Volkswagen fines to fund "clean truck" initiatives

Volkswagen's admission last year that millions of its vehicles had been outfitted with software used to cheat on emissions tests resulted in a big ding to its polished corporate image.

Volkswagen's pain may turn out to be the logistics industry's gain, however, thanks to the company's $15 billion legal settlement with U.S. regulators, according to Reuters. To reduce the impact of the extra greenhouse gases pumped out by dirty VW engines, $2.7 billion of those funds will be earmarked for an "environmental remediation fund" aimed at cutting diesel pollution.

Under terms of the plan, individual states can use the money to replace older vehicles with new models featuring better exhaust scrubbing technology (or to retrofit the older vehicles). Qualifying vehicles include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, ocean-going vessels, freight switchers, airport ground support vehicles, tugboats, ferries, and transit buses.

So, if you notice the air's a little less hazy around your local warehouse, freight yard, or seaport next year, you might want to tip your hat to the next Audi, Porsche, or Volkswagen you pass.