Freight Facts and Figures 2009

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

Trucks are by far the largest contributor to freight emissions nationally, producing two-thirds of NO_x from the freight sector.  However, freight emissions of NO_x 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 NO_x and enable the use of advanced pollution control technologies to meet emissions standards.

Table in Excel format

	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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