Ameer Randolph
The trucking industry is a significant consumer of fuel, with fuel costs being one of the most substantial expenses for trucking businesses. In 2021, there were an estimated 4.06 million Class 8 trucks on the road in the United States, which are estimated to consume around 38.83 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually. Class 8 trucks, which often travel long distances with heavy loads, have a lower fuel economy than other vehicle types, with an average fuel economy of 6.5 miles per gallon. With rising fuel costs, improving fuel efficiency in the trucking industry has become a crucial focus, with various methods being explored, such as utilising fuel cards and implementing more fuel-efficient driving practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average miles travelled by class 8 trucks per year | 62,169 miles |
| Average fuel economy of class 8 trucks | 6.5 miles per gallon (2020) |
| Total consumption of fuel by class 8 trucks per year | 9,564 gallons |
| Number of class 8 trucks on the road in 2021 | 4.06 million |
| Total consumption of diesel by the trucking industry per year | 38.83 billion gallons |
| Average miles driven by truck drivers per day | 400-600 miles |
| Average miles driven by truck drivers per year | 104,000-156,000 miles |
| Average fuel economy of trucks | 6.5 miles per gallon |
| Average fuel consumption by truck drivers per year | 15,538-24,000 gallons |
| Average cost of diesel per gallon in 2023 | $4.215 |
| Average cost of diesel fuel for operating a combination truck per year | $40,264.44 |
| Average cost of diesel fuel for owner-operators per year | $60,000-$70,000 |
| Federal diesel tax as of January 2024 | 24.4 cents per gallon |
| Average state tax on diesel | 34.76 cents per gallon |
| Average amount paid by owner-operators in state and federal diesel taxes per year | $9,192.28 |
| Factors affecting the average annual fuel use of a vehicle | Average miles travelled per year and fuel economy of the vehicle |
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What You'll Learn
- The trucking industry consumes around 38.83 billion gallons of diesel per year
- Diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's expenses
- Fuel cards can help truckers save money
- The average fuel economy of Class 7 and 8 trucks is 4.51-6.47 MPG
- Technologies and practices can improve fuel efficiency
The trucking industry consumes around 38.83 billion gallons of diesel per year
The trucking industry is a significant consumer of fuel, with diesel being a major operating expense for trucking businesses. In 2021, it was estimated that the industry as a whole consumed around 38.83 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually. This massive fuel consumption can be attributed to the large number of trucks on the road and the significant distances they travel.
To break it down, let's consider the average fuel economy of a combination truck, which was 6.5 in 2020. This means that a single truck consumes approximately 9,564 gallons of fuel per year. With approximately 4.06 million class 8 trucks on the road in 2021, the total diesel consumption for the trucking industry reaches the aforementioned estimate of 38.83 billion gallons.
It's worth noting that truck drivers typically drive 400-600 miles per day, and with 260 working days in a year, this translates to 104,000-156,000 miles per year. Using the average fuel economy of 6.5 miles per gallon, an owner-operator can expect to consume about 24,000 gallons of fuel annually, resulting in substantial fuel costs.
The high fuel consumption in the trucking industry has led to a focus on improving fuel efficiency. This can be achieved through various means, such as purchasing trucks with automatic transmissions, utilizing trailer gap devices, and installing auxiliary power units to reduce idling. Additionally, driver behaviour plays a crucial role, with speed limits, cruise control usage, and smooth driving habits all contributing to improved fuel economy.
With fuel being a significant expense for trucking businesses, it's essential to manage fuel consumption effectively. This includes exploring fuel card options, comparing fuel prices, and considering alternative fuels or fuel-saving technologies to reduce overall fuel costs and improve sustainability in the industry.
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Diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's expenses
Fuel is one of the most significant variable expenses for a trucking business, and diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's total operating expenses. This is because the average class 8 truck, which travels long distances with heavy loads, has a low fuel economy. In 2020, the average fuel economy of a combination truck was 6.5 miles per gallon, resulting in a total consumption of 9,564 gallons of fuel per truck per year. With the rising cost of fuel, managing fuel consumption is becoming increasingly important for trucking businesses.
The high cost of diesel fuel for trucking businesses is further exacerbated by federal and state diesel taxes. As of January 2024, the federal diesel tax in the US was 24.4 cents per gallon, while the average state tax was 34.76 cents per gallon. This means that, on top of the base cost of diesel, trucking businesses are paying an additional $0.5916 per gallon in taxes.
There are a number of ways that trucking businesses can improve fuel efficiency to reduce their diesel expenses. One way is to buy trucks with automatic transmissions, close the gap between the power unit and the trailer with trailer gap devices, and install auxiliary power units (APUs) and/or bunk heaters to reduce idling. Another way is to train drivers to drive more efficiently by driving at or below the speed limit, using cruise control, and avoiding quick acceleration and braking.
By implementing fuel-saving measures, trucking businesses can significantly reduce their diesel expenses, which can account for a substantial portion of their total operating costs.
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Fuel cards can help truckers save money
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for the trucking industry, with diesel accounting for 25% or more of a trucking business's operating expenses. The average owner-operator may consume 15,538 to 24,000 gallons of fuel every year, costing them around $60,000 to $70,000. With such high costs, it is important for truckers to find ways to save money on fuel. This is where fuel cards come in.
Another way fuel cards can save money is by simplifying expense tracking and providing tools for better fuel management. For instance, fuel cards can be used to set spending limits, track transactions, and monitor fuel efficiency. This can help trucking businesses to better understand their fuel costs and optimize their spending.
Furthermore, fuel cards can help to prevent fraud and card misuse. Digital fuel payment solutions, such as Relay, eliminate the need for physical cards, reducing the risk of card skimming and fraud. This not only protects existing revenue but also saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent dealing with fraud incidents.
When choosing a fuel card, it is important to consider acceptance, fees, and additional features. While some cards offer large discounts, they may only be accepted at limited retailers or charge additional fees that offset the expected savings. Therefore, it is advisable to select a card with low fees and wide acceptance, such as the AtoB card, which is accepted at 99% of gas stations and truck stops. Additionally, some fuel cards provide access to other products and services beyond fuel, such as repairs, lodging, maintenance, and more, further helping to simplify expenses and save money.
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The average fuel economy of Class 7 and 8 trucks is 4.51-6.47 MPG
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for the trucking industry, and diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's expenses. With the rising cost of fuel, managing fuel consumption is becoming increasingly important.
The average fuel economy of Class 7 and 8 trucks in the United States and Canada falls between 4.51 MPG and 6.47 MPG, according to data collected by Geotab. This range highlights the potential for improvement in fuel economy. Initiatives like "Run on Less" have demonstrated that implementing technology and best driving practices can achieve over 9 MPG.
Class 8 trucks, which carry heavier loads, tend to have relatively low fuel economy. The average fuel economy of a combination truck was 6.5 in 2020, resulting in a total consumption of 9,564 gallons of fuel per truck per year. With approximately 4.06 million Class 8 trucks on the road in 2021, the trucking industry's diesel consumption is estimated at 38.83 billion gallons annually.
Improving fuel efficiency can be achieved through vehicle modifications and driving behaviour adjustments. Vehicle modifications include automatic transmissions, trailer gap devices, auxiliary power units, and maintaining optimal tyre pressure. Driving behaviour adjustments include driving within speed limits, using cruise control, and avoiding rapid acceleration and braking. These combined efforts can significantly enhance fuel economy and reduce operating costs for the trucking industry.
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Technologies and practices can improve fuel efficiency
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for the trucking industry, and diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's expenses. The trucking industry consumes around 38.83 billion gallons of diesel every year.
- Trailer gap devices can be installed to close the gap between the power unit and the trailer.
- Auxiliary power units (APUs) and bunk heaters can be used to reduce idling.
- Aerodynamic side mirrors, trailer skirts, side fairings, and roof deflectors can be used to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind resistance.
- Using lightweight equipment and vehicles manufactured with lightweight components, such as aluminum or composite materials, can reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency.
- Tires with low rolling resistance (LRR) are designed to minimize the friction between the roadway and the tire, and can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
- Driving efficiently can also improve fuel efficiency. This includes driving at or below the speed limit, using cruise control, and avoiding rapid acceleration and braking.
- Strategic loading practices, such as mixing items with high and low weights and using techniques like "pin-wheeling" to maximize space, can improve fuel efficiency.
- Data collection and analysis can help fleet managers identify inefficiencies and improve fuel economy.
- Route planning can also impact fuel efficiency, as taking less efficient routes can increase fuel consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The trucking industry in the US consumes a large amount of fuel, with Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances with heavy loads, using the most fuel on average compared to other vehicle types. In 2021, it was estimated that there were around 4.06 million Class 8 trucks on the road, consuming approximately 38.83 billion gallons of diesel annually.
Trucks typically use distillate fuels, mainly diesel, which is derived from crude oil. Other fuels used include biodiesel, renewable diesel, and natural gas.
Fuel is a significant expense for the trucking industry, often surpassing driver pay. Diesel can account for 25% or more of a trucking business's operating expenses. In 2023, the average cost of a gallon of diesel in the US was $4.215.
Trucking businesses can improve fuel efficiency by using vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and by adopting driving practices that reduce fuel consumption. This includes buying trucks with automatic transmissions, using trailer gap devices, installing auxiliary power units, and driving within speed limits.
