By the Manitoba Trucking Association

Members of the Manitoba Trucking Association have identified two main priorities for our industry: human resources and the environment.

These are generally the two main areas in which we spend the bulk of our time. As an environmental initiative, a significant investment in the Efficient Trucking Program has been underway the last two years. This program has helped push Manitoba’s trucking industry onto a greener path through investment and collaboration between government and industry.

In Manitoba, it is estimated that approximately one third of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation; within that, the trucking industry is responsible for approximately 20% of emissions. This means that overall, Manitoba’s trucking industry is responsible for roughly 7% of the province’s total greenhouse gas emissions. We have work to do.

In late 2019, the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada reached a funding deal to support the Efficient Trucking Program, an opportunity for members of Manitoba’s trucking industry to invest in proven greenhouse-gas reducing technologies so we could reduce our carbon footprint. This promised funding was initially for three years (three separate intakes) to the tune of $12 million.

What is the Efficient Trucking Program? This program provides rebates for eligible applicants who installed fuel saving devices or technologies related to tire and rolling resistance, aerodynamic technology and anti-idling technology of their heavy-duty vehicles or trailers. Once participants determine their eligibility and complete the application, they could see up to 50% of the associated costs (purchase and install) refunded back to them. Eligible participants had to be (among other requirements) private sector for-profit organizations with a valid Manitoba National Safety Code or Safety Fitness Certificate and be the registered owner/lessee of the vehicle or trailer for which upgrades were being considered. Eligible investments included tire pressure monitoring systems, low rolling resistant tires, aerodynamics, and auxiliary power units (APUs).

Shortly after the program was first announced, the first intake opened up; unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit at around the same time. This undoubtedly had an impact on that first intake as carriers faced many, many challenges at that time. The balancing act of operations under COVID-19 and trying to keep businesses progressing in other areas such as environmental investment was difficult. Even with these additional challenges, $2 million was refunded to eligible applicants.

In 2021, we saw the second, third, and fourth intakes occur. The first two intakes last year resulted in almost $5 million returned to industry participants in government incentives. Preliminary analysis of data from the third intake of the ETP shows that participants’ vehicles will experience estimated average fuel savings of 2.2% and an estimated total GHG reduction of 8,000 tonnes (based on the service life of the equipment purchased through the program). The fourth intake had sixty successful applicants, with almost two million dollars in rebates provided to the heavy-duty vehicle sector.

That brings us to 2022, where the fifth intake closed at the end of March. While we don’t have details about the uptake of this intake, we do know that there was approximately $4 million remaining in the initial fund for carriers to access.

While the industry has had a challenging time balancing trucking as it relates to COVID-19, and trucking in general, that industry and governments have invested millions of dollars to retro-fit and invest in equipment to lessen the carbon footprint of our industry is a sign that there is a desire on the part of Manitoba’s trucking industry members to go green. Whether that is investing in the technologies eligible under this program, buying new equipment that is more efficient from the outset, or researching and seeking out new infrastructure to support a greener industry, Manitoba’s trucking industry is looking ahead to ensure we are making a positive difference in the world.