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Wal-Mart Seeks to Double Truck Fuel Economy by 2015
15 December 2005
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| New Wal-Mart trucks |
Wal-Mart has set a goal of doubling the fuel efficiency of its new heavy-duty trucks from 6.5 to 13 miles per gallon by 2015, thereby keeping some 26 billion pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air between now and 2020.
Wal-Mart has been working with the Rocky Mountain Institute to initiate a major two-pronged effort to address fossil fuel consumption in transportation and electrical end uses: the total redesign of the company’s trucking fleet (one of the largest in the nation), and the retrofit and redesign of Wal-Mart retail stores and distribution centers for optimal electrical efficiency.
Beginning with the its 2007 model-year trucks, the company will begin introducing models with improved aerodynamics, transmission and tires, as well as an auxiliary power unit in every truck in its fleet.
Some of the changes include:
Trailer Side Skirts. Wind skirts under the trailer significantly reduce wind resistance and reduces airflow around the trailer. This is a big fuel economy benefit.
Super Single Tires. Wal-Mart combined the two wheels normally seen on a rear axle into a single wheel that is not quite as wide as the sum of two wheels. This gives a smoother ride and better fuel economy from the reduced surface area and improved tire wall stiffness.
Aerodynamic tractor package. Making the tractor more aerodynamic radically reduces the fuel required to operate the truck, as approximately two-thirds of all gallons burnt today by trucks can be attributed to overcoming aerodynamic resistance.
Tag Axle. Reduced weight means increased efficiency. This type of rear axle reduces the weight of one rear axle as it eliminates internal axle drive train.
Auxiliary Power Unit. This APU eliminates the use of the tractor’s main engine for keeping our drivers warm or cool at night. Instead, this very small diesel engine does the job at optimum efficiency. This saves a substantial amount of fuel.
The company has estimated it will save some $52 million per year in fuel costs.
Wal-Mart also has more than 100 hybrids in operation its corporate light-duty vehicle fleet, and is planning to acquire 100 more in 2007.
December 15, 2005 in Diesel, Fleets, Fuel Efficiency, Vehicle Systems | Permalink | Comments (31) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: Matt | February 05, 2008 at 05:51 AM
You know it never stops amazing me seeing people post bad things about Wal-mart and not even knowing what it is they are talking about. It is very clear that they don't do there homework on any of these issues rather they just post.
If everyone hates Wal-mart so much then why are there sales up? Why are they opening new stores and Distirbution Centers? Why are they winning awards?
Unions? I have been in the teamster union and as far as I am concerned they are the LAZY man union. Don't get me wrong....unions did have a purpose years ago but not anymore today.
Tires? Reply was so they can load more - This person isn't telling you everything. YOU STILL ONLY CAN LOAD SO MUCH WEIGHT ON THE TRAILER TO BE LEGAL WITH THE DOT!!!!!
Wal-Mart opened up a new Distribution Center close to me in 2006. There hourly pay is above all others in this town that would match the job descriptions.
Wal-Mart is not god's gift to us by far.....but if you do your research....and NOT on a Wal-mart site you will find Wal-mart is leading in a lot of different areas
This is not the Wal-mart from years ago.
Thanks for reading.
Posted by: Jerry | May 20, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Actually if you did your research you would have known that it was target, not walmart that wouldnt let the bell ringers on their property.
Posted by: Rob | June 20, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Jerry took the words right out of my mouth. I belonged to teamsters for the last 10 years hauling cars, and lost my job last week(company closed). I will tell you that i cant think of one good thing teamsters did for us besides shove pay cuts down our throats. I just got my application for walmart, and hope to be driving for them soon. I know a couple of people who drive for them, and they said that walmart is the best company they ever drove for (one has been driving for other firms for over 20 years).
Posted by: Rob | June 20, 2008 at 04:32 AM
(This is to all of you people who think you know what your talking about, when it comes to tires!) I am a truck driver, and have been for well over 20 years. Just because a tire blows, that doesnt mean that tire was low on air, or that it is a safty issue. I have had brand new tires blow out, its the friction and the heat caused by the friction
that makes the tire come apart. They get so hot that the tread will peel right off the tire. I am sure in some cases its low pressure.....you wont see too many tires do this in the winter months!
Posted by: jonnydee | June 29, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Wal-Mart we need your help. If Wal-Mart will install compressed natural gas(CNG) pumps at all of your stores you can help immeasureably in ending the American dependency on OPEC-priced crude oil.
CNG is our cleanest fossil fuel and much cleaner than crude. It is cheaper, abundant and an American resource as well as a mechanically superior fuel--better on your engine, etc.
Wal-Mart could be miles ahead of its competitors if it begins transitioning its truck fleet to CNG and installing clean burning American CNG all over the country.
Posted by: alamo | November 01, 2009 at 06:38 PM
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Wal-mart DOES have the small generators on their entire fleet! Also Wal-mart does not allow outside vendors to idle their trucks on walmart property.