This paper discusses observations that were conducted to determine activity which affects emissions and fuel consumption associated with the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection process enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The purpose of the study is to provide FMCSA with a set of emission rate and fuel consumption data to assist in quantifying the environmental and fuel costs associated with safety inspections and certain aspects of the Commercial Vehicle Information and Networks (CVISN) program. Data was collected to determine the average idle and soak time associated with the safety inspection process. Also, drive schedule data was obtained of CMVs entering, operating within, and exiting the inspection facilities. Observations were conducted to determine activity which affects emissions and fuel consumption associated with the CMV inspection process enforced by the FMCSA. A collection of CMV activity data at weigh stations within the United States (U.S.) interior and ports of entry at the U.S. and Mexico border was initiated. Observations of CMV activity included vehicle idling, engine starts, soak time, on/off ramp activity, queuing, and weigh station by-passes. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) was utilized to establish emission rates and fuel consumption estimates associated with the activity data collected. A key component in data collection was to develop an understanding of the type of activity associated with the inspection process and CVISN implementation. CMV idle time during the inspection is just one source of emissions and fuel consumption during the process. Anytime a CMV is inspected at a fixed site location (typically a weigh station) a CMV will need to exit onto an off-ramp, wait in the weigh-in queue, and leave the facility, which also generate emissions and consume fuel which needs to be considered.
展开▼
