As we move further into 2023, several market trends are emerging that are likely to shape the industry’s direction in the coming years. At Northwest Tank Lines, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and implementing innovative solutions to improve our operations and reduce our carbon footprint. Let’s take a look at the key trends and implications in 2023:
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of climate change and the need for sustainability, customers are increasingly demanding transportation solutions that are environmentally friendly. To meet this demand and stay competitive, we are focused on reducing our environmental impact and adopting sustainable practices.
CleanBC Program
We are currently part of the CleanBC program where we have taken advantage of fuel savings initiatives such as Super Single drive tires on one of the trucks, and Super Single tires on one of the trailers in BC, along with two trailers in Alberta. These tires offer several benefits over traditional dual tires, including improved fuel efficiency and reduced rolling resistance. This not only saves us money on fuel costs, but it also helps to reduce our carbon footprint.
We have also installed SmartWay® verified Michelin Energy Guard mud flaps that do not restrict airflow as much as normal mud flaps do. These mud flaps have an aerodynamic design that reduces drag and road spray, which can further improve fuel efficiency.
In addition to these initiatives, we have also installed an Empire Hydrogen fuel system on one of our company trucks in British Columbia. This system uses hydrogen gas as a source of power for the vehicle, which saves fuel and money, while increasing horsepower and dramatically reducing harmful emissions. While this technology is still relatively new, we are excited to be at the forefront of this innovation and to see the potential benefits it can offer.
The CleanBC program actively monitors the industry for opportunities to invest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs that will benefit the environment. Our leadership group understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve, which is why we have been attending meetings on hydrogen in Edmonton and meeting with manufacturers regularly to keep up-to-date with their plans for the future. As the industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, we are committed to leading the way and setting the standard for others to follow.
By taking part in the CleanBC program, we are not only leading the way in sustainable transportation solutions but also setting a positive example for others in the industry. We are committed to continually exploring new market trends and technologies to improve our operations and reduce our environmental impact. By staying ahead of the curve, we can continue to provide our customers with the high-quality service they expect while also doing our part to protect the planet.