GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Trucking Industry Statistics

Trucking industry reduces emissions through electrification, efficiency, and sustainable practices.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 23% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 2

Electric trucks can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel trucks

Statistic 3

Adoption of alternative fuels like LNG and CNG has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20-25% compared to diesel

Statistic 4

The adoption of platooning technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% for closely traveling trucks

Statistic 5

Hybrid trucks emit 30-50% less particulate matter compared to conventional diesel trucks

Statistic 6

The lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a typical diesel truck are approximately 2,000 tons of CO2, motivating shifts toward greener options

Statistic 7

Heavy-duty truck regulation programs in California alone are projected to reduce NOx emissions by 75 tons per day by 2031

Statistic 8

Renewable diesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to petroleum diesel

Statistic 9

The trucking industry can achieve a 35% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 through efficiency measures and alternative fuel adoption

Statistic 10

In Europe, the percentage of zero-emission trucks is expected to rise from less than 1% in 2022 to over 40% by 2035

Statistic 11

The use of solar-powered auxiliary systems on trucks can cut energy consumption and emissions, with some systems saving up to 400 liters of fuel annually

Statistic 12

Heavy-duty truck fuel consumption is responsible for 20% of total freight transport emissions in the U.S.

Statistic 13

Deployment of low rolling resistance tires can improve fuel economy by up to 3%, resulting in substantial emission reductions

Statistic 14

The use of natural gas in trucking reduces particulate emissions by 90%, sulfur oxides by 80%, and nitrogen oxides by about 20%

Statistic 15

Adoption of driver training programs focusing on eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%, significantly lowering emissions

Statistic 16

The percentage of fleet vehicles outfitted with eco-friendly technologies increased from 5% in 2010 to over 35% in 2022, indicating rapid industry adoption

Statistic 17

Companies adopting sustainability initiatives see an average cost saving of 12% annually on fuel expenses, incentivizing greener practices

Statistic 18

The implementation of digital freight matching platforms reduces empty miles by up to 20%, decreasing fuel consumption and emissions

Statistic 19

The use of biodiesel in trucking can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional diesel

Statistic 20

By 2030, the trucking industry aims to cut carbon emissions by 25% through innovation and green tech adoption, as part of global sustainability commitments

Statistic 21

Implementing smart routing software can cut trip distances and emissions by up to 15%, fostering more sustainable freight movement

Statistic 22

The adoption of renewable energy sources at truck depots can offset nearly 100% of energy consumption, promoting sustainability

Statistic 23

The shift to autonomous trucks equipped with eco-efficient driving algorithms can reduce fuel use per mile by approximately 10-15%, lowering emissions

Statistic 24

The average sustainability rating for U.S. trucking companies increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022, indicating rising industry commitment

Statistic 25

The use of bio-based lubricants can decrease truck engine oil waste and reduce environmental impact, with potential emission benefits

Statistic 26

Recycling and sustainable disposal of truck parts and batteries can reduce the industry’s waste footprint by 30%, encouraging circular economy practices

Statistic 27

The logistics sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainability initiatives

Statistic 28

The adoption of sustainable packaging and load optimization increases freight efficiency and reduces the number of trips needed, decreasing total emissions

Statistic 29

Industry forecasts suggest that by 2030, up to 45% of new truck sales in Europe will be electric or zero-emission vehicles, reflecting strong sustainability commitments

Statistic 30

Implementation of clean diesel technologies can reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, aiding air quality improvements

Statistic 31

The global adoption of connected and smart trucking systems can reduce fuel use by approximately 18%, contributing to sustainability goals

Statistic 32

Sustainable fuel standards, such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, incentivize the use of fuels with a carbon intensity reduced by at least 10% from conventional fuels

Statistic 33

The use of advanced analytics and AI for fleet management can reduce fuel consumption by around 12%, lowering emissions and operational costs

Statistic 34

In 2023, approximately 12% of new trucks sold in North America used alternative fuels or electric powertrains, up from 5% in 2018, indicating rapid industry shift

Statistic 35

The global freight transport sector contributes around 8-10% of the world's CO2 emissions

Statistic 36

As of 2022, over 10,000 electric commercial trucks were on U.S. roads, representing a 74% increase from the previous year

Statistic 37

The global trucking industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 3.4% from 2023 to 2030, increasing the importance of sustainable practices

Statistic 38

The average age of the U.S. commercial vehicle fleet is about 7.4 years, encouraging upgrades for sustainability

Statistic 39

Infrastructure investments for electric and alternative fuel trucks are expected to top $50 billion globally by 2025, fostering sustainable growth

Statistic 40

Currently, just 2-3% of the global trucking fleet is powered by electric or alternative fuels, with significant growth anticipated over the next decade

Statistic 41

The average age of diesel trucks in North America is around 11 years, with newer models being more efficient and sustainable

Statistic 42

Investments in alternative transport fuels are projected to reach $80 billion globally by 2027, significantly impacting sustainability strategies

Statistic 43

The global electric truck market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.3% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing sustainability efforts

Statistic 44

The global shift to sustainable logistics practices is projected to save the industry over $100 billion annually by 2030 through efficiency gains

Statistic 45

Numerous global automakers have announced plans to produce only zero-emission trucks by 2040, driving industry sustainability efforts

Statistic 46

The average fuel efficiency of large trucks has increased by 20% since 2009 due to technological improvements

Statistic 47

The use of aerodynamic features on trucks can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%

Statistic 48

Deployment of telematics technology in trucking fleets can reduce idle times by 20%, leading to significant fuel savings

Statistic 49

The average freight efficiency in the trucking industry improved by 25% between 2000 and 2020 due to technological advances

Statistic 50

The efficiency of hybrid electric trucks can be improved by regenerative braking systems, saving approximately 10% in fuel consumption

Statistic 51

Electric truck battery technology costs have fallen by about 89% since 2010, making sustainable trucking more economically feasible

Statistic 52

The use of lightweight materials reduces vehicle weight by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions

Statistic 53

The trucking industry’s investments in green infrastructure and technologies have increased by nearly 50% over the past five years, reflecting a shift towards sustainability

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Key Highlights

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 23% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The global freight transport sector contributes around 8-10% of the world's CO2 emissions
Electric trucks can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel trucks
As of 2022, over 10,000 electric commercial trucks were on U.S. roads, representing a 74% increase from the previous year
The average fuel efficiency of large trucks has increased by 20% since 2009 due to technological improvements
Adoption of alternative fuels like LNG and CNG has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20-25% compared to diesel
The use of aerodynamic features on trucks can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%
Deployment of telematics technology in trucking fleets can reduce idle times by 20%, leading to significant fuel savings
The global trucking industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 3.4% from 2023 to 2030, increasing the importance of sustainable practices
The adoption of platooning technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% for closely traveling trucks
Hybrid trucks emit 30-50% less particulate matter compared to conventional diesel trucks
The lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a typical diesel truck are approximately 2,000 tons of CO2, motivating shifts toward greener options
The average age of the U.S. commercial vehicle fleet is about 7.4 years, encouraging upgrades for sustainability

The trucking industry, responsible for nearly a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, is rapidly transforming as innovations like electric and alternative fuel vehicles, along with smart technology, promise to cut emissions by up to 90% and steer the sector toward a more sustainable future.

Emissions Reduction and Environmental Impact

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 23% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
Electric trucks can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel trucks
Adoption of alternative fuels like LNG and CNG has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20-25% compared to diesel
The adoption of platooning technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% for closely traveling trucks
Hybrid trucks emit 30-50% less particulate matter compared to conventional diesel trucks
The lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a typical diesel truck are approximately 2,000 tons of CO2, motivating shifts toward greener options
Heavy-duty truck regulation programs in California alone are projected to reduce NOx emissions by 75 tons per day by 2031
Renewable diesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to petroleum diesel
The trucking industry can achieve a 35% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 through efficiency measures and alternative fuel adoption
In Europe, the percentage of zero-emission trucks is expected to rise from less than 1% in 2022 to over 40% by 2035
The use of solar-powered auxiliary systems on trucks can cut energy consumption and emissions, with some systems saving up to 400 liters of fuel annually
Heavy-duty truck fuel consumption is responsible for 20% of total freight transport emissions in the U.S.
Deployment of low rolling resistance tires can improve fuel economy by up to 3%, resulting in substantial emission reductions
The use of natural gas in trucking reduces particulate emissions by 90%, sulfur oxides by 80%, and nitrogen oxides by about 20%
Adoption of driver training programs focusing on eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%, significantly lowering emissions
The percentage of fleet vehicles outfitted with eco-friendly technologies increased from 5% in 2010 to over 35% in 2022, indicating rapid industry adoption
Companies adopting sustainability initiatives see an average cost saving of 12% annually on fuel expenses, incentivizing greener practices
The implementation of digital freight matching platforms reduces empty miles by up to 20%, decreasing fuel consumption and emissions
The use of biodiesel in trucking can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional diesel
By 2030, the trucking industry aims to cut carbon emissions by 25% through innovation and green tech adoption, as part of global sustainability commitments
Implementing smart routing software can cut trip distances and emissions by up to 15%, fostering more sustainable freight movement
The adoption of renewable energy sources at truck depots can offset nearly 100% of energy consumption, promoting sustainability
The shift to autonomous trucks equipped with eco-efficient driving algorithms can reduce fuel use per mile by approximately 10-15%, lowering emissions
The average sustainability rating for U.S. trucking companies increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022, indicating rising industry commitment
The use of bio-based lubricants can decrease truck engine oil waste and reduce environmental impact, with potential emission benefits
Recycling and sustainable disposal of truck parts and batteries can reduce the industry’s waste footprint by 30%, encouraging circular economy practices
The logistics sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainability initiatives
The adoption of sustainable packaging and load optimization increases freight efficiency and reduces the number of trips needed, decreasing total emissions
Industry forecasts suggest that by 2030, up to 45% of new truck sales in Europe will be electric or zero-emission vehicles, reflecting strong sustainability commitments
Implementation of clean diesel technologies can reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, aiding air quality improvements
The global adoption of connected and smart trucking systems can reduce fuel use by approximately 18%, contributing to sustainability goals
Sustainable fuel standards, such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, incentivize the use of fuels with a carbon intensity reduced by at least 10% from conventional fuels
The use of advanced analytics and AI for fleet management can reduce fuel consumption by around 12%, lowering emissions and operational costs
In 2023, approximately 12% of new trucks sold in North America used alternative fuels or electric powertrains, up from 5% in 2018, indicating rapid industry shift

Emissions Reduction and Environmental Impact Interpretation

With the trucking industry responsible for nearly a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gases, it's clear that adopting greener tech—from electric and renewable fuels to smart route planning and eco-driving—is not just beneficial for the planet but also drives cost savings, making sustainability a highway everyone should be driving on.

Industry Size and Economic Impact

The global freight transport sector contributes around 8-10% of the world's CO2 emissions
As of 2022, over 10,000 electric commercial trucks were on U.S. roads, representing a 74% increase from the previous year
The global trucking industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 3.4% from 2023 to 2030, increasing the importance of sustainable practices
The average age of the U.S. commercial vehicle fleet is about 7.4 years, encouraging upgrades for sustainability
Infrastructure investments for electric and alternative fuel trucks are expected to top $50 billion globally by 2025, fostering sustainable growth
Currently, just 2-3% of the global trucking fleet is powered by electric or alternative fuels, with significant growth anticipated over the next decade
The average age of diesel trucks in North America is around 11 years, with newer models being more efficient and sustainable
Investments in alternative transport fuels are projected to reach $80 billion globally by 2027, significantly impacting sustainability strategies
The global electric truck market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.3% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing sustainability efforts
The global shift to sustainable logistics practices is projected to save the industry over $100 billion annually by 2030 through efficiency gains

Industry Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

Despite trucking’s hefty 8-10% slice of global CO2 emissions and a fleet requiring modernization, the surge in electric trucks—up 74% in the U.S. alone—and massive investments indicate that the industry is accelerating toward a more sustainable and cost-efficient future, transforming a heavy industry from fossil fuel dependence to a greener road ahead.

Regulatory Trends and Industry Initiatives

Numerous global automakers have announced plans to produce only zero-emission trucks by 2040, driving industry sustainability efforts

Regulatory Trends and Industry Initiatives Interpretation

With automakers pledging to go zero-emission by 2040, the trucking industry is steering toward a cleaner, greener horizon, proving that sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity on the road to the future.

Technological Innovations and Advancements

The average fuel efficiency of large trucks has increased by 20% since 2009 due to technological improvements
The use of aerodynamic features on trucks can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%
Deployment of telematics technology in trucking fleets can reduce idle times by 20%, leading to significant fuel savings
The average freight efficiency in the trucking industry improved by 25% between 2000 and 2020 due to technological advances
The efficiency of hybrid electric trucks can be improved by regenerative braking systems, saving approximately 10% in fuel consumption
Electric truck battery technology costs have fallen by about 89% since 2010, making sustainable trucking more economically feasible
The use of lightweight materials reduces vehicle weight by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions
The trucking industry’s investments in green infrastructure and technologies have increased by nearly 50% over the past five years, reflecting a shift towards sustainability

Technological Innovations and Advancements Interpretation

With technological innovations boosting fuel efficiency by up to 25%, decreasing costs by nearly 90%, and industry investments climbing by 50%, the trucking sector is increasingly steering toward a more sustainable, fuel-savvy future—proving that going green is no longer just good for the planet but also good for the bottom line.