Mercedes Mullins
The fuel consumption of large trucks is a significant concern for fleet managers and owners, with Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances with heavy loads, consuming the most fuel on average. The amount of fuel used depends on factors such as the distance travelled, fuel economy of the vehicle, and the number and size of the fuel tanks. Fuel efficiency can be improved through eco-driving practices, route optimisation, and regular vehicle maintenance, reducing both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
How much fuel does a big truck use?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average annual fuel use | The average annual fuel use depends on the average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle. |
| Class 8 trucks fuel use | Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances and carry heavy loads, consume more fuel on average than any other vehicle type. |
| Refuse trucks fuel use | Refuse trucks are ## How much fuel does a big truck use? |
| Characteristics | Values |
| --- | --- |
| Average annual fuel use | Affected by average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle |
| Class 8 trucks | Consume more fuel on average than any other vehicle type |
| Refuse trucks | Second largest amount of fuel consumption |
| Transit buses | Low fuel economy |
| Demand response, delivery trucks, and school buses | Higher fuel economy |
| Semi-truck fuel tank capacity | 105 gallons (standard configuration semi truck); 160, 260, or 400 gallons (customized semi-truck tanks) |
| Semi-truck weight and fuel | A gallon of diesel fuel weighs about 7 pounds; a standard configuration semi-truck tank can weigh about 735 pounds |
| Semi-truck gas mileage range | 6.5 miles per fuel gallon |
| Fuel-efficient practices | Traveling at lower speeds, using cruise control, and eco-driving training can reduce fuel consumption |
| Fuel consumption calculation | Expected mileage ÷ Average miles per gallon x 4.54609 x Fuel price per litre = Fuel cost |
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What You'll Learn
- Fuel tank size: Standard semi-trucks hold 105 gallons, custom tanks up to 400 gallons
- Fuel economy: Class 8 trucks have low fuel economy due to heavy loads
- Fuel efficiency: Eco-driving training and route optimisation can reduce fuel consumption
- Fuel maintenance: Regular checks improve mileage and performance, reducing fuel costs
- Fuel condensation: Keeping tanks half-full prevents water contamination and engine issues
Fuel tank size: Standard semi-trucks hold 105 gallons, custom tanks up to 400 gallons
The fuel tank size of a semi-truck determines how much fuel it can hold and, consequently, how far it can travel before needing to refuel. Standard semi-trucks typically have a fuel capacity of 105 gallons, allowing them to cover a significant distance. However, for those seeking even greater travel ranges without the need to refuel, custom fuel tank options are available.
Customised semi-truck fuel tanks can be designed to accommodate larger fuel capacities, providing increased flexibility for long-distance travel. The most common capacities for these custom tanks are 160 gallons, 260 gallons, and 400 gallons. With these larger tanks, the need for frequent refuelling stops is significantly reduced, which can result in time and cost savings for drivers and fleet operators.
Dual fuel tanks are another option for semi-trucks, offering enhanced efficiency, safety, and reliability. By utilising two tanks, the vehicle's range is extended, and fuel can be balanced between the tanks for improved vehicle stability and weight distribution. This setup is particularly advantageous in remote areas with sparse fuel stations, ensuring a steady fuel supply throughout the journey.
Regardless of the fuel tank size, it is essential to maintain proper fuel levels in a semi-truck. Keeping the tank at least half full helps prevent condensation and water contamination in the fuel system. Adhering to a 95% fuel fill capacity is also recommended to minimise spillage and ensure safety during transport, allowing for fuel expansion and preventing overflows. Maintaining a minimum fuel level of 25% is critical to protect the engine and fuel system from potential damage caused by air entering the system.
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Fuel economy: Class 8 trucks have low fuel economy due to heavy loads
The fuel economy of a vehicle is determined by two factors: the average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle. Class 8 trucks, which are known to travel long distances while carrying heavy loads, have low fuel economy. They consume more fuel on average than any other vehicle type.
The Federal Highway Administration combination truck fuel economy has improved from 5.85 in 2013 to 6.91 in 2022. The average fleet-wide fuel economy of trucks in 2023 was 7.77 MPG, an increase from 7.62 MPG in 2022. The SuperTruck 1 and 2 programs demonstrated that multiple OEMs could achieve significant fuel economy numbers for diesel-powered vehicles operating at 65,000 lbs.
NACFE's Fleet Fuel Study found that modern production-level trucks could achieve fuel economy in excess of 10 MPG on long-haul routes and exceed 8.7 MPG in regional hauls using diesel powertrains. Some trucks even delivered 10 MPG on certain routes, under specific conditions, and during certain seasons. The study also showed that 14 fleets operating 75,000 trucks saved $512 million in 2023 compared to the average trucks on the road.
Class 8 trucks have relatively low fuel economy due to their heavy loads and consistent drive cycles. Refuse trucks and transit buses also have low fuel economy for similar reasons, in addition to their stop-and-go drive cycles. Demand response, delivery, and school buses have higher fuel economy, which reduces their annual fuel use.
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Fuel efficiency: Eco-driving training and route optimisation can reduce fuel consumption
The amount of fuel consumed by a large truck varies based on several factors, including the average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle. Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances with heavy loads, consume the most fuel on average compared to other vehicle types.
To reduce fuel consumption in large trucks, eco-driving training and route optimisation are effective strategies.
Eco-driving training teaches drivers energy-efficient techniques that can lower fuel consumption and operating costs. This type of training focuses on the driver's personal driving style and the technology of their specific vehicle. By addressing poor driving habits and internalised behavioural patterns, eco-driving trainers can promote a more efficient and cost-effective driving style.
Evaluations of eco-driving training programmes have shown fuel reductions of 6-22%, with car, truck, and bus drivers achieving fuel savings of up to 20%. While the impact of eco-driving training may decrease over time, the payback period for utility vehicle drivers can be just a few months.
Route optimisation is another strategy to reduce fuel consumption. This involves using technology and advanced algorithms to plan the most efficient routes based on factors such as distance, traffic, and road conditions. By optimising routes for the lowest total fuel consumption rather than the shortest time or distance, transportation companies can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
By combining eco-driving training and route optimisation, large trucks can significantly reduce their fuel consumption, leading to cost savings and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
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Fuel maintenance: Regular checks improve mileage and performance, reducing fuel costs
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in trucking. A typical commercial truck can use up to 20,500 gallons of fuel yearly, resulting in a diesel bill of over $70,000. Therefore, it is essential to implement strategies to optimise fuel consumption and reduce costs.
Regular Checks and Maintenance
Maintaining your truck is critical to improving fuel mileage and performance. Regular oil changes, for instance, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, prevent the oil from becoming excessively thick. Additionally, keeping an eye on the tire pressure, brake quality, and transmission system ensures optimal fuel efficiency. Proper wheel alignment and tire rotation are also crucial for maintaining peak efficiency.
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag
Aerodynamic resistance significantly impacts a truck's fuel efficiency, especially at high speeds. Therefore, it is beneficial to add roof spoilers and deflectors to minimise aerodynamic drag. Research by Volvo Trucks indicates that a roof spoiler can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%, while a roof deflector, if not correctly adjusted, can reduce potential savings. Side fairings can also save up to 3% in fuel.
Optimise Truck Weight
The weight of a truck directly influences fuel consumption. Reducing the weight of the truck, such as by using aluminium wheels instead of steel ones, can lead to lower fuel usage.
Minimise Idling
Idling wastes fuel. A heavy-duty truck idling half of the time for a week can burn about 19 gallons of diesel. Using a battery-powered HVAC system augmented with solar panels can significantly reduce idling time and fuel consumption. Additionally, using cruise control on highways can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency.
Software Updates
Software updates can significantly improve a truck's performance and fuel efficiency. It is beneficial to stay in touch with your local workshop to learn about the latest software upgrades available for your vehicle.
By implementing these strategies and performing regular checks, trucking companies can improve mileage and performance while reducing fuel costs.
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Fuel condensation: Keeping tanks half-full prevents water contamination and engine issues
It is a well-known fact that condensation forms on the outside of a cold glass on a warm day. This occurs because the glass is colder than the surrounding air, and the moisture in the air condenses on the glass. Some people believe that a similar process occurs in fuel tanks, where condensation forms on the inside of the tank and can contaminate the fuel. However, there are conflicting views on this theory.
The theory suggests that during the day, when the air is warm, gas and air expand, creating vapors. At night, the fuel and air contract, and moisture from the vapors condense, leaving water in the fuel tank. Over time, this can add up to ounces or even pounds of water, which can cause issues with the fuel and engine. To prevent this, some people recommend keeping fuel tanks half-full, as this reduces the surface area for condensation to form and can help prevent water contamination.
On the other hand, some people argue that the condensation in fuel tanks is a myth. They claim that for condensation to occur, the fuel tank would need to be much colder than the air, which is not a common occurrence. Additionally, fuel absorbs heat and cold slowly, so it is unlikely to cause significant temperature differentials that would result in condensation. One person with 20 years of boating experience shared that they never stored their boats with full fuel tanks and never noticed any condensation or water problems in their fuel tanks.
While the condensation theory may have some merit, it is important to consider other factors that can contribute to water contamination in fuel tanks. For example, ensuring that the fuel tank is properly sealed and does not have any leaks can help prevent water ingress. Regular maintenance and inspections of the fuel tank and associated components can help identify and mitigate potential issues before they become more significant problems.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel a big truck uses per mile depends on various factors, such as the average miles travelled per year, the weight of the load, and the fuel economy of the vehicle. The average gas mileage range of a semi-truck is about 6.5 miles per fuel gallon.
There are several ways to reduce the fuel consumption of a big truck:
- Eco-driving training for drivers can save up to 6% in long-term fuel costs.
- Optimising routes using real-time data and professional navigation.
- Scheduling regular vehicle maintenance to ensure tyres and engines are working efficiently.
The fuel capacity of a big truck depends on the number and size of its tanks. A standard configuration semi-truck can hold 105 gallons of fuel, whereas customised semi-truck tanks can range from 160 to 400 gallons.
