Office of Operations Freight Management and Operations

Freight Facts and Figures 2009

Table 5-13. Current and Projected Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions by Freight Transportation Mode: 2002, 2010, and 2020

Trucks are by far the largest contributor to freight emissions nationally, producing two-thirds of NOx from the freight sector.  However, freight emissions of NOx are forecast to decline by almost two-thirds over the next two decades.  Beginning in June 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency required the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in heavy-duty trucks and other diesel-powered highway vehicles. ULSD will reduce emissions of NOx and enable the use of advanced pollution control technologies to meet emissions standards.

Table in Excel format

Blank cell. Tons
2002
Tons
2010
Tons
2020
Percent
change,
2002-2010
Percent
change,
2002-2020
Heavy-duty trucks 3,782,000 2,186,900 662,600 -42 -82
Freight rail 857,200 563,200 486,400 -34 -43
Commercial marine 1,011,000 987,200 938,600 -2 -7
Air freight 8,200 10,000 12,400 22 51
Total freight 5,658,400 3,747,299 2,099,999 -34 -63

Source:

U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Assessing the Effects of Freight Movement on Air Quality at the National and Regional Level, Final Report (Washington, DC: 2005), available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/freightaq/ as of April 1, 2009.

 


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