Mercedes Mullins
Trucks are essential to modern life, transporting 80% of all cargo in the US alone. With such a heavy reliance on trucking fleets, it is important to consider the fuel economy of these vehicles. A truck's fuel efficiency is calculated by measuring the number of miles it can travel per gallon of fuel, with freight ton efficiency being a more accurate calculation as it takes into account the weight of the truck and the load it is carrying. Various factors affect a truck's fuel efficiency, such as the weight of the load, the driving environment, and driving behaviours like speeding and harsh braking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average fuel efficiency of trucks | 30 to 40 litres of diesel for every 62 miles/100km |
| Fuel efficiency of larger trucks with a payload of 23.5 tonnes | 38 litres per 62 miles |
| Fuel efficiency of smaller trucks with a payload of 16 tonnes | 25 litres per 62 miles |
| Fuel efficiency of light commercial vehicles | 9 litres per 62 miles |
| Fuel efficiency improvement by adopting fuel-efficient driving practices | 15% |
| Improvement in fuel efficiency by providing eco-driving training | 6% |
| Increase in fuel consumption due to a 10% increase in gross vehicle weight | 5% |
| Unit of measurement for fuel efficiency in the UK | Miles per gallon |
| Unit of measurement for fuel purchase in the UK | Litre |
| Example of fuel efficiency calculation | 500 miles with 19 tons of freight = 71 gallons of fuel |
| Example of freight rate calculation | Multiply tons carried by miles travelled, divide by gallons of diesel consumed |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel efficiency
The simplest way to calculate diesel consumption per mile is to use the following formula:
> Expected mileage ÷ Average miles per gallon x 4.54609 x Fuel price per litre = Fuel cost
In the UK, fuel efficiency is measured in average miles per gallon, but fuel is paid for by the litre, hence the conversion in the formula. This formula works for any type of vehicle and standard fuel type.
Freight ton efficiency is another way to calculate fuel efficiency, and some believe it provides better insight than miles per gallon. Freight ton efficiency is calculated by taking the distance travelled by the truck, dividing it by the amount of fuel consumed, and then multiplying that figure by the weight of the payload.
For example, a heavy-duty diesel engine hauling 19 tons of freight for 500 miles would consume about 71 gallons of fuel. This means one ton of freight can be hauled about 134 miles on one gallon of diesel.
The weight of the load will impact fuel efficiency, with heavier loads requiring more fuel. Research by Smith Bros. found that a 10% increase in gross vehicle weight can result in a 5% increase in fuel consumption. The type of vehicle will also impact fuel efficiency, with larger trucks consuming more fuel than smaller ones. For example, a large truck with a payload of 23.5 tons is likely to consume 38 litres of fuel per 62 miles, while a small truck with a payload of 16 tons is likely to consume 25 litres of fuel for the same distance.
There are ways to improve fuel efficiency, such as adopting fuel-efficient driving practices. Behaviours like speeding, idling, and harsh braking or acceleration contribute to higher fuel consumption. Eco-driving training can lead to average long-term savings of 6% on fuel.
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Miles per gallon
The number of miles per gallon (MPG) a truck can achieve depends on several factors, including the vehicle load, driving environment, speed, terrain, and weather conditions. The weight of the cargo being hauled is a significant factor affecting fuel efficiency, with denser cargo resulting in lower MPG.
On average, semi-trucks can achieve 6-8 MPG, although this can vary depending on the specific model of the truck and driving conditions. Some newer models with advanced technologies, such as aerodynamic design and low rolling resistance tires, can achieve higher fuel efficiency. For example, the Detroit DD15 engine in the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution is known for its fuel efficiency. Additionally, the type of cargo and routes taken can impact MPG. Trucks hauling heavy cargo may experience lower fuel efficiency compared to those carrying lighter loads.
According to one source, the average semi-truck gets about 6.5 to 7.5 MPG, while the average passenger vehicle achieves approximately 25 MPG. This discrepancy is due to the weight of semi-trucks and the nature of their usage, often involving long distances and heavy loads.
To improve semi-truck fuel efficiency, various add-ons are available, such as tractor side fairings, deep angled bumpers, trailer skirts, and specific tires. These enhancements can improve aerodynamics and increase MPG. However, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership, as more fuel-efficient engines may be more expensive to purchase and maintain.
When analyzing trucking efficiency, some sources suggest that measuring freight ton efficiency (miles traveled per ton of freight per gallon of fuel) may provide better insights than solely relying on MPG. This calculation considers the weight of the truck, the distance traveled, and the amount of fuel consumed, offering a more comprehensive understanding of fuel efficiency.
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Freight-ton efficiency
The trucking industry is essential to upholding jobs and supporting daily lives. As such, it is important to consider the fuel economy of the vehicles they operate. While many fleet managers focus on finding miles per gallon, freight-ton efficiency is a more accurate way to analyse trucking efficiency.
To calculate freight-ton efficiency, you can use the following formula: distance travelled / fuel consumed x weight of payload. For example, a heavy-duty diesel engine hauling 19 tons of freight for 500 miles would consume about 71 gallons of fuel. This means that one ton of freight can be hauled about 134 miles on one gallon of diesel.
It is important to note that fuel efficiency can be improved by adopting fuel-efficient driving practices, such as travelling at lower speeds, using cruise control, and avoiding speeding, idling, and harsh braking or acceleration. These practices can reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, providing eco-driving training for drivers can lead to significant long-term savings on fuel and reductions in CO2 output.
Overall, by focusing on freight-ton efficiency and adopting fuel-efficient practices, trucking fleets can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and minimise their environmental impact.
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Vehicle weight
Fuel efficiency is a critical metric for the trucking industry, as fuel costs are one of the most significant expenses for fleet owners. Therefore, it is essential to consider the weight of the vehicle and its cargo when calculating fuel efficiency. A metric called freight ton efficiency considers the distance travelled, fuel consumed, and payload weight. This provides a more accurate representation of fuel efficiency than miles per gallon (MPG) because MPG does not account for weight.
The weight of the vehicle and its cargo is not the only weight-related factor affecting fuel efficiency. The weight of the load impacts a truck's ability to navigate corners and climb hills, with heavier loads requiring more fuel-intensive acceleration. Additionally, the weight distribution and aerodynamics of the vehicle can influence fuel consumption. For example, wide-base tires can reduce vehicle weight, increase payload capacity, and improve fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic improvements to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can lead to significant fuel savings. In 2022, the UK Department for Transport introduced legislation allowing the use of aerodynamic features on HGVs. This followed a 2013 study that found that aerodynamic improvements could achieve fuel savings of 7% to 15%.
In summary, vehicle weight is a crucial factor in the fuel efficiency of trucks. Heavier vehicles and loads lead to higher fuel consumption. To optimize fuel efficiency, fleet owners should consider the weight of their vehicles, cargo, and load distribution and explore aerodynamic improvements to reduce drag and fuel consumption.
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Driving behaviour
Speed and RPM Management:
Trucks generally achieve the best fuel efficiency when driven between 55 and 60 miles per hour. Exceeding this speed range leads to increased fuel consumption due to higher wind and rolling resistance. Finding the ideal RPM "sweet spot" is crucial for maximizing fuel efficiency. Running the engine at a lower RPM allows it to pull the load using torque rather than horsepower, reducing fuel usage. The sweet spot for most trucks is typically between 1250 and 1350 RPM, but it's important to refer to the owner's manual or consult a dealer for specific engine information.
Smooth Acceleration and Braking:
Aggressive acceleration, also known as "lead-foot" syndrome, places additional stress on the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Smooth and gradual acceleration is more fuel-efficient and safer, reducing the risk of accidents. Similarly, harsh braking increases fuel consumption and can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Maintaining a steady speed, anticipating traffic flow, and leaving sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead help minimize the need for sudden braking.
Cruise Control:
Utilizing cruise control, especially on longer journeys, helps maintain a consistent and efficient speed. This feature assists drivers in avoiding unnecessary acceleration or deceleration, thereby improving fuel efficiency and overall safety.
Awareness of Surroundings:
Being mindful of the surroundings and planning ahead can improve fuel efficiency. For example, anticipating traffic patterns, avoiding excessive use of on-ramps, and choosing efficient routes with fewer stops can all contribute to reduced fuel consumption.
Lubricant Selection:
Using the right lubricants can also improve fuel efficiency. Low-viscosity lubricants, for instance, can enhance fuel economy by about 2%, while newer formulations have shown potential for even greater improvements.
By adopting these driving behaviours and strategies, truck drivers can significantly impact fuel efficiency, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel a truck uses per ton depends on several factors, including the weight of the truck, the payload, and the distance travelled. A truck's average fuel efficiency is 30 to 40 litres of diesel for every 62 miles/100 km driven.
Driving behaviours such as speeding, idling, and harsh braking or acceleration contribute to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the weight of the vehicle and its payload can impact fuel efficiency, with heavier vehicles and loads requiring more fuel. The driving environment, such as hilly or flat roads, can also affect fuel consumption.
Adopting fuel-efficient driving practices, such as travelling at lower speeds and using cruise control, can reduce fuel consumption. Eco-driving training for drivers can also lead to significant long-term savings on fuel. Additionally, improving the aerodynamics of the truck can help reduce drag and optimize fuel efficiency.
