Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) announced that it has completed the retrofit of its entire fleet of 4,000 tractor-trailers with TrailerTail aerodynamic technology manufactured by ATDynamics.
TrailerTail is a lightweight, thermoplastic composite fairing installed at the back of a tractor-trailer to streamline airflow behind the trailer, reducing aerodynamic drag and reducing fuel consumption by 6.6% when the vehicle is traveling at 65 mph, the manufacturer said.
MVT began retrofitting its trailers with the aerodynamic devices more two years ago. With the fleet-wide deployment of TrailerTails, MVT said it expects to save in excess of 1 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. The fuel savings realized will result in a payback period of less than 14 months on the capital investment, MVT said in an announcement.
“We were an early adopter of this technology, when nearly two years ago many of our industry peers raised an eyebrow at our decision to retrofit our entire fleet with TrailerTails, but today virtually every sizable fleet on the road is evaluating or beginning to adopt ATDynamics’ technology,” said Royal Jones, CEO of Mesilla Valley Transportation. “ATDynamics’ TrailerTails have been an integral part of our strategy to operate 25% more efficiently than the industry average in order to benefit our bottom line, our drivers’ compensation, the national economy and consumers’ wallets.”
TrailerTails are compliant with the DOT’s length restrictions for tractor-trailers, which allow up to a 5-ft., non-cargo bearing extension for aerodynamic fairings. In addition to fuel savings, TrailerTails improve trailer stability in high winds, visibility for drivers through reduced trailer spray in wet conditions and reduce injuries and vehicle damages from rear end collisions, the manufacturer said.
