Sustainability & Fuel Efficiency
The Canadian Trucking Alliance recognizes the critical role of sustainability in the future of the trucking industry. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of trucking operations while ensuring the continued economic viability of Canadian fleets. This means working with governments and industry stakeholders to find practical solutions that balance environmental goals, including reducing emissions, and recognize the operational realities faced by carriers across Canada.
The CTA supports the development and adoption of green technologies that make environmental and economic sense for the trucking industry.
Priorities & Initiatives
Promoting Practical and Achievable Regulations
The CTA and its members work closely with government agencies and organizations, like Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to ensure that emissions regulations are aligned with technological advancements and the operational realities of the Canadian trucking industry. This includes advocating for a phased-in approach to new regulations, allowing carriers sufficient time to adapt and avoid disruptions to the supply chain.
Harmonized Regulations and Infrastructure
The CTA urges the government to harmonize its GHG regulations with those of the United States, particularly the U.S. EPA standards, to avoid putting Canadian trucking operators and equipment manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage. We also advocate for addressing key barriers such as the buildout of charging and refueling infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles.
Supporting Green Technologies
We actively support the development and adoption of green technologies and natural gas-powered engines, which provide a 20-30% reduction of GHG emissions. We advocate for policies that incentivize investment in these technologies and facilitate their integration into trucking operations. This includes supporting programs like the Green Freight Program and advocating for a “technology neutral” approach that allows carriers flexibility in choosing the most suitable solutions.
Policy Recommendations
The CTA believes that the trucking industry must be a key partner in the transition to a zero-carbon transportation sector. To support this transition, the CTA is urging the government to implement the following measures:
- Reinstate the federal excise tax (FET) refund for trucking idle-reduction technology (TIRT).
- Reverse the removal of excise tax refunds for fuel consumed by power take-off units (PTOs).
- Implement a tax exemption for fuel-saving technology.
- Better support the risk-free testing of green and other emerging technologies.
Industry Impact
The Canadian trucking industry has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.
- Since 2010, truck engines have virtually eliminated particulate matter and smog-creating NOx emissions.
- The sulfur content in highway diesel fuel has dropped significantly to only 15 parts per million.
- The industry has made strides in improving fuel efficiency through the adoption of aerodynamic technologies, low rolling resistance tires, and other fuel-saving measures.
Looking Ahead
The CTA is committed to working collaboratively with government and industry stakeholders to shape a sustainable future for the Canadian trucking industry.
- The CTA continues to advocate for a cautious and balanced approach to implementing new environmental regulations. We believe that regulations should be technologically and operationally feasible, and that the transition to zero-emission vehicles should be gradual and collaborative.
- The CTA is actively working with Canadian fleets and suppliers to document their real-life experiences with various emission-reduction technologies. This includes gathering data on the operational and technological performance of these efforts, identifying challenges and opportunities, and providing insights into the necessary infrastructure and support. By sharing these experiences, we aim to ensure that future regulations and policies are grounded in the realities of the Canadian trucking industry.
- The CTA is collaborating with Pollution Probe, a not-for-profit environmental group with significant experience in the heavy truck sector and emission reduction technologies, to develop a comprehensive white paper on decarbonization in the trucking industry. This white paper will delve deeper into the realities of decarbonization, explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to zero-emission vehicles, and identify potential pathways for the industry to achieve its environmental goals.
We encourage all stakeholders to join us in this journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Canadian trucking industry
Latest News on Sustainability & Fuel Efficiency in Trucking
Green Freight Program Announces Changes Coming Sept 12
To keep up with current market pricing and industry needs, the Green Freight Program, administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is implementing changes to Stream 1 of their program based…
Green Freight Program Announces Changes Coming Sept 12 Read more...
OEMs to CTA: Current Federal GHG Regulations are Incompatible with Needs of Vocational Sector
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has heard growing concerns from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and truck dealers across Canada who continue to grapple with the mounting challenges around current greenhouse…
Official Fed Govt Guidance on Removing Carbon Tax, April 1
The Department of Finance Canada has issued official guidance on removing the consumer carbon price, effective April 1, 2025. Ceasing the Application of the Federal Fuel Charge The federal fuel charge currently…
Official Fed Govt Guidance on Removing Carbon Tax, April 1 Read more...