U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA-420-F-16-031 | June 2016 | www.epa.gov/smartway

Improve Freight Logistics

A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies

A trucking fleet that optimizes its freight logistics can save fuel, time, and 

improve productivity. This reduces fuel costs and generates additional revenue, 

while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the challenge?

Inefficiencies in freight operations can cause trucks to travel empty (without cargo), use longer 

or more congested routes, and idle unnecessarily. These inefficiencies increase fuel consumption 

and fuel costs, and cause trucking companies to miss opportunities to generate revenue.

When motor carriers cannot arrange for a return shipment, the empty truck move (called a 

deadhead) doesn’t generate revenue, but accumulates costs in labor, equipment wear, and fuel. 

In some fleets, 10 percent or more of annual truck miles may be non-revenue deadhead miles. 

For a typical long-haul truck, this could add up to about 10,000 miles each year, consuming 

over 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel and producing 12 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the most 

prevalent greenhouse gas. Inefficient truck routing and loading and unloading practices also 

contribute to excessive fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the solution?

Improved freight logistics can minimize inefficient freight operations, saving fuel and increasing 

revenue for trucking companies. Improved logistics includes load matching, more efficient routes 

and delivery schedules, and improved shipping and receiving practices.

Options for Load Matching

Motor carriers can use a variety of load matching strategies to reduce deadhead mileage.

• Routes can be arranged so trucks haul successive loads in a triangular pattern.

• Trucking companies in different areas may coordinate on loads and back hauls.

• Trucking companies can use freight brokers or logistics companies that match empty 

carriers with shippers.

• Drivers may check the electronic monitors (called load boards) available at some 

truck plazas for information on loads that shippers have available to carry.

ENERGY & 

FUEL SAVINGS

Gallons Saved:

1,208 gallons

CO2 Savings:

12.26 metric tons

Reduction in Fuel 

Consumption:

7.25%

Fuel Cost Savings:

$4,591

Continued

• Trucking companies can use an electronic data interchange system to communicate logistics information among dispatchers, drivers, and customers.

The Internet, with its potential for widespread, real-time information exchange, also 

offers load matching opportunities via a number of trucking-oriented web sites.

Options for Routing and Scheduling Software

Computerized routing and scheduling software that is based on optimization 

models can often provide more efficient routing solutions than dispatchers 

can achieve on their own. This software allows routes to be constructed 

taking into account driver hours-of-service rules, pick up and delivery 

schedules, vehicle size constraints, vehicle-product compatibility, equipment 

availability, vehicle-loading dock compatibility, route restrictions, and 

deadhead mileage.
Continued

Improve Freight Logistics

A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies

Options for Flexible Loading and Receiving Schedules

Increased flexibility at loading docks can contribute to fuel efficiency and cost reduction. Innovations like 24/7 shipping-andreceiving allow trucks to travel at off-peak times and avoid traffic congestion. With more flexibility to deliver and pick up loads, 

trucking companies can decrease idling, minimize the time spent loading and unloading, and make better use of their hours and 

equipment to haul freight and generate revenue.

Savings and Benefits

Load matching, improved routing and scheduling, and flexible loading and unloading practices help trucking fleets improve 

productivity and increase revenue-miles while decreasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing truck trips 

can decrease fuel use by about 7 percent, resulting in 12 metric tons of CO2 saved.

NEXT STEPS

1Trucking firms can take advantage of 

the available options 

for improved logistics 

and encourage shippers to adopt more 

flexible shipping and 

receiving practices.

3Freight brokers and software 

vendors can provide information on 

logistics services and 

software. Information 

is also available from 

professional organizations, such as the 

Council of Logistics 

Management 

(www.clml.org).

2Individual truck drivers can seek 

out numerous trucking oriented websites 

that provide information on load matching services and 

opportunities.