Greening the I-95 Corridor: Sustainable Dry Van Shipping to Protect New England Coasts

Alex Buzan

Introduction: Why the I-95 Freight Route Must Go Green

The I-95 corridor plays a vital role in the US transportation system. Yet, such active traffic has its downsides. Ecology experts claim that I-95’s traffic is responsible for around 29% of greenhouse gas emissions, which is a shockingly high number.

Meanwhile, for New England, the ecological situation is becoming disastrous. While its major ports depend on freight transportation, the local ecosystem is in danger due to the growing level of pollution and coastal erosion.

So, it’s crucial to protect the fragile coastlines ASAP. And the first step towards that is the improvement of the sustainability of dry van operations.

Smart Strategies for Greener Dry Van Fleets on I-95

Sustainable FTL dry van shipping is not only about environmental responsibility. Greener practices make business operations more effective as well. Today, sustainability is the new goal for many businesses. The changes are driven both by the greener market trends and state laws. For example, new federal Phase 3 GHG standards require up to a 60% emissions reduction by model-year 2032 trucks.

Better Routing and Higher Load Efficiency

Modern AI freight systems help carriers avoid unnecessary miles and reduce idling. For New England shippers, optimized routing means fewer delays, more income, and less fuel consumption. Yet the first important thing is that such practices lower nitrogen oxide emissions.

Alternative Fuel Adoption and Gradual Electrification

Switching to biodiesel blends or electric trucks may play a major role in making trucking more sustainable. Those operators that have already started to use natural gas have already reported 5-18% emissions reductions. Yet, such fuels bring another important benefit. Hybrid systems ensure proper performance even in extremely low temperatures.

Aerodynamic Improvements and Smart Technology

Surprisingly, new technologies and upgraded truck designs can also be beneficial for saving the coastal ecosystem. Some simple inventions, like low-rolling-resistance tires, reduce fuel consumption by 10-12%. Meanwhile, telematics systems encourage smoother driving practices, which can prevent the 20% emissions spike that is often caused by aggressive driving.

How Cleaner Freight Protects New England’s Shores

Pollutants from trucks travel far beyond the highway. Harmful chemicals are entering waterways and speeding up beach erosion. That’s why the adoption of cleaner trucks is critically important.

Real Examples of Progress Along I-95

Change is already happening along the I-95 corridor:

• Fleet-level emissions cuts

  
  

  A major Richmond-Boston carrier reduced CO₂ by 14% in eight months by using renewable diesel. The plan also included adding aerodynamic, tire-inflation upgrades, and better route planning with the use of AI software.

  
  

• Electric short-haul operations

  
  

  The Port of Providence now moves 22% of its dry-van cargo with electric tractors. It leads to a significant decrease in harmful emissions.

• Regional charging expansion

  
  

  The Northeast Corridor Commission is already developing a project for installing high-power charging hubs at I-95 service plazas.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

The main obstacle to a fast implementation of greener trucking is the high price of electric trucks and new equipment. Yet, federal incentives can bring the sustainable future closer. An effective partnership is the main key to greener transportation. Carriers, shippers, and states must work together, adjusting infrastructure and creating clean-fuel networks.

Conclusion

Greening dry van shipping on I-95 is more than a climate goal. It’s the only way to protect New England’s coastlines. With a smart decision, a greener approach can also increase the competitiveness and effectiveness of the local trucking operations. Strong federal guidance, advancing technologies, and growing regional collaboration are the crucial conditions for making trucking cleaner.

Citations

Bush, E. (2024, March 20). EPA issues new rules aimed at cutting carbon emissions, boosting electric vehicles. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/epa-issues-new-rules-aimed-cutting-carbon-emissions-boosting-electric-rcna144172

Holger, D. (2024, September 20). ISO, Greenhouse Gas Protocol to align on carbon-accounting rules. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/iso-greenhouse-gas-protocol-to-align-on-carbon-accounting-rules-44ba1383

Migway. (2024, August 21). Southeast to Northeast FTL dry van shipping: I-95 corridor. https://migway.com/blog/southeast-to-northeast-ftl-dry-van-shipping-i-95-corridor/