The True Cost of Idling

Idling is a major cost driver that can drain resources, but the consequences go far beyond increased fuel use, affecting everything from maintenance and aftertreatment systems to driver satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

According to the latest report on idling from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), The Idle-Reduction Playbook: Operational Strategies for Modern Trucking Fleets, when diesel costs $4 per gallon, a single Class 8 truck can burn between $4,000 and $6,000 worth of fuel annually through overnight idling alone. As fuel prices climb, those costs increase.

Idling also takes a toll on engines, reduces the amount of time trucks and trailers are generating revenue, and increases emissions. NACFE stated that each gallon of diesel emits approximately 22.4 lbs. of carbon dioxide, and idling can create compliance challenges in some regions.

Rising fuel costs, emissions regulations and sustainability goals are all contributing to the desire to reduce idling, and NACFE has said that fleets taking a proactive approach can realize meaningful savings.

Why Idling Happens

Not all idling is avoidable, and driver comfort, which is a major factor in driver retention as well as driver safety, is one of the top considerations. During rest periods, drivers often rely on engine power to heat or cool the cab, run appliances, such as microwaves and televisions, and power health equipment, including CPAP machines.

Over the past 20 years, the demand for onboard electronics has surged as drivers increasingly use smartphones, tablets and laptops during breaks, which has increased battery loads and idling requirements, according to NACFE. At the same time, drivers often experience extended dwell time at loading docks and traffic congestion, which keep the engine running without the vehicle moving.

Proven Strategies To Reduce Idling

Steps include establishing a clear idle-reduction policy, engaging drivers through training, coaching and incentive programs, and monitoring and tracking idle time at both the vehicle and driver levels to uncover trends and identify opportunities for improvement. Technology also plays an important role, especially in keeping drivers comfortable.

The Need for Technology

Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) provide heating, cooling and electrical power during rest periods or long delays. They typically cost between $8,500 and $12,500 and can deliver a return on investment in about two years from fuel savings alone. Beyond fuel savings, APUs can extend engine life, reduce strain on aftertreatment systems, and support driver satisfaction and retention, which also has an effect on overall cost savings.

APUs are either electric and run on batteries or diesel-powered and use a small diesel engine that burns about 0.2 gallons per hour. When APUs are included as part of a full-service lease from Penske, maintenance on the unit is covered under the lease terms, simplifying total cost-of-ownership calculations for fleet managers.

Other options include fuel-operated heaters and coolant heaters to heat and cool the cab, and intelligent engine management systems, such as smart shutdown systems, contextualized idle management that integrates real-time telematics with situational data, and adaptive power management systems, according to the NACFE report.

Driver Training

Fleets can encourage drivers to adopt different behavioral practices to reduce idling even further. Examples NACFE shared include shutting the engine off during short stops, avoiding extended warm-ups in mild weather and engaging APUs when parked.

“Drivers also can reduce HVAC demand by parking with the windshield facing away from the sun, closing sleeper curtains or using reflective shades in hot weather,” NACFE wrote in the report, adding that in cold weather, plugging block heaters where available reduces the need for overnight idling.

Data To Drive Idle Reduction

Data can also help fleets identify inefficiencies in their network and opportunities to reduce idling at a granular level. Penske’s Catalyst AI™ gives fleets a comprehensive view of idling across their operations, including the ability to track idling at both the vehicle and driver level, and benchmark performance against similar fleets. It can also uncover excessive dwell time at facilities or delays built into routing and scheduling. Targeted coaching, eliminating inefficiencies and data-backed conversations with shippers can all help reduce unnecessary idling.

A Comprehensive Approach to Idle Reduction

There’s no single solution to eliminating idling, but establishing clear policies, investing in the right technology and relying on data-driven decision making can help fleets eliminate waste and lead to significant cost savings.

NACFE expects idle reduction to continue evolving over the next five to 10 years, driven by technological advancements and regulatory changes. Eliminating unnecessary idling now will not only reduce operating costs and extend equipment life but also help fleets prepare for future demands and expectations.