Many fleets have taken big steps to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. They’ve invested in aerodynamic devices on their tractors and trailers, tire pressure systems, automated manual transmissions and more. I applaud them for those investments and am confident they have seen an uptick in MPG as a result of those investments.
In addition to those big things, there are a host of little things that fleets can do that will improve MPG — perhaps not as much as some technologies — but still raise the numbers up a little bit. We often hear, “if I cannot measure it, see its value in our testing, then we won’t pursue it”. But with the variation we see in over the road testing, that could mean that the technology needs to be a 3+% performer. That leaves a lot of solutions out of the conversation.
For me though, when it comes to MPG improvements, I am a big believer that every little bit counts.
So, what am I talking about? Engine parameters for one. In the first place, there are zero hard dollar costs involved in this solution. All you need to do is invest some time resetting engine parameters to maximize for fuel efficiency and then periodically review the settings to make sure they still make sense. This one is a no-brainer.
I would also suggest things like vented mud flaps, wheel covers and 5th wheel setting.
I was talking to Henry Albert, owner of Albert Transportation — who was one of the drivers in Run on Less 2017 — and he told me about moving the license plate on his trailer. I know that seems like a small change, but if the science makes sense, why not do it? What could it hurt?
If you are not sure of what little things you can do to improve MPG, I suggest you talk to the fleet managers and drivers who participated in Run on Less 2017 and Run on Less Regional. These men and women achieved 10.1 MPG and 8.3 MPG respectively over the three-weeks of their Runs. They can talk about what technologies and practices have resulted in significant improvements in fuel economy, but they also can talk about some little tips and tricks that inch MPG up incrementally.
One final thing: ask Henry about his shoes. You might be surprised at what he tells you.
