IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Subscribe for e-mail updates
Print This Page Rate This Page Suggest a Link E-mail This Page HELP Find a Person Find an Agency

IDEM > Your Community > Voluntary Idling Program > VIP: Freight Carriers VIP: Freight Carriers

While the ground freight transportation system is invaluable to businesses, consumers, and the economy, these economic benefits are not without costs.

The U.S. EPA estimates that long duration idling consumes over one billion gallons of diesel fuel annually, at a cost of over $2.5 billion. Further, idling creates air pollution, increases engine operation and maintenance costs, and shortens engine life. Idling emissions can also leak into the truck's cab which can create health and safety concerns for the truck driver. When trucks idle near residential neighborhoods, the pollution and noise level can also raise serious quality of life concerns.

The Voluntary Idling Program (VIP) is set up to help your company identify and eliminate unnecessary idling habits. Some VIP Partners may also decide to purchase and install idle reduction technologies such as auxiliary power units/generator sets, direct fired heaters, or automatic engine shut down/start up systems. These devices are designed to allow truck drivers to turn off their engines without sacrificing driver comfort. Purchasing and installing these devices requires an upfront investment, but significantly reduces fuel consumption and can pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time.

Use the resources below to find out how your company can decrease our nation's dependency on foreign oil, reduce fuel costs, engine wear and maintenance costs, harmful tailpipe emissions, and noise.