Letters to the Editor: Technology, Software Trend, Idling Regs
These letters appear in the Jan. 21 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
Technology
The issue of pollution is well understood, and few today would argue the link between global warming and emissions. Being a relative newcomer to the industry, I have been astonished by the seeming lack of support for newer technological solutions to cutting emissions and the cost of operations.
Everything associated with “retrofit” programs limits gas flow through the engine, and although the pollution is trapped, the level of fuel consumed increases. The greenhouse gas components are not all captured and, with added fuel usage, these environmental threats increase.
In a high-tech environment, entrepreneurial activity is encouraged and amplified by the culture as “having merit until proven otherwise.”
The early adopters are often risk-takers who continue to support seemingly nonsensical notions because they appreciate the seed for its real worth — they often are able to bring immediate benefit and, with further investment and encouragement, long-term benefit and significant profit.
However, my sense of the transport industry is the exact opposite — reluctance and reticence appear to be the norm when faced with new ideas and simple add-on retrofits to older vehicles. The term “snake oil” has been used often in conversations I have had.
As an industry, we today have an obligation to our communities, to our environment and to our bottom lines. Operators, industry bodies and governmental departments alike need to take a more open-minded view of data-driven products with a proven capability to cut emissions and fuel consumption.
Why are we not reading about these innovations? Why is no one championing the cause for creativity? And why do we continue to wait for a panacea? If I can cut fuel consumption by 5% — why would I wait for a solution that can bring me a 10% savings that might take three more years?
Allen Duck
Chief Executive Officer
Pureburn, An A-tek Company
Berthoud, Colo.
Software Trend
I read with interest Stephen Bennett’s article on the Web-based approach to a transportation company’s wireless system (1-7, p. 10). I agree with Bill Presler that the current trend in software is “open architecture,” rather than proprietary.
The question I would like to ask is: What does the company do with the data sent back to the terminal?
You still need a system to process the information. These transportation systems also can be Web-based, with an “open architecture” allowing for ease of installation and the reduction of the requirements of staffing needed to manage a proprietary system.
It reminds me of the service bureaus so popular during the 1970s. I guess we really have come full circle.
Ken Weinberg
Vice President
Carrier Logistics
Tarrytown, N.Y.
Idling Regs
Go ahead and pass laws that make it harder for the driver to live on the road, and he will shut down his truck (“New Mexico Considering Idling Regs”). But you had better have a full pantry when you do, because the backlash could leave you very hungry.
Lynn Thompson
Owner
Coots Pilot Cars
Clarkston, Wash.
