The Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), a US-based climate non-profit, is driving the decarbonization of the heavy-duty trucking industry through its innovative GMA Trucking program.
Launched in September 2023, the program brings together a buyers’ alliance of leading companies including PepsiCo, Meta, eBay, REI Co-op, and Green Worldwide Shipping, all committed to reducing their carbon footprint in the transportation sector.
GMA Trucking leverages a proven book-and-claim model, similar to those used in renewable energy and aviation fuel markets, to incentivize the adoption of zero-emission trucks. This approach allows companies to purchase ‘attributes’ representing the emission reductions achieved by using zero-emission vehicles, effectively creating a market for clean transportation services.
The program is entering a crucial phase with the release of a request for information (RFI) aimed at informing its upcoming procurement process. The RFI seeks input from carriers on their existing zero-emission vehicle deployments, their interest in expanding their ZEV fleets, and their experience with renewable energy and green fuels.
GMA Trucking has also formalized a strategic partnership with the Smart Freight Centre (SFC), an international non-profit focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from freight transportation. SFC’s expertise in road freight decarbonization and book-and-claim systems will be instrumental in guiding the program’s success.
The first pilot procurement of zero-emission trucking service attributes is scheduled for fall 2024, targeting an initial volume of up to 110 million ton-miles per year. This initiative will send a strong signal to carriers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and infrastructure providers to invest further in zero-emission transportation services.
GMA Trucking’s approach promises to accelerate the transition to a cleaner transportation sector by tackling some of the traditional barriers to decarbonization, including the lack of market demand for zero-emission solutions. By aggregating demand, the program creates a more attractive market for zero-emission technologies, ultimately driving the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
