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Fuel Consumption and Carbon Emissions of Turnpike Doubles in Manitoba

Abstract

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.

Conference Paper Details

Session title:
RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: BEST PRACTICES
Author(s):
Thomas Baumgartner
Dr. Jonathan Regehr
Dr. Jeannette Montufar
Topics:
Climate change
Year:
2010