"We’re always working on ways to improve fuel efficiency," says Steve Ondejko, president of Onfreight Logistics. "If we’re not efficient we can’t be competitive, so we are following a growth plan that includes using technology to help us increase the efficiency of our equipment and our drivers."

Founded in 1998, Tecumseh, Ontario-based Onfreight Logistics is a U.S. and Canadian customs bonded dry freight carrier. Its trucking services include intra-Ontario and cross border operations primarily in Midwest states, along with intermodal operations handling containers. The company also offers warehouse and packaging services.

Bottom line
One of Onfreight’s most recent fuel-saving initiatives was to equip its 125 Vanguard and Wabash dry vans with side skirts built by Aerofficient. “We worked with the manufacturer for more than a year to test the fairings in our operation,” Ondejko relates. “In one evaluation that lasted seven months, we ran identical equipment, except for the fairings on one of the trailers, on the same route every week. The difference was a 4% to 6% savings in fuel. In our operation, a 5% drop in fuel costs can add 1% or 2% to our bottom line.”

According to Ondejko, Aerofficient was also selected by Onfreight to supply its trailer side skirts based on the product’s hinged, three-panel design. “With drop-down docks, snow banks and other obstacles,” he says, “this design was a big advantage. We have one location in Illinois where the fairing has to fold in half when the trailer is backed in, and we’ve never had any damage to its aluminum frame, spring brackets or the panels.”

Automated transmissions
Fuel efficiency is also a goal at Onfreight when it comes to the 40 Volvo power units in its fleet. “We have Volvo tractors ranging in age from 2003 through 2012 models,” Ondejko notes. “Driver comfort and acceptance, dependability and safety are reasons we continue to buy only Volvo power units. For fuel efficiency as well, all new units purchased in the last two years have been equipped with the OEM’s I-Shift 12-speed, two-pedal, automated mechanical transmission.”

Using microprocessor technology, I-Shift continuously monitors changes in grade, vehicle speed, acceleration, torque demand, weight and air resistance, and automatically selects the best gear for fuel efficiency. The transmissions also have a Kick-Down Mode for instant power and maximum acceleration when needed, a Performance Mode for maximum gradeability, and a Brake Program Mode for maximum retardation. An optional feature called Eco-Roll that allows the transmission to disengage the engine in certain situations, such as on moderate hills, can improve fuel economy in top gear by delaying the need to return power to the engine.

Training tool
Onfreight also is working with its drivers to help them improve their fuel-efficient driving habits. Currently, a trial is underway using the FleetKnowSys telematics system from Vnomics. Installed in tractor cabs, the Vnomics solution is both a training tool for drivers and a source of data for the carrier.

“The Vnomics system continually monitors driving habits that can cause excessive fuel use and offers information that helps drivers correct those behaviors,” Ondejko says. “It’s a learning tool that leads to more efficient practices. When our evaluation of this technology is complete, we’re hoping to realize as much as a 1% improvement in fuel efficiency by improving driver capabilities.

“By continually evaluating new ideas to make our equipment and drivers more efficient,” Ondejko states, “we can keep our costs as low as possible without sacrificing on the high quality of service we provide.”  

Onfreight Logistics Tractor Specifications Model: Volvo daycabs, sleepers Wheelbase: daycabs = 170 in.; sleepers = 211 in. Engine: Volvo D13; 375 HP, 1,450 lb./ft. in daycabs; 500 HP, 1,750/1,550 lb./ft. in sleepers Transmission: Volvo I-Shift Driveshafts: Spicer 1810 Series Front Axle: Volvo VF12/spring suspension in day cabs; Hendrickson SteerTek.air suspension in sleepers Rear Axle: Meritor MT40-14X4C, 40,000-lb. capacity tandem Wheel Seals: Chicago Rawhide ABS: Bendix Tires: 11R22.5—Bridgestone R280 steer, M711 drive on day cabs; Michelin XZA3+ steer, Bridgestone M720 drive on sleepers 5th Wheel: SAF Holland FW35 Air Slide Air Dryer: Bendix; Meritor WABCO Fan Clutch: Kysor Starter: Delco Alternator: 135 amp in day cabs; 165 amp in sleepers Block Heater: Phillips 1500 watt Driver’s Seat: National Comfort Air Fuel Tanks: 100 gal. LH, 50 gal. RH on day cabs; 150 gal. LH and 125 gal. RH on sleepers

Onfreight Logistics Trailer Specifications Model: Vanguard VXP, 53-ft. Landing Gear: SAF Holland Axles & Suspension: SAF Holland Oil Seals: Stemco Guardian HP ABS: Meritor WABCO Spring Brake: Sealco Automatic Slack Adjusters: Bendix Tires: 11R22.5 Yokohama RY587 Lighting & Electrical: Truck-Lite LED lamps; Phillips wiring harness