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GREEN FREIGHT 107Above: Zero-emission freight trucks are already operational in EuropeBelow: Eric Beckwittlower-emission, slower-speed options, including those that use 25 per cent less fuel through a combination of emission reduction technologies and strategies.4. Backhauls: Filling empty trucksIn studies across North America, an average of 80 per cent of returning trucks are empty, and 30 per cent of all trucks on the road are empty. Freightera is working on an integrated mobile application that will enable carriers to automatically signal their availability to shippers, and optimize loading and profitability on outbound and return routes. Successful implementation and adoption of such technology can reduce emissions by up to 30 per cent near term.5. Last mile trucking: Low- and zero-emission already availableThe Freightliner Business Class M2 Hybrid, Workhorse Zero Emission and Siemens Hybrid Drive and multiple CNG/LNG powered truck engines are available now for municipal pickup and delivery of freight. LONG TERM SOLUTIONS1. Hybrid electric/wind: green future of ocean transportMultiple companies, including EcoMarine Power and Dykstra Naval Architects are developing hybrid electric cargo ships that use rigid, rotating sails and solar panels. Vindskip uses the hull as a sail. These hybrid vessels use electric power in port, and electric, wind and LNG/CNG engines at sea, reducing CO2 emissions up to 60 per cent, and cutting SOx and NOx emissions over 90 per cent. 2. Zero-emission locomotives: sustainable electric and hydrogen hybrid railWind, solar and hydro-powered electric rail provide the best solution for zero-emission long haul transport. Canadian and US rail, currently almost exclusively diesel powered, can be converted to sustainable electric and hydrogen hybrid locomotives. Shifting long haul freight from road to rail will eliminate emissions from both empty trucks and diesel engines. Combined with last mile pickup and delivery by sustainable electric trucks, electric rail can provide zero emission transport.3. Zero-emission road transportWind, solar and hydro-powered electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell-powered hybrids, offer the best long-term solution for those regions and communities that will never be accessible by rail or water. By 2030 all freight should be hauled by such zero-emission vehicles, 100 per cent renewable powered. ■Bibliography:Sustainable Freight: Pathways to Zero and Near-Zero Emissions (CA ARB)Pollution: Three steps to a green shipping industry (Nature, Feb 2016)Vision for A Sustainable Freight System in California (CCFC)The Green Freight Guidebook (EDF)Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ocean-going Ships (ICCT)Emission Reduction Targets for Aviation and Shipping (European Parliament)Contact details:Eric Beckwitt, CEOeric.beckwitt@freightera.comDirect line: + 1 604 899 4081Switchboard: +1 800 886 4870www. freightera.comABOUT THE AUTHOREric Beckwitt is Founder and CEO of Freightera. With a background in software development and sustainability, he has successfully designed, promoted and implemented large scale private and government resource conservation projects for 24 years.  Mr Beckwitt is the recipient of over 17 grants and awards and has reported to the US President and Congress. He has presented graduate seminars at Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, and others, and has been featured in CNN International, The Today Show and San Francisco Chronicle.