Semi-Trucks Fuel Efficiency: Average Fuel Consumption

Fuel is one of the largest costs for many transportation companies, accounting for at least one-third of total expenses. Reducing fuel consumption can significantly improve a company’s bottom line. But how do you improve fuel economy? The key is understanding the primary factors influencing fuel efficiency across fleet operations.

The Average Semi-Truck MPG

The average miles per gallon (MPG) for semi-trucks varies based on the specific truck model, driving habits, and prevailing road conditions. Historically, trucks built before the last decade average 5 miles per gallon. However, a turning point came in 2014 when the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Obama administration, established new fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks in the United States.

As a result, any semi-truck manufactured after 2014 must meet a minimum fuel efficiency of 7.2 MPG. Despite this, it’s not uncommon for some semi-trucks to achieve over a million miles in their lifetime. Therefore, the overall fuel efficiency of a fleet becomes crucial. Additionally, given that a trucking fleet might comprise a blend of trucks from both before and after 2014, the overall fleet MPG average may be skewed.

GeoTab recently released a report detailing the MPG averages of semi-trucks across different states.

The states with the top ten MPG averages are:

• New Hampshire: 6.29
• Maryland: 6.29
• Minnesota: 6.31
• Nebraska: 6.31
• South Carolina: 6.33
• Montana: 6.33
• Mississippi: 6.34
• Delaware: 6.35
• Wisconsin: 6.35
• Massachusetts: 6.37

On the flip side, the states with the ten lowest MPG averages are:

• Ohio: 5.94
• Vermont: 5.89
• New Mexico: 5.86
• Michigan: 5.86
• Pennsylvania: 5.86
• California: 5.85
• New York: 5.82
• North Dakota: 5.78
• Washington: 5.76
• Texas: 5.60

Finding the Fuel Efficiency Champions: Trucks with Outstanding MPG

If you own and manage a fleet of trucks, it’s crucial to recognize that these vehicles represent a significant investment. Your decision should be well-informed, considering a brand-new heavy-duty usually ranges from $100,000 to $200,000. Fuel efficiency should undeniably be a priority among the many factors to consider. To guide your decision, here are some of the best-performing semi-trucks in terms of miles per gallon, as noted by

Freightliner Cascadia Evolution: This semi-truck is one of the best when it comes to fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 10 miles per gallon. Not only is the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution more fuel-efficient compared to earlier commercial truck models, but it also boasts advanced aerodynamic enhancements.

Peterbilt 570: Coming in just shy of 10 MPG is the Peterbilt 579. While maintaining the classic Peterbilt style, it incorporates new aerodynamic components like its hood, bumper, and air dam to slice through wind resistance and promote fuel economy.

Kenworth T680: The Kenworth T680 Advantage delivers fuel savings of approximately 9 MPG. Its innovative design elements, including side extenders, air deflectors, and wheel covers, all work together to enhance efficiency. The optimized engine and transmission also provide power while conserving fuel.

Mack Pinnacle: With a fuel economy of almost 8 MPG, the Mack Pinnacle supports heavier loads while remaining wind-resistant. Its low center of gravity, axle-forward cab design, and aerodynamic shape contribute to improved MPG and stability at highway speeds.

Factors Influencing Fuel Mileage: Design and Driver Behavior

Improving fleet fuel management begins with understanding the factors that influence fuel mileage. To improve your fleet’s fuel efficiency, you must address two primary areas: the semi-truck’s design and the driver’s behavior. Let’s delve deeper into how each affects fuel economy.

Truck Design

Modern truck models have embraced technologies and design strategies that can significantly enhance a semi-truck’s fuel efficiency. When selecting a semi-truck, be on the lookout for:

• Turbocharged Engines: These modern engines optimize fuel efficiency by delivering torque when necessary.
• Aerodynamic Design: Aerodynamics can heavily impact fuel efficiency, accounting for up to 50% of the overall fuel economy. Trucks with sleek, pointed fronts and cabs are designed to reduce drag, leading to better fuel efficiency.
• Tapered Trailers: Trailers with a boat-tail design, narrowing at the rear, often show better fuel efficiency than traditional boxed trailers.
• Automated Manual Transmissions: These transmissions can amplify fuel efficiency by up to 30%, reducing driver errors in gear selection.

Driver Behavior

A well-designed vehicle can only go so far; the driver’s habits significantly determine fuel efficiency. For optimal fuel economy across your fleet, fleet managers must consistently guide drivers toward fuel-efficient driving practices.

Areas to focus on when training drivers:

• Speeding
• Rapid acceleration:
• Excessive idling
• Riding the brakes downhill
• Tire maintenance
• Vehicle Preparation

Conclusion

Semi-truck fuel efficiency is vital for optimizing operations and costs. For that, you must be able to track, analyze, and assess your fuel usage and costs. While heavy loads and long hauls require substantial fuel, MPG can be improved through truck design and driver habits. Investing in fuel efficiency provides major rewards, both financial and environmental.