Unnecessary idling wastes fuel.That's a hard statement to argue with. According to Department of Energy (DOE) figures, the amount of fuel burned doing virtually no work is more than 875 million gallons annually. At a conservative $1.45 per gallon, that costs the long-haul segment of our industry $1,268,750,000 annually.

Bringing that down to the individual truck, just six extra hours of idling per day, six days a week for 48 weeks will burn 1,728 gallons, assuming only one gallon per hour. That could be costing you more than $2,500 extra per year.

What could you do with an extra $2,500? You could invest in an auxiliary power unit or a fuel-fired heater system. You can add an inverter-charger to take advantage of the increasing number of truckstops that are electrifying parking areas so trucks can plug in. With these devices performing the tasks you would otherwise idle your engine for, you'll not only save fuel, but also wear and tear on your $25,000 to $35,000 engine.

The Diesel Idling Reduction Partnership (DIRP) encourages reduced idling. Note that the operative term is "reduced." No one expects idling to be totally eliminated. DIRP (www.stopidling.org) is a grassroots industry trade organization made up of idling reduction equipment manufacturers, truck operators, equipment resellers and government representatives.

Here are some idling alternatives to consider:

Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)

APUs provide electric and mechanical power for all functions normally provided by the main propulsion engine (except motive power) when that engine is off. APUs provide cab heat, keep the main engine warm, charge batteries, operate the electrical system and the OEM-installed air conditioner. APUs drive the same climate-controlling components as the main engine.

Generators

Sometimes called "gen sets," generators use small diesel engines, operating at their most efficient speeds, to drive electrical generators. The electricity is then used to power electric heaters and air conditioners, and to charge batteries. Gen sets power any systems that are added. They let you operate when factory-installed systems no longer work because the main engine is turned off. Most generators and APUs have their engine's cooling systems plumbed into the truck's main engines, to keep those engines warm with reclaimed waste heat.

Truckstop Electrification

Also called "shorepower," household electric current (110/120 volt AC) is a quiet, clean way to power your comfort and convenience items and keep batteries charged. Inverter-chargers let you power AC accessories from 12-volt batteries when shorepower is not available. When it is, they recharge your batteries.

Trucks can be wired with integrated shorepower receptacles, with ground fault and open neutral protection, to AC outlets throughout your cab. With the right combination of isolated deep-cycle and starting batteries, you can run heaters or air conditioning. Inverters can also be used with generators.

IdleAire is a system being installed at truckstops nationwide, including the San Antonio TA in Texas. These giant yellow tubes, brought into the cab, let you turn off your engine but keep the engine heated and your personal electronics turned on. The tubes also provide fresh air-conditioned or heated air, and TV and Internet access. Go to www.idleaire.com for details.

Fuel-Fired Heaters

There are two types of fuel-fired heaters: air heaters and coolant heaters. Each consumes a tiny fraction of the diesel needed to idle the main engine. Air heaters warm sleeper cabs, and can be regulated with a thermostat or a simple on-off switch. Often mounted just under the bunk, heated air is delivered through multiple heat outlets configured for the specific cab. Coolant heaters can be in tool boxes or compartments. They have their own pump to circulate heated coolant through the engine. When desired, they can pump coolant through heat exchangers in the cab and sleeper. If used to warm the sleeper, consideration should be given to the current draw of the truck's HVAC fans.

Idle-Limiting Devices

These devices reduce idling by operating the main engine only when necessary to maintain battery charge, engine coolant temperature and sometimes cab temperature. They shut the engine off when it's not needed. Sensors measure critical functions and signal the Idle Limiting Devices when to start and stop the engine.