Conserving fuel is critical for Owner Operators and trucking companies to increase their bottom line. Efficient fuel technologies also help to reduce greenhouse gases and improve fuel economy and freight efficiency.

Read on for recommendations and tips on reducing trucking fuel costs.

Table of Contents
Improve Truck Aerodynamics
Global Impact
Calculate Mileage
Route Planning

Improve Truck Aerodynamics

fuel saving tips infographic

You may have noticed that sleek sports cars are designed to cut through air resistance or “drag.” The aesthetics aren’t just about looking good. The aerodynamically efficient design reduces friction and provides an acceleration edge. Similarly, world-class cyclists study aerodynamics to increase their racing efficiency. On the Tour de France, for example, a cyclist aims to reduce the amount of energy they expend to achieve maximum speed. That’s precisely the thinking truckers can employ to reduce fuel costs.

When air slams into parts of a rig, that creates an unnecessarily high level of drag that makes your engine work harder to maintain a given speed. According to some reports, upwards of 50 percent of an 18-wheeler’s fuel goes toward overcoming drag at high speeds. Considering that a majority of over-the-road freight hauling occurs on highways and interstates, reducing drag is a critical area in terms of fuel efficient truck driving. Industry insiders generally agree taking these three measures improves aerodynamic fuel efficiency.

  • Close the Gap: A space of 18 inches or greater separating the tractor and trailer tends to cause increased air resistance. Narrowing the gap by using an aerodynamic accessory can reportedly save upwards of 2 percent in fuel economy. Closing the gap entirely could result in a drag reduction of 6 percent.
  • Skirt Unnecessary Drag: Side skirts are a trending option that fleets have been turning to in attempts to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Cutting the amount of air that creates resistance underneath the trailer can reportedly result in fuel savings as high as 7 percent.
  • Reduce Turbulence: Manufacturers say that a 24- to 32-inch boat tail can significantly improve the amount of rear-end turbulence of a trailer. Some say that by changing the trailer aerodynamics from square to tailed, a 6 percent fuel savings can be achieved when traveling at 65 mph or faster.

According to RTS Financial, the cumulative impact of aerodynamic inefficiency on a carrier that spends $1 million on fuel equals approximately $140,000 in waste. That’s one reason new rigs are being manufactured with a keen eye toward aerodynamics and fuel saving for semi trucks. These newer models know how to get better gas mileage in a diesel truck.

Major fleet operators such as Walmart are reportedly bringing in trucks that are upwards of 20 percent more aerodynamically improved. Top truck-makers such as Peterbilt, Cummins, and Airflow are working diligently to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. If you are an Owner- Operator or manage a fleet, drag-reducing accessories pay dividends over time.

REDUCING THE TRUCK'S CARBON FOOTPRINT

Writing for Bloomberg, Jeff Plungis and John Lippert report that federal regulators have introduced legislation to require the trucking industry to cut carbon emissions through 2027. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants trucks to lessen their carbon monoxide, or CO, emissions by about 25 percent through efficient technology.

According to Plungis and Lippert, vehicle owners could save up to $170 billion in gasoline and diesel costs thanks to this new rule. When a truck doesn't emit as much CO and other volatile compounds, the vehicle uses less fuel as it hauls products across the country. Just as sedan and SUV drivers benefit from better miles-per-gallon rates, trucking companies also benefit from increased fuel efficiency.

DO THE MATH ON MPH

One of the more difficult areas for professional truck drivers to manage is fuel efficient speed control. It’s no secret that driving at somewhat slower rates improves fuel economy. But, by the same token, the regulations regarding drivable hours of service have grown increasingly strict. Today’s truckers are tasked with striking a balance between fuel efficient truck driving and maximizing earnings.

The basic idea that truckers may want to keep in mind is that when you exceed 65 mph, fuel efficiency reportedly decreases by as much as 7 percent for every 5 mph. Many of the country’s highways post 65 mph as the maximum allowable speed limit. So, the 65 mph standard works seamlessly on these roadways. But when you travel in areas that allow 70 mph or higher, you will have some decisions to make about balancing fuel costs with drivable hours.

One way to decide whether to increase your speed above 65 mph lawfully is to do the math on how much additional fuel costs you will incur against mileage gained and time saved. The old saying that time is money has never been more true than when calculating mph against fuel saving for semi trucks.route-planning.

MANAGE TIME AND TRAFFIC

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines the number of drivable hours a property-carrying truck driver can work on a daily and weekly basis. Although the federal guidelines state how many, they do leave the men and women who haul America’s goods and materials a certain degree of flexibility.

One example of these “hours of service” indicates that professional drivers can drive 11 of 14 straight hours, after 10 consecutive hours off duty,with at least a 30-minute break. In terms of time and fuel efficiency, experienced drivers may want to consider where and when significant traffic occurs. When a truck comes to a standstill in parking lot-like traffic, a substantial uptick in fuel is used to operate in first and second gear to regain full travel speed. Simply put, a vehicle in motion uses less fuel over the same distance.

That’s why it makes sense to strategically plan routes whenever possible. Circumventing Washington, D.C.’s beltway during rush hour or crossing New York’s George Washington Bridge at high traffic times are certainly worth avoiding. Those are key examples that have localized examples all over the country. Route-planning to avoid stop-and-go traffic and construction zones saves truckers time and fuel expense.

It is critical to understand how fuel efficient truck driving improves the amount of money professional drivers can earn. Whether you’re already working for a trucking company or are considering a career in the trucking industry, you must know how to get better fuel mileage in a semi truck. Every day, people across the United States rely on commercial truck drivers to transport life’s necessities. With these safe and efficient tips for fuel economy, your trucking operation may continue to operate for many years.

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Authored By:

Kate Williams

CDLjobs.com has been a leader in the trucking industry since 1999, connecting truck drivers with companies hiring drivers. Kate Williams is the company EVP and CFO with over 30 years experience in finance.