Truckers and Trucking Companies Employ Multiple Tools for Better MPG
Semi-trucks might keep the country running, but they’re not usually what we think of as a model of fuel efficiency. These massive trucks haul tens of thousands of pounds and have a reputation for getting around five to six miles to the gallon. Like with most things, technology has changed dramatically since the inception of the trucking industry. How have semi trucks improved their fuel efficiency and how will they continue to do so into the future?
Managing Speed
The goal of the logistics and trucking industries is to move things from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, but putting the pedal to the metal is detrimental to fuel economy. In fact, going up by one mile per hour can decrease a rig’s fuel economy by 0.14 miles per gallon. Dropping your speed or installing a speed limiter or governor can help improve fuel efficiency, even if it stretches deadlines a little bit.
Improved Aerodynamics
It might not be as sleek as a sports car on the track, but changes to the aerodynamic profile of a semi truck can reduce drag and help improve fuel economy. Many new trucks are already designed with these upgrades. Drag along the trailer and between the tractor and trailer can increase aerodynamic loss by as much as 53 percent.
Monitoring Everything
Data is the most valuable tool when it comes to improving the semi truck fuel economy. Monitoring everything from traffic jams to idle time can help fleet supervisors keep their fleet moving forward efficiently. Using fleet monitoring software removes the human element so drivers don’t have to report every little thing to their team leaders.
Upgrading Tires
Fleets are starting to switch to new and upgraded tires as another tool to reduce fuel waste. Conventionally, these rigs use dual-rib tires. Swapping to wide-based tires can improve fuel economy by as much as four percent. It doesn’t sound like much, but it can make an enormous difference—especially if you don’t have the option to buy a new rig.
Buying New
Fleet owners are hanging onto trucks longer than ever for a variety of reasons. Economic realities make it more cost-effective to repair an old truck than to buy a new one, but that means operators miss out on all the new technology that is making these rigs more efficient. It isn’t always an option, financially speaking, but if fuel economy is a priority, replacing the truck with a newer model should be a consideration. Some of the newer rigs have drivers claiming regular fuel economy above 10 mpg.
Looking Forward
We’ve come a significant distance since the beginning of the trucking industry, but we’ve still got a long way to go before these big trucks will truly be considered fuel-efficient. That said, there are still plenty of ways to make existing trucks just a little bit more efficient, saving fuel and reducing their environmental impact in one fell swoop.
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