THE introduction fuel efficiency targets and new emissions standards for trucks is to be announced in March 2015 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSA) following a US presidential directive.

This aims at a 40 per cent reduction of heavy truck fuel consumption compared to 2010 levels.

A driver fleet average net savings of 21 US cents per mile by 2040 will result in a seven per cent decrease in costs, according to two environmental lobbies, the Environmental Defense Fund and Ceres.

The study from environmental consultancy MJ Bradley & Associates found that the stringent standards would increase equipment costs by five cents per mile to offset fuel savings of 26 cents per mile, reported American Shipper.

It is said it will produce savings of US$21,000-$36,000 during the first year a new truck is in service and net savings per day of $3,500-$6,900 for a new cab and trailer.

The savings will be directed to trucking fleets, but is expected that a share of this will be passed on to retailers, manufacturers and other shippers.