This paper analyzes fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of specially permitted Turnpike Doubles (Turnpikes) in comparison to five-axle tractor semitrailers (3-S2s) operating on a defined network within Manitoba. Turnpikes can effectively replace two 3-S2s. This study collects fuel consumption data from two Manitoba-based carriers that operate Turnpikes. These carriers comprise nearly 1400 tractors and 3600 trailers operating in North America. The fuel consumption data are normalized, integrated, and analyzed as a function of gross vehicle weight, cube, and season. The fuel consumption characteristics of Turnpikes are compared to 3-S2 (van trailers) using system-wide estimates of truck exposure. The results in this paper indicate that Turnpikes can save 28.7 litres per 100 kilometres of travel when compared to two 3-S2s. Savings in fuel consumption from operating a Turnpike in place of two 3-S2s is about 30.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the winter and 28.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the summer. On a tonne-kilometre basis, Turnpikes use 23 percent less fuel than 3-S2s and 34 percent less fuel on a pallet-kilometre basis. A system-wide analysis of their operations in Manitoba indicates an estimated three percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions for the four percent reduction in 3- S2 exposure in 2006. The results of this study provide input for decisions regarding Turnpikes to engineers, planners, policy makers, trucking associations, shippers, truck freight carriers, and the research community. (A) For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD number E220308.
Abstract