Matching axles, ratios and loads to increase fuel efficiency
A major initiative in the trucking industry continues to be the concept of downspeeding, or maximizing available engine torque while minimizing engine RPMs and fuel requirements. “By focusing on maximizing downspeeding, the fleet owner has the best chance of improving fuel efficiency,” explains Tom Lehman, product manager for Detroit Components. “Along with Detroit DD15 or
Fuel efficiency increases continue for progressive fleets
A recent study from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and Carbon War Room followed 17 fleets and found that they saved $500 million in fuel compared to the national average in 2015, thanks to their adoption of various fuel efficiency technologies. These fleets also saw a 3% improvement in fuel economy compared
Fuel efficiency: where the rubber meets the road
There are significant fuel savings to be had by specifying the right tires. Fleet Equipment asked tire makers to weigh in on the tire designs and compounds that can help fleets save fuel. “Tires are third on the list of the top 10 controllable fuel economy factors,” says Roger Best, project engineer for Bridgestone Tires.
Volvo unveils SuperTruck, touts fuel efficiency advancements
Volvo Trucks North America has unveiled its new SuperTruck demonstrator, which the company announced has achieved a freight efficiency improvement of 88%, exceeding the 50% improvement goal set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program. According to Volvo, the SuperTruck tractor-trailer combination boosted fuel efficiency by 70%—exceeding 12 MPG, with some test runs showing more than 13 MPG—in
Fleets, industry leaders react to new fuel efficiency standards
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released their final Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 regulations requiring increased efficiency and fuel economy in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector from 2019 to 2027. The standards include phased-in reductions of up to 25% in GHG emissions from tractors and vocational
Six tips for maximizing heavy-duty truck fuel efficiency
Despite the relative reduction in the price of fuel over the past two years, fuel continues to be the No. 1 cost of operating a fleet. As such, fleet managers are continuously looking for new ways to reduce fuel consumption. Here are some practical tips that can help: 1. Actively coach driver behavior while they are
How to deliver fuel efficiency, driver comfort with engine-off technology
Keeping drivers comfortable while on the road and ensuring fuel efficiency is a tricky balance for fleet managers, especially in cooler climates. After all, weather conditions already offer plenty of challenges, and the last thing anyone wants at the end of the day is a cold, uncomfortable cab. Being faced with a cold engine that
Maintenance tips to improve fuel efficiency
Truck fuel efficiency is no simple matter with many factors to consider. Some of them are out of fleet managers’ control such as weather, traffic or required routes, but many factors can be controlled, like powertrain specifications, vehicle aerodynamics and driver training. Proper maintenance can also positively impact fuel economy. Industry research shows that proper
Is your fleet’s fuel efficiency improving?
How do you really know that you’ve improved your fleet’s efficiency? On practically every page of any given issue of Fleet Equipment, we detail all the latest equipment options that aim to boost fleet efficiency—from engine and aerodynamic improvements to telematics and service solutions. As a fleet manager, you’re looking for any and every edge over
Roll on, efficiency: Tires and fuel efficiency
Any time we talk about increasing the trailer part of the fuel efficiency equation, the conversation immediately turns to aerodynamics and light-weighting. But let’s not forget that the proposed rule making also mentions low rolling resistance tires and tire pressure systems. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the North American Council for Freight