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Star Truck Program
150-001
Description: This project was initiated at the request of Tembec Inc., for assistance in reducing its haul costs. After a thorough investigation, FERIC determined that the average tare weights of the Tembec vehicles were quite high. Therefore, after many discussions, FERIC decided the best option was to build a truck that would incorporate special features to reduce tare weight and improve fuel efficiency while ensuring good performance in difficult forest conditions. Other government and private sector partners were recruited, and the Star Truck Project was born!
The ultimate goal of this research project was to eliminate nearly 20% of the annual CO2 emissions by the forest industry's trucks (more than 1 million tonnes annually). In order to reach this objective the project team undertook the following measures:
1. conducted an analysis of where the largest savings can be obtained;
2. developed an innovative approach to improve the process of specifying components for forest trucks as a function of their jobs, using an evolutionary process that builds on current designs rather than inventing something wholly new;
3. undertook a demonstration pilot project to validate the research findings; and
4. implemented a technology-transfer program with forestry contractors, companies, and equipment suppliers to encourage implementation of the more sustainable transportation technology developed during this project.
The objectives of this project were to:
- reduce the transport costs per truck by minimizing fuel consumption
- Produce a technology transfer program that will educate forestry trucking managers across the country on ways to reduce fuel consumption
- Participate in the implementation of the project's results in the Canadian forest industry
This project brought benefits to Canadians on three fronts:
1) For Canada, the net benefit from this project was a 20% reduction in emissions by forestry trucks This was obtained by increased pay load, leading to a 10% reduction in the number of trips, and a 10% improvement in fuel economy for the trucks.
2) A decrease in the number of trips by forestry trucks, which resulted in reduced road damage and increased driver safety.
3) A healthier forest industry that integrates more-sustainable practices in the operations and which, in turn, guarantee high-quality jobs to Canadians.
The Project Team: Yves Provencher and Guy St. Germain, FERIC
Project Work Report (click here)
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