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.