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As the credit crunch gets louder and hauliers look to save their businesses rather than the planet, has the drive towards a greener future slipped down a gear? With minds on more pressing financial concerns, developing a green future for the trucking industry has to come with purse strings attached, delegates at Commercial Motor's Green Conference, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, were told last week.

As we all know, nothing would be on the shelves of British high streets, supermarkets  or shopping centres without the road transport industry. High customer demand for goods means a high level of trucks on the road. In the recent boom years (which may feel like a distant memory now), traffic levels in the UK increased 20-25% despite the best efforts of toll roads, congestion charging and low emission zones.

However the most carbon-effective way of transporting goods today is on the road in a 44-tonne artic, according to Daf marketing director Tony Pain. "For every tonne of diesel burnt, 2.63kg of CO2 is released into the atmosphere – and it doesn't matter what vehicle this diesel is burnt in," he says.

"There is only one way to reduce our carbon footprint and that is burn less diesel. Fuel economy, payload and productivity are basic propositions today, so the most carbon-efficient way of transporting goods on the road is in a 44-tonne Daf."

As diesel is the most efficient fuel for any commercial vehicle, Pain concludes: "The future is diesel. Fuel cells are more for cars, vans and public transport. The last litre of diesel that comes out of the ground should go in a 44-tonne truck."

Between now and then, hauliers can make many subtle changes to their businesses to ensure that every litre of diesel is used efficiently. This year fuel accounts for 40% of operators' running costs, according to the Freight Transport Association – up from 35% in 2002.

The three biggest pressures on fuel consumption are the aerodynamic resistance of the truck, its mechanical friction and the rolling resistance on the tyres. Chris Bloor, commercial director of Michelin Tyres, says that aligning tyres and axles correctly, as well as ensuring that tyres are set at the correct pressure, are the first steps towards cheaper – and greener – running.

"If the tyre is running true, then everybody wins – and if you get it right, you will use fewer tyres. Over half of tyres in the UK are more than 10% under-inflated. You should know what pressures your vehicle is running at. Regrooving also has many advantages relating to fuel economy. A regrooved tyre will run in its most fuel-efficient state for longer," he adds.

Reducing running costs sounds far more appealing from a business point of view in these economically tight times than joining an environmental crusade; however, getting the workforce's full support will require some changes.

"The modern-day truck with the modern-day driver has larger performance differentials," says Kevin Taylor, managing director of Liquid Management Solutions. "There is a need to conquer the idea that brake horsepower is king. Safer, fuel-efficient driving really needs to be embedded in the industry as a landmark and the driver has got to continue to develop their skill sets."

Being fuel-efficient isn't about being green; it is about gaining a competitive advantage, boosting your market share, putting money in the bank and keeping your workforce in jobs. But there is only so much a transport manager can do to make a fleet as fuel-efficient as possible. As with most things in the industry, the ultimate responsibility is with the driver.