Truck efficiency solutions

I. Operations solutions

Driver training: There’s always more to learn.
Savings from 5 to 20 percent

Driver training programs can increase fuel economy by 5 percent or higher, with some drivers seeing increases up to 25 percent. Fuel-efficient drivers practice:

• Progressive shifting
• Engine speed optimization
• Idle reduction
• Smoother braking and acceleration
• Anticipatory driving
• Speed control
• Optimal gearing

Reducing highway speed: Lowering highway speed by 5 mph can save 7 percent or more

• Lowering vehicle speeds also reduces engine wear and brake maintenance
• Less maintenance keeps revenue-earning equipment on the road instead of in the shop
• Fleets nationwide are adopting speed limits and speed incentives as an easy, low-cost option to reduce fuel use

Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT): Cut total VMT with fewer empty trips

• Optimize logistics to ensure that every mile traveled is as full as it can be. By coordinating with customers and other shippers, truck operators can identify back-hauls that eliminate the need for a truck to return empty after a delivery.
• Optimized delivery routing can reduce extra miles traveled during delivery trips