How Can I Improve Fuel Efficiency of My Semi Truck?
As a professional truck driver, Jeff Clark knows all too well the importance of improving fuel efficiency. Jeff Clark has been a driver for Paper Transport for sixteen years. He has over 35 years of trucking under his belt. Discover how you can improve your fuel efficiency in your semi truck and gain some helpful tips and tricks from Jeff!
Why Is Improving Fuel Efficiency Important?
Truck drivers should be mindful improving fuel efficiency several reasons:
- Cost savings: Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for trucking companies, and reducing fuel consumption can lead to significant cost savings. By conserving fuel, drivers can help their company save money and potentially even improve their own pay and benefits.
- Environmental impact: The trucking industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing fuel consumption can help to minimize the environmental impact of trucking. By conserving fuel, drivers can help to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Regulatory compliance: The trucking industry is subject to various regulations related to fuel efficiency and emissions. By conserving fuel, drivers can help their company stay in compliance with these regulations and avoid penalties and fines.
- Longer engine life: Conserving fuel can also lead to longer engine life. By reducing the strain on the engine and minimizing wear and tear, drivers can help to extend the lifespan of their truck and potentially reduce maintenance costs.
- Safer driving: Fuel conservation often involves driving more efficiently, which can also lead to safer driving practices. By driving at a consistent speed and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, drivers can help to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety on the road.
Overall, fuel conservation is important for both economic and environmental reasons. By being mindful of their fuel consumption, truck drivers can help to reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, comply with regulations, extend engine life, and promote safer driving practices.
Improving Fuel Efficiency Tips for Truck Drivers
At Paper Transport, Company Drivers are eligible for a MPG bonus up to $300/month. In a YouTube video, Jeff Clark shared some of his tips for improving fuel efficiency and achieving the MPG bonus:
1. Plan Your Route
Planning your route can help you avoid traffic congestion and reduce the time you spend idling in traffic.
2. Minimize Stops
Plan your stops efficiently to conserve fuel. Jeff recommends fueling on off peak hours such as Sunday’s and before or after normal business hours because you reduce your wait time.
3. Leave Early
This is not only a safety concern but also impacts your fuel conservation.
4. Avoid Idling
Idling can be a major drain on fuel economy. If you are going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, consider turning off your engine. Jeff understands that sometimes you must idle but suggests some old school hacks to reduce idling. For example, pre-cool or pre-heat your bunk by blasting the air conditioning before you shut down.
5. Reduce Your Speed
Driving at high speeds can reduce your fuel economy. Do your best to maintain a consistent speed. Most trucks get their best fuel economy at speeds between 55 and 65 miles per hour.
6. Use Cruise Control
Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
7. Practice Ideal Following Distances
By increasing your following distances it helps you better manage your momentum. Jeff suggests increasing your following distances by 7 seconds, which increase your sightlines by 15 seconds.
8. Minimize Lane Changes
“Always make sure to change lanes as soon as it is practical, not as soon as possible,” Jeff Clark says. If you change at the last minute this causes unnecessary acceleration and braking which reduces your fuel economy.
By following these tips, you can improve fuel efficiency and focus on safety. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference over time. So, be mindful of your driving habits, and always look for opportunities to conserve fuel.