OTTAWA, Ontario (March 16, 2010) — Natural Resources Canada (NRC) — an agency similar to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — is exploring the possibility of developing a fuel-efficiency labeling program for truck tires.
NRC is surveying trucking fleets across Canada, with the assistance of the Canadian Trucking Assocation (CTA), to determine fleets' buying habits.
In announcing the study, NRC noted improved tire technology can help reduce the trucking sector's carbon footprint through enhanced fuel efficiency.
Among the questions NRC is asking fleets are:
* How and where they purchase tires;
* Features you look for in a tire for both tractors and trailers;
* Issues regarding retreaded tires;
* Managing the purchasing and maintenance of tires;
* Experiences with single and fuel-efficient tires; and
* Awareness of SmartWay and other labeling programs; etc.
“This is an important opportunity for the industry to educate government on our sector,” said CTA CEO David Bradley. “The creation of a tire-labeling program, in and of itself, is helpful to the industry but it would also be beneficial to the possible introduction of a rebate system based on this labeling program.”
Carriers participating in the survey are assured of anonymity, the CTA said, as all results will be reported to the government in aggregate form. The survey is being conducted online. The closing date is March 31.