State of Illinois
Pat Quinn, Governor
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Douglas P. Scott, Director
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Fact Sheet
Alternatives to Diesel Truck Idling:
Improving the Bottom-Line in a Competitive Market!
Reducing or eliminating the need for idling prolongs engine life, reduces maintenance,
saves on diesel fuel costs, and improves the quality of life for the driver. It also raises the
bottom-line in a competitive market, and in combating high diesel fuel prices!
Here are options that will help you reduce or eliminate truck idling:
1. TURN OFF THE ENGINE
This is the simplest way, and can be very effective. But it requires the direct oversight
of the trucking firm, driver education and the ability to quantify reduced engine
operating time and/or reduced fuel costs to help ensure policy compliance. The
company can check the engine operation data stored in the engine control module (if
present) to determine the amount of idling that takes place. Under typical conditions
and when the use of the engine to power auxiliary equipment is not needed, instruct
drivers to turn off the truck when parked for more than ten minutes. This is especially
beneficial for when the drivers arrive at their pick up or unloading destination; for
periods when the truck is left unattended, such as at a restaurant or truck stop; or during
other instances when the truck is parked and it is not essential to leave the engine
running to power auxiliary equipment or for reasonable cab comfort. The company may
offer driver incentives, where a portion of the quantifiable fuel savings be rewarded to
the driver of the truck. This is a win-win for the company and for the driver and will
increase policy compliance. An unattended truck left running when there is no real need
to do so is the most obvious target in efforts to reduce idling and to save on the costs of
doing business.
2. AUTOMATIC ENGINE SHUT DOWN
Several engine manufacturers incorporate into their engines a timing feature that will
automatically turn off the diesel engine while it is idle for a certain period of time.
Check with your engine’s manufacturer to see if this feature is included with your truck
or bus and to learn how to use or enable this feature if it is present. If the timing device
is not present, an after-market shut down/timing unit is available that can be installed,
which allows the truck to be programmed for temperature and other features. These
units range in price from $900 to $1,200.
3. MAKE USE OF ADVANCED TRUCK STOP ELECTRIFICATION FACILITIES
The growing trend in the trucking industry is for long-haul trucking fleets to use
advanced truck stop electrification (ATE) facilities. One company, IdleAire, has
facilities located at truck stops along major interstate highways. This expansive network
allows drivers to plan their routes and to make use of the ATEs at several truck stops
