survey highlights released
The PPH survey showed that 74 percent of the fleets surveyed are reaching out to drivers to enlist their help with fleet environmental goals. (The Trucker file photo)
The Trucker News Services
6/30/2010
SPARKS, Md. — Almost half the trucking fleets that participated in a recent survey are measuring emissions, according to PHH Arval, which announced the results of its annual industry-wide survey of public and private sector fleet managers on the subject of the environment.
The survey was designed to gauge fleet managers’ insights into environmental issues, how fleets are implementing solutions that would reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more.
For the second consecutive year, the survey was distributed via the Web and included responses from a wide variety of fleet managers.
Following are highlights from some of the key findings:
• Almost half of all fleets (49 percent) are measuring emissions. In 2008, the first year PPH Arval asked the question, slightly more than a quarter of all fleets (28 percent) were measuring emissions. There have been significant gains in this area in the past two years.
• Despite the economic climate, there is continued interest in environmental issues. 75 percent of respondents reported they had been asked about the environmental impact of their fleets in the last year. This compares to 74 percent in 2009 and has largely remained flat since 2007, the first year of the survey. 68 percent of respondents said they have an environmental goal for their fleets, up slightly from last year. In addition, the economic climate accelerated progress for some respondents and slowed it for others. 28 percent said the economy accelerated their programs (compared to 21 percent last year), and 20 percent said it slowed their plans (compared to 9 percent last year).
• Cost continues to be a concern. Although the number of people that identify cost as a barrier to greening their fleets has fallen slightly each year, it continues to be significant at 42 percent (down from 46 percent in 2008). 29 percent of respondents have been finding cost savings as they reduce emissions. This is slightly up from last year (25 percent).
• Fleets are focusing on driver behavior as a key way to reduce emissions. 74 percent of fleet managers are reaching out to drivers to enlist their help with fleet environmental goals.
• Fleets are cautious in adopting new or emerging alternative fuels. PPH Arval asked respondents about their current use and potential near-term use for a variety of fuel types including electric, diesel and compressed natural gas. Conventional gasoline hybrids had the most acceptance, with every other technology trailing significantly.
PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corp., is a leading fleet management services provider in the U.S. and Canada, providing outsourced fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies.
The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at editor@thetrucker.com.
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