Truck efficiency solutions

Trucks are a necessary and cost-effective part of America’s freight transport system. Whether purchasing new trucks or making off-the-shelf modifications to existing trucks, a few simple choices make it possible to carry more freight with less fuel and fewer emissions.

Recommended actions, applicable to regional, vocational & long-haul trucks:

I. Operations solutions | More info

Driver training: Savings of 5 to 20 percent

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

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

II. Tire solutions | More info

Wide-base tires: Fuel savings of up to 10 percent, plus reduced truck weight. Wide-base tires are snow-capable and are available in on/off road versions.

Automatic tire inflation systems: Save fuel and reduce costly maintenance

III. Technology solutions | More info

Idle reduction: New cab comfort technologies save up to 8 percent

Improved aerodynamics: Retrofits save up to 10 percent, depending on truck and routing

Weight reduction: Lighter trucks mean more payload and less fuel

Fleet modernization: Newer trucks are more efficient and much less polluting

III. Real-World Examples | More info

Wide-base tires: Save 910 gallons/yr, payback in 2 years

Idle reduction: Save 900 gallons/yr, payback in 1 to 3 years

Trailer side skirts: Save 910 gallons/yr, payback in less than 2 years

High-efficiency long-haul truck: Achieves 8 mpg, compared to 6 mpg industry average.