Hirschbach Motor Lines, which provides refrigerated services in 48 states, estimates it will save $8.4 million in fuel expenses every year based on recent testing of its trailer aerodynamic devices by MVT Solutions, a provider of fuel economy testing and design, and development services for the trucking industry.
“By using MVT Solutions for testing a combination of trailer aerodynamic technologies, we are realizing a 10.5% improvement in MPG compared to our baseline,” said Brad Pinchuk, CEO and president of Hirschbach. “Once the entire fleet is fitted with the solutions, we expect fuel savings of 2.8 million gallons annually.
“Today, we will not make that kind of decision without MVT Solutions being involved. We rely on their technical expertise and background in the practical application of fuel savings technologies.”
MVT says Hirschbach sought out it services to test fuel economy on a variety of tractor and trailer components, including various aerodynamic devices from different manufacturers. In particular, the carrier needed accurate data on the effect of different trailer skirts, under carriage devices, rear trailer devices, wheel covers and mud flaps.
“We see a lot of products that claim fuel efficiency savings,” Pinchuk said. “With MVT Solutions we have reports and data that give us the confidence that we’re making better informed decisions. The information that MVT Solutions provides also lets us have more effective conversations with vendors.”
Hirschbach, based in Dubuque IA, is a privately owned truckload carrier with 2,000 tractors and 3,500 trailers. The company focuses its reefer services on high-density lanes throughout the eastern US, as well as dedicated, short, regional and long-haul service with refrigerated, dry freight and specialized equipment.
“The experience being reported by Hirschbach Motor Lines validates how MVT Solutions produces results fleets can expect to see in real world operations,” said Daryl Bear, lead engineer and chief operating officer at MVT.
“We are pleased they are using our accurate, independent test results to make such a large improvement in fuel efficiency for their fleet.”
Visit m-v-t-s.com/hirschbach for a full report on testing by MVT Solutions for Hirschbach Motor Lines.
