Commercial vehicles are the backbone of the American economy, supporting industries such as logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. Commercial vehicles include trucks, buses, vans, and other vehicles used for transporting goods and services across the nation. According to the American Trucking Association, there are over 14.33 million single-unit (2-axle, 6-tire or more) and combination trucks registered in 2022, representing 5% of all motor vehicles registered in the United States.
Largest Fleet of Commercial Vehicles in the USA
The U.S. has one of the largest commercial vehicle fleets globally. Below are the organizations and businesses having the largest number of fleets.
- The United States Postal Service operates 246,503 vehicles, primarily for package delivery and logistics. This includes delivery trucks, vans, and tractor-trailers (facts.ups.com).
- FedEx runs a fleet of over 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. for logistics and delivery, similar to UPS.
- PepsiCo Inc. owns 11,079 tractors, 16,138 trucks, 6,682 vans, and pickups, and 20,105 trailers for transporting goods.
- Walmart owns 9,280 tractors, 25 trucks, and a whopping 76,361 trailers.
- Amazon.com Inc. uses a fleet of 1,645 tractors, 12,835 trucks, and 37,410 trailers to generate its billion-dollar business.
Commercial Vehicles in the State of Idaho
In the state of Idaho, the commercial vehicle sector plays a critical role, particularly in agriculture and food transportation. Idaho is home to about 1,266,283 commercial and publicly owned trucks (U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration). These vehicles are integral in the state’s potato, dairy, and e-commerce industries, enabling businesses to transport their products to national and international markets. However, the large number of vehicles contributes significantly to traffic congestion and wear and tear on road infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Commercial Vehicles Impact on GHG Emissions
While commercial vehicles are essential for economic growth, they are also significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Transportation including commercial vehicles account for about 29% of total emissions in the country, making them one of the largest sources of GHG emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). In Idaho, this is particularly concerning, as the state’s extensive use of vehicles including trucks contributes 28.7% to the State’s total carbon emissions.
Alternative Fuel Options for Commercial Vehicles
Electric Commercial Vehicles
Given the environmental impact of traditional commercial vehicles, there is increasing interest in alternative fuel technologies to reduce emissions. Electric commercial vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum, particularly for short-distance deliveries and city transportation. For instance, companies like Tesla and Rivian are developing electric semi-trucks that promise lower emissions and reduced fuel costs. Tesla offers the SEMI EV Trucks that can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge.
Similarly, Rivian offers Delivery-500 and Delivery-700 electric vans that can travel up to 161 miles, and 153 miles in a single charge.
Researchers and companies are also working to improve the batteries, making them long-lasting with less recharge time. According to McKinsay & Company, two types of battery will be the best option in the short term: nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). In the long term, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries will be the most promising battery composition, with exceptional performance across all categories.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are another promising option, especially for long-distance routes, due to their ability to travel longer distances without the need for frequent refueling. Nikola Motors offers a Hydrogen Cell EV with a maximum range of 500 miles. Moreover, clean hydrogen projects are making dramatic progress, reaching 434 projects in 2024 with a USD 75 billion investment, compared to 102 clean hydrogen projects in 2020 with a USD 10 billion investment (Hydrogen Cell Council).
Other Fuel Vehicles
Other alternative fuel options include natural gas and biofuels, which offer a cleaner alternative to diesel.
Challenges With Alternative Fuel Commercial Vehicles
Alternative fuel options like EVs and Hydrogen cells are no doubt the best approach to reduce the current and upcoming emission challenges, however shifting towards these options is not without challenges. One major obstacle is the high upfront R&D and manufacturing cost of electric and hydrogen vehicles compared to traditional diesel trucks.
Furthermore, the infrastructure for charging and refueling these vehicles is still underdeveloped, particularly in rural areas like Idaho. Such states currently lack sufficient electric charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations to support a widespread transition to alternative fuel vehicles.
Additionally, the limited driving range of electric commercial vehicles makes them less practical for long-distance trucking, which is a significant portion of Idaho and other states’ transportation needs.
Conclusion
Commercial vehicles play a crucial role in the United States. However, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions highlights the need for more sustainable alternatives. While electric, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel technologies offer promising solutions, several challenges, including cost, infrastructure, and vehicle range, must be addressed to facilitate a smoother transition. As technology evolves, the state of Idaho, along with the rest of the country, must invest in infrastructure and policies that support the adoption of cleaner commercial vehicle technologies to reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability.
Have any questions or want to know more about the commercial vehicle and alternative fuel options in U.S. and Idaho? Let us know at COBEEthics@boisestate.edu!