Trucker work environment and sustainability initiatives are on the table, and the industry is adapting in 2022. Many industries have faced pressure to improve sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt eco-friendly practices in the last few decades. Likewise, the trucking industry is no exception, and there’s been increased scrutiny directed toward its role in climate change. Indeed, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the freight industry majorly contributes to issues such as smog, reduced air quality, and pollution.
Trucker Work Environment & Sustainability Initiatives for 2022
It has led many trucking companies to promote sustainability within their company culture. Likewise, a healthy work environment and better environmental practices go hand in hand. The trucker work environment and sustainability initiatives for 2022 will set the precedent for how the industry conducts business going forward.
Improving Work Conditions for Truckers
What are the first steps toward setting beneficial trucker work environment and sustainability initiatives? Let’s start with sustainability and what that entails. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. Additionally, it’s about truckers, too, and their ability to drive safely. Many trucking companies have realized that efforts to improve environmental impact are more successful when drivers enjoy better working conditions. Thus, it’s no surprise that employers are pouring effort into this endeavor. It includes initiatives to improve driving conditions and offer truckers the resources to succeed.
The link between sustainability and working conditions has become clear in recent years as truckers who enjoy better pay and benefits are typically healthier and more invested in their jobs. It, in turn, motivates drivers to engage with initiatives to improve their companies’ sustainability and work to mitigate environmental impact.
There are many ways that trucking companies can improve the working conditions experienced by drivers. In addition to offering competitive compensation packages, freight providers have launched initiatives such as the following:
- Better routes with shorter daily hours
- Mandated rest to prevent fatigue
- On-demand healthcare services
- Mental health care and counseling
These improvements can go a long way in establishing a supportive culture that serves as the foundation of sustainability efforts. With a fleet of happier and healthier truckers, companies can begin making strides toward environmentally-conscious practices with the full support of drivers to ensure these efforts take root. In addition to implementing sustainable practices, trucking companies should invest in truck insurance. A comprehensive truck insurance policy can shield a company from many of the common liabilities in the trucking industry.
Cultivating a Culture of Sustainability
With the foundation provided by a positive work environment, trucking companies can build sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and improve business outcomes. Cultivating a culture that values the environment and seeks out innovation is key to minimizing the effects of air pollution from the trucking industry. Achieving a major cultural shift isn’t a simple task, and it requires cooperation from every sector of a trucking company.
Sustainability initiatives should start with assessing the most harmful practices to the environment. One of the most troublesome tasks negatively impacting sustainability is so-called “deadheading,” Truckers drive an empty trailer between destinations after unloading cargo. This practice was previously a common solution when no additional cargo was available at the time of delivery, but its dangers have become apparent. In addition to the unnecessary expenditure of fuel and emission of air pollutants, this practice poses a considerable risk if a collision were to occur. An empty trailer increases the likelihood of fuel spillage, which can create a massive environmental cleanup crisis.
Trucking companies can move towards a culture of sustainability by eliminating practices like “deadheading” and improving overall operational efficiency. It isn’t just beneficial to the environment — it’s advantageous to a trucking company’s bottom line. Inefficient practices often harm the environment and cause fiscal waste, but implementing sustainable strategies can mitigate the problem.
Investing in Eco-Friendly Technology
The need for sustainable policies in the trucking industry is clear, but what do those policies look like in practice? In addition to eliminating inefficient operational standards, trucking companies can invest in eco-friendly innovations that can radically improve the industry’s overall sustainability. Luckily, there are many of these innovations on the horizon, offering hope that truckers will minimize the environmental impact of their work.
One such innovation, automatic start-stop functions that reduce idle time, allows truckers to put fuel conservation on autopilot. This tool works by keeping the engine warm and batteries charged while the motor seems off. It massively cuts down on unnecessary fuel costs and minimizes the release of air pollutants produced by idling. This technology is becoming increasingly popular throughout the trucking industry, and if it becomes widespread, it could reduce air pollution substantially.
Technology to improve aerodynamic drag is another promising innovation that may make trucking more sustainable. Some of the accessories that can achieve this include the following:
- Bug deflectors
- Varying tire sizing
- Cargo nets
- Tonneau covers
- Non-standard bumpers
- Raised tailgates
Improving aerodynamic performance can improve fuel efficiency, which can minimize air pollution. It can also shorten the drive time to your destination.
Building Better Practices for Truckers
Trucking is a difficult job, but many strategies can make it easier and better for the environment. It all starts with ensuring that drivers have access to the tools they need to be healthy. Trucking companies can achieve this by improving the work conditions of their drivers and implementing sustainable technology to mitigate environmental impact. When used in tandem, these initiatives can revolutionize the trucking industry and reduce air pollution in the process.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!