CN develops fuel-saving container chassis
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefCanadian National announced Monday that it plans to launch in April a new container chassis, EcoRide, that’s expected to reduce fuel consumption inthe trucking of containers to and from its intermodal terminals by 8% to 10%.
CN said the new chassis, developed along with a Canadian supplier, is equipped with features “that reduce fuel consumption, hence greenhouse gas emissions; side skirts to reduce aerodynamic drag, a weight 15% less than conventional CN chassis; and low-rolling resistance tires on each axle instead of the normal four tires per axle.”
Jean-Jacques Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, said: “CN stands for innovation and is continuously looking for ways to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. After the successful launch last year of EcoTherm, our new greener insulated container, the CN team started to explore other opportunities to provide customers better supply chain solutions that reduce carbon emissions.
“CN’s next steps in environmental innovation will include testing hybrid container cranes, in-terminal hybrid trucks, and energy efficient generators. CN is deploying the hybrid shunt trucks in ground switching of containers on chassis at our Brampton Intermodal Terminal this month.”
