Different types of fuels generate different amounts of heat. The heat produced by fuels is measured and expressed through their calorific value. For a fuel to be classified as a good fuel, it must have a high calorific value, in other words, the higher the calorific value the greater the amount of heat produced by burning that fuel and vice versa. Thus, fuel efficiency can be defined as the amount of energy released per unit mass of the fuel.
Class 8 trucks are those trucks that weigh 33,000 pounds or more. Examples of Class 8 trucks include dump trucks, cement mixers, and tractor trailers. Class 8 trucks typically average 5 to 8 miles per gallon. Fuel consumption improves as fuel economy increases.
The increase in fuel economy comes down to choosing the right specifications or specifications that will be incorporated into the truck at the time of purchase. Since most dump trucks spend most of their time at speeds of 10 to 20 mph, specifications should focus on purchasing advanced technologies that improve engine efficiency. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency identified several areas that may affect fuel efficiency and published an extensive library of confidence and guidance reports on crucial areas ranging from powertrain and low-viscosity engine oils to low-rolling tires and kits. aerodynamic.
Now, the owner or president of a fleet can salivate over the potential percentage point reduction in the fleet's annual fuel bill, but as Bear pointed out, the true path to maximum fuel efficiency is one that can be consistently maintained. The fleet switched to twin tires from single tires even after being “a big supporter of wide-base tires,” Bear said, noting that this was because “a combination of fuel efficiency and dual tires improved a lot and closed that gap.” The service focuses heavily on fuel efficiency and includes scheduled powertrain, axle aftertreatment and maintenance, along with a 74-point inspection and oil analysis. The more resistance a tractor trailer encounters due to its low aerodynamic design, the more fuel it will need to cross highways. Find maps and graphs that show transportation data and trends related to alternative fuels and vehicles.
When MVT handled everything in-house, he said the company gave bonuses to the maintenance team for meeting fuel efficiency targets. To reduce fuel consumption, engines must also have adequate power to handle the load and route the truck travels. And if shop and operations objectives are aligned, trucks should be better positioned to achieve a clean state of health and maximize fuel efficiency benefits. But with the proven philosophy of “working smarter; not harder, or more specifically, emphasizing fuel efficiency in every facet of the fleet, a transportation company has at least one opportunity.
For every 2 percent increase in aerodynamics, truck owners can expect a 1 percent increase in fuel economy. It's possible with a smart approach right from the start, and remembering not to hit the brakes when monitoring a truck's fuel efficiency after a year or two of service.
