A fleet's success and profitability are affected by a number of factors. But at its essence, the right truck and the right driver are the two key elements that determine the efficiency of a fleet. I originally wrote “the MPG of a truck,” but as fleets start adding alternative-fueled vehicles, mpg might not be the correct measure of fuel efficiency.
But getting back to my point, the driver and the truck are equally important when it comes to getting the most miles from whatever fuel you are using.
Let’s talk about the truck first. The truck should be matched to the duty cycle in which it will operate, especially as we move through the Messy Middle. Fleets need to do a deep dive into their operations, gathering as much information as possible on the nature of the various duty cycles in which they operate, including things like miles driven per shift, number of stops, average weight of loads, maximum weight, terrain the vehicles operate in, and the nature of the route—highway, city, rural, or a combination.
For routes that need Class 8 trucks, one big question is whether the truck needs to be a sleeper, or will a day cab do the job? That will depend, in part, on the length of haul and whether or not drivers can get back to the depot every day. One thing to note is that in recent years, we’ve seen the average length of haul drop as fleets move to a more regional haul model as a way to improve driver satisfaction.
Choosing the right engine is the next step—bigger is not always better. Size the engine properly for loads and terrain, then adjust electronic engine parameters for fuel economy.
Next, look into adding fuel efficiency technologies to your trucks, including aerodynamic devices for the tractor and the trailer, low rolling resistance tires, tire pressure monitoring devices, 6x2 axles, idle reduction technologies, etc. Many of these options will get you more miles from a gallon of fuel or more range for an alternative-fueled vehicle.
See also: Fleets Explained: What actually affects fuel efficiency?
While having the right truck for the duty cycles spec’d with a variety of technologies to improve fuel efficiency is essential, it is only half the equation. The driver is the other half, and it is equally important to ensure fleets achieve their efficiency goals.
Fleet managers need to make sure drivers understand the role they play in the fleet’s efficiency efforts. Training should focus on things drivers can do to be more efficient. Ensure they understand how any fuel efficiency technology that has been added to the truck works. The best technology in the world is worthless if it is not used properly. You can also reward drivers for achieving certain efficiency goals, which is a great way to demonstrate to all your drivers just how seriously you take freight efficiency.
Fortunately, there are many drivers who are on social media sharing their fuel efficiency wins with the entire industry; this includes people like Henry Albert, Joel Morrow, and Clark Reed, all of whom were in our first Run on Less demonstration in 2017. Encourage your drivers to engage with these freight efficiency evangelists.
When you couple a truck spec’d properly for its duty cycle with technologies that improve efficiency and a driver who is hyper-focused on fuel efficiency, you’ll have a winning combination.
