Maximizing Fuel Efficiency: Best Practices for Truckers

12 minutes

by Paul Cotter

Nearly every truck driver knows a technique to reduce fuel consumption and boost average miles per gallon. While some techniques have been tried and true, others only seem to work for some people. However, saving gasoline is crucial to being a carrier and boosting revenue.

On June 14, 2022, the national average for normal unleaded gasoline exceeded $5.00 per gallon for the first time. On June 19, 2022, diesel reached a historically high price of $5.82 a gallon. Since May 19th, when it surpassed the previous record high of $4.59 a gallon for unleaded gas, the average fuel price has risen nationwide.

Whatever the reason, understanding how to get better gas efficiency in a diesel-powered vehicle is more crucial than ever for trucking companies and truck drivers. Driving fuel-efficient trucks is still a crucial component of success. Every dollar a truck driver conserves is money you get to keep. Keep in mind ways to improve fuel economy.

Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Here are several fuel efficiency tips to consider:

1. Watch your speed

   Every mile traveled over 60 mph affects fuel efficiency by one-tenth of a mile per gallon, according to a general rule of thumb. In comparison to a truck moving at 75 mph, a truck traveling at 65 mph will use around 27% more fuel.

2. Maintain a fixed speed

   Accelerating causes you to use more fuel. Driving inefficiently involves alternately slowing down and accelerating.

3. Create a Route Plan

   Planning your route ahead of time will help you resist the need to drive quickly to meet a delivery deadline. Planning your routes in advance will help you stay away from time restrictions that might tempt you to go faster. Additionally, it assists you in planning the shortest route so you can avoid tolls and pointless detours.

   Remember to account for both the amount of off- and on-ramps. On an on-ramp, your truck uses more fuel as it tries to accelerate. Better for your fuel economy if you can avoid them going to a fuel stop.

4. Pick up speed smoothly

   Fast, forceful acceleration wears out the engine and loses gasoline. To apply the appropriate amount of acceleration for the circumstance, anticipate where acceleration will be needed.

Commercial

5. Verify tire air pressure

   Reduced fuel efficiency and increased tire wear are the results of underinflated tires. When tires are ten psi underinflated, fuel consumption rises by 0.5–1.0% in the operating vehicle.

6. Examine the state of the aerodynamic devices

   Make sure that no aerodynamic equipment has any dents, rips, tears, or protruding parts. reduce the space between the tractor and the trailer.

7. Reduce Idling

   At $3/gallon fuel prices and 100,000 miles per year, a 10% annual reduction in idling is worth about 1% in fuel economy, which translates to about $300 to $500 per year — with current fuel prices, that amount could be nearly double. Drivers play a key role in effective idle time management. Use a sun reflector or a windshield curtain to keep heat from loading into the cab.

8. Be aware of your interval

   Depending on your speed and the state of the road, maintain the proper distance from the car in front of you. Thus, abrupt braking is reduced.

9. Reduce out-of-route miles and improve routing

   Take the shortest, quickest, and most reasonable route possible with the fewest stops to get there. Avoid the traffic during rush hour.

10. Lessen shifting

    Reduce the number of shifts you make if an automated transmission is not used. The engine revs up, and you burn fuel each time you shift. Try to change to the next gear with the engine still running at a low rpm.

How Many Miles Per Gallon Do Semi Trucks Get?

Due to their size and the weight of the items they transport, semi-trucks often obtain substantially worse gas mileage than other vehicles like cars and trucks. Semi-trucks typically get 6.5 miles per gallon of fuel on average, but some can go as high as 8 miles per gallon. Numerous variables will affect this figure. The make and model of the truck, the load size, and other factors may affect mileage. The fuel efficiency of semi-trucks can be significantly impacted by additional factors like preventive maintenance.

How to Get Better Fuel Mileage?

Men and women who start lucrative careers in the transportation sector quickly learn how costly trial and error can be. But you can save a lot of money on fuel over time by using these practical fuel efficiency tips.

• Avoid leaving your car running all night;
• When safety permits, utilize the cruise control Instead of using the air conditioning, open the windows;
• Just before starting a run, refuel;
• Low pumping pressure for diesel to reduce vapors;
• Equalize the loads;
• Take into account utilizing premium fuel;
• Use only manufacturer-grade motor oil;
• Watch out for scheduled maintenance;
• Keep up with wheel alignments;
• Keep an eye on the proper tire pressure;
• Finding the most affordable gas stations along your route;

Understanding how fuel-efficient truck driving increases the amount of money that professional drivers may make is crucial. You need to understand how driving techniques save fuel whether you are now employed by a trucking company or are thinking about a career in the trucking business. People all around the country depend on commercial truck drivers to transport their daily supplies. Your trucking business could last for many years if you follow these safe and effective fuel-saving tips.

Benefits To Truck Drivers With Good Fuel Efficiency

• Many trucking companies award "fuel bonuses" to drivers who use less gasoline than the required amount or who are among the top employees overall;
• The most frequent incentives are cash bonuses, while some businesses also give away vehicles and motorcycles to their super-savers;
• Fuel is a trucking firm's second-largest expense after labor. Therefore, drivers who successfully cut down on it typically get favor with the company and more pay, more mileage, and/or freedom;