New heavy-duty truck emissions regulations, along with higher operating costs, have trucking fleet operators looking harder for additional ways to gain fuel efficiency.
Record costs for fleets have come in the form of driver pay increases and a jump in repair and maintenance costs. Add to that upcoming emissions regulations that put the transportation industry at the center of attention, with goals to speed up the path to zero-emission semi-trucks and stringent new standards to reduce pollution.
But there are many ways to increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs, including quick and easy options that bring immediate results.
Heavy-Duty Truck MPGs at a Glance
Most heavy-duty trucks have one or two fuel tanks that hold up to around 300 gallons combined.
On average, heavy-duty trucks get anywhere from 6.5 miles per gallon (mpg) to about 7.5 mpg. That fuel efficiency can range more widely when climbing steep uphill grades, which can push fuel efficiency down to 3 mpg, or coasting downhill when fuel efficiency can top 23 mpg. On a long route, fuel is consumed quickly and refueling is always top of mind for drivers.
Average diesel fuel prices have increased since 2020. Filling up used to cost around $300 to $400, but it can now cost over $1,000 to fill up the same Class 8 truck. According to the American Trucking Associations, semi-trucks burn about 36.5 billion gallons of diesel annually.
New Standards for GHG Emissions Loom
The EPA announced a proposal on April 12, 2023, to revise existing standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles for 2027, and set new, more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032. This proposed program, called “Phase 3 greenhouse gas,” builds upon the success of two previous rulemakings, Phase 1 greenhouse gas, and Phase 2 greenhouse gas, which have already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines.
The Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards will apply to heavy-duty vocational vehicles such as delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, school buses, and tractors such as day cabs and sleeper cabs on tractor-trailer trucks. This proposal complements EPA’s recently finalized standards to control air pollution from new heavy-duty engines and vehicles and EPA’s proposed rule addressing multi-pollutant emissions for model years 2027 and later light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.
These three actions align with the “Clean Trucks Plan.” By implementing these new standards, we can work towards a more sustainable future that prioritizes reducing the environmental impact of our transportation systems.
Best Ways to Gain Fuel Efficiency
From simple and immediate to long-term and lucrative, there are many ways to get better fuel mileage in a heavy-duty truck. Here are ten top ways to gain fuel efficiency.
- Use Cruise Control – Inconsistent speed can be a common cause of poor mileage. Using cruise control regulates speed and can create more efficiency.
- Avoid Idling – Idling is a waste of fuel. Find easy ways to stop idling, including using truck stop showers while waiting in line.
- Keep Up on Maintenance – Make sure trucks receive regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Neglected maintenance items like clogged air filters can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Improve Truck Aerodynamics – There are a number of products on the market that can improve truck aerodynamics and significantly reduce fuel costs, including TruckWings technology, which closes the gap between the cab and trailer to reduce drag. Other aerodynamic devices include wheel covers, roof fairings, and side extenders.
- Plan Ahead – Pre-plan your trip to avoid unnecessary stops and use the latest GPS equipment to keep routes accurate.
- Lighten the Load – Reduce excess weight by removing unnecessary cargo or equipment. Every extra pound counts.
- Don’t Speed – Drive at the posted speed limit or slightly below. This cuts down on wind resistance which, in turn, reduces fuel consumption.
- Easy on the Brakes – Use momentum to your advantage and avoid sudden accelerations and excessive braking, which can increase fuel consumption.
- Use Low-Rolling Tires – Low-rolling resistance tires made for trucks require less energy to move and can cut down on fuel consumption.
- Minimize AC Use – When and where possible, cut back on how much the air conditioning is used. AC can cause extra drag on the engine and increase fuel use.
Get Started Today
Pressure from elevated fuel prices and driver shortages, along with new legislation aimed at reducing emissions produced by trucks, is giving fleet owners and operators a lot to think about. But easy solutions and smart steps can make a big difference almost immediately. Using fuel efficiency measures can add up quickly and provide relief.
TruckWings technology can help fleets reduce drag and cut fuel costs by 3-6% annually, which can be thousands of dollars in savings per truck, leading to millions of dollars per fleet.
TruckWings is the only fully automated aerodynamic device that works without driver interaction. Drivers can count on it to deploy when the truck’s speed goes above 52 mph, and retract when speed goes below 50 mph. So, there’s no need to take their eyes off their driving or their hands off the wheel. Closing the gap reduces buffeting and trailer sway in crosswinds, outperforming even the longest side-extenders on the market today.
