Potential CO2 savings by increasing truck size: A Korean case study

Abstract

In this paper, we present a method to estimate CO2 reduction potential by increasing the truck size. Trucks are apparently the most preferred freight transport option for most shippers. Therefore, increasing the truck size may be a realizable and practical strategy, except when logistics companies (truck owners) tailor their truck sizes to customer needs despite their inefficiencies. However, increasing the truck size is not justified in all situations. Some types and sizes of trucks may fit specific distance ranges. The distance range in which a certain type and size of truck shows the highest efficiency can be determined by the break-even distance of the corresponding truck type/size. Using this information on break-even distances, the government can roughly estimate the potential CO2 savings. Based on a case study of only pallet shipping trucks, if a subsidy of a 10% discount of new truck purchase costs is given to 1,000 truck owners for 10 years to foster an increase in the sizes of their trucks, the net amount of CO2 emissions that can be saved by 2020 would be 103,069 t. Even though the quantity is not significant, the government expects that shippers and truck owners will more rationally select truck sizes if the information of the break-even distances is provided to the trucking market.