NACFE's Run on Less – Messy Middle: Showcasing Diverse Long-Haul Trucking Technologies
Key Ideas
  • The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is organizing a real-world demonstration called Run on Less – Messy Middle, featuring 13 diverse fleets showcasing various long-haul trucking technologies.
  • The project aims to provide clarity during a time of technological transition in the industry, highlighting powertrain solutions like diesel, natural gas, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells.
  • Data from the 13 trucks participating in the Run will be collected and shared publicly, offering insights on how different technologies perform under real-world freight conditions.
  • The demonstration is seen as valuable for the industry, representing the current state of long-haul trucking and showcasing the role of different powertrains in both local and long-distance operations.
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is gearing up for a significant event this fall with the Run on Less – Messy Middle demonstration. Starting on September 8, 2025, this real-world project will involve 13 fleets from various locations in North America, each employing different technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions in long-haul trucking. The initiative aims to address the industry's 'Messy Middle,' a period where fleets are choosing from a mix of powertrain solutions in the absence of a dominant option. The participating trucks will operate under real-world conditions, showcasing powertrain solutions ranging from diesel engines to zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell models. The diversity of technologies is intended to provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape of long-haul trucking. Data collection during the Run will be facilitated by Geotab telematics systems, offering real-time insights and performance metrics for public access on the Run on Less website. This transparency is expected to shed light on how these different technologies fare in actual freight operations. Industry experts, like Taki Darakos from PITT OHIO, recognize the value of such a diverse demonstration and believe it accurately represents the complexities of long-haul trucking today. By capturing data from these 13 vehicles, the Run on Less project aims to showcase the significance of various powertrains in both return-to-base and over-the-road long-haul trucking scenarios. Leading up to the Run, NACFE has been conducting the Messy Middle Bootcamp series, with sessions focusing on diesel, natural gas, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. This comprehensive approach aims to educate and prepare industry stakeholders for the evolving landscape of long-haul trucking.
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