New TMC Task Force Takes On Alternative Power for Yard Tractors
S.11, Sustainability & Environmental Technologies recently established a new Task Force on Terminal Tractor Powertrain options. The initial scope of the task force is to develop a recommended practice (RP) on alternatively fueled spec'ing options for terminal tractor powertrains, and to document the forms of powertrain components available for terminal tractors.
The task force held its first of what are planned to be monthly teleconference meetings on May 4 and will continue to work through the summer in preparation for its next public meeting at the TMC Fall Meeting in Orlando, Florida, September 16-20. The task force set its sights first on the all electric, compressed natural gas and propane propulsion options that are currently available to terminal operations, but is open to other propulsion options that are in the development pipeline, once there is sufficient information available to fit a five-step process model which they are considering in drafting the proposed RP. The process model under discussion would be comprised of 1) Assessment, 2) Specification, 3) Preparation, 4) Implementation, and 5) Operation & Maintenance. In addition to the powertrain itself, the task force also seeks to address the support infrastructure considerations for the different options.
The task force will tackle the development process by setting up one team to address each the three options currently on the table. Chairman Jim Schreiber, Peach State Truck Center, jschreiber@peachstatetrucks.com, is currently asking for volunteers to share expertise and to contribute on one or ore of these teams. Interested TMC members can join the task force community on TMC connect to be included in the communications for the task force.