Regan Brown
Semi-trucks have been manufactured with side-mounted diesel fuel tanks since the 1940s. These tanks are located just below the passenger cab and carry 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel each. While the trucking industry is always mindful of costs, fuel efficiency is also a significant concern. The average semi-truck gets 6.5 to 7.5 miles per gallon, and factors such as cargo weight and route can impact fuel efficiency. To improve fuel economy, drivers should choose the shortest route to their destination and use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Given the safety concerns associated with side-mounted fuel tanks, it is crucial to understand how to fuel a semi-truck properly and maximize its efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk associated with side-mounted fuel tanks | High risk of explosion and fire when tanks are ruptured |
| Fuel tank capacity of a typical semi-truck | 105 gallons |
| Custom semi-truck tank capacities | 160 gallons, 260 gallons, or 400 gallons |
| Semi-truck fuel efficiency | 6.5 to 7.5 miles per gallon |
| Average vehicle fuel efficiency | 25 miles per gallon |
| Factors affecting semi-truck fuel efficiency | Weight, cargo type, routes, and driving style |
| Fuel tank weight | Around 735 pounds at capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Semi-truck fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a key concern for semi-trucks, as it is for any vehicle, but even more so given the trucking industry's focus on costs and the amount of fuel these large vehicles consume. The average semi-truck gets about 6.5 to 7.5 miles per gallon (MPG), while the average vehicle gets about 25 MPG. This is a significant difference, and it's mostly due to the weight of the truck.
The fuel efficiency of semi-trucks can vary widely depending on the specific model and how it is driven. Newer semi-trucks have advanced technologies such as aerodynamic design, low rolling resistance tires, and electronic systems to optimise engine performance, which can achieve higher fuel efficiency. The type of cargo and the routes taken can also impact fuel efficiency. For example, a truck hauling heavy cargo will likely have lower fuel efficiency than a truck carrying lighter cargo.
There are several ways to improve the fuel efficiency of semi-trucks:
- Choose the most direct route to your destination.
- Avoid excessive acceleration and braking, and use cruise control when possible to maintain a constant speed.
- Plan your trip to avoid traffic jams and rough terrain.
- Keep up with preventative maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, to reduce engine strain and improve performance.
- Minimise the use of air conditioning, especially during city driving or stop-and-go traffic.
- Reduce speed—operating at speeds above 75 mph uses 27% more fuel than travelling at 65 mph.
- Use your brakes sparingly, allowing the truck's natural momentum to carry you through stops.
- Minimise idling—turning off your truck when you don't need to keep it running can save fuel.
- Ensure proper tyre inflation—under-inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency.
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Cost of fuel
The cost of fuel for a semi-truck varies widely depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of vehicle and its fuel efficiency play a significant role. Semi-trucks have different models and brands, each with unique fuel tank capacities and fuel economy rates. The average semi-truck gets about 6.5 to 7.5 miles per gallon (MPG), although this can range from 5 to 8 MPG depending on the model and driving conditions. Newer semi-trucks with advanced technologies, such as aerodynamic design and low rolling resistance tires, can achieve higher fuel efficiency. Additionally, the type of cargo and the routes taken can impact fuel efficiency, with denser cargo and less optimal routes leading to lower MPG.
The price of diesel fuel is another critical factor in determining the cost of fueling a semi-truck. In the United States, the average price of diesel has been around $3.50 per gallon, but this price can fluctuate over time and vary across different regions. Factors influencing diesel prices include crude oil prices, refinery costs, market demand, and taxes. Therefore, fleet operators and independent truckers need to monitor these fluctuations to manage their fuel spending effectively.
The cost of filling a single tank on a semi-truck can be substantial due to the large fuel tank capacities of these vehicles. A commercial semi-truck tank typically holds between 125 and 300 gallons of diesel per tank, and most rigs have dual tanks. Using the average US diesel price of $3.50 per gallon, filling a single 150-gallon tank would cost approximately $525. If a truck has two tanks, the cost doubles to about $1,050 for a full refuel. This cost will scale up or down depending on the actual capacity of the truck's tanks and the prevailing diesel price.
To optimize fuel efficiency and manage costs, semi-truck drivers and fleet operators can employ several strategies. Choosing the most direct route to a destination, using cruise control to maintain a constant speed, and avoiding excessive acceleration and braking can all help improve fuel economy. Regular maintenance and pre-trip inspections of the vehicle are also essential for safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents. By considering these factors and staying informed about fuel prices and market trends, those in the trucking industry can make more profitable and environmentally responsible decisions.
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Environmental impact
The trucking industry has a significant environmental impact due to the fuel inefficiency of semi trucks. The average semi-truck gets about 6.5 to 7.5 miles per gallon (MPG), while the average vehicle gets about 25 MPG. The significant difference in fuel economy between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles is attributable to weight. The trucking industry is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation being the leading source of these emissions in the United States. Carbon dioxide is the most obvious form of pollution from trucking, with one gallon of diesel fuel releasing just over 22 pounds of carbon dioxide.
However, there are efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the trucking industry. New technologies and regulations are being implemented to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. For example, newer semi-trucks have advanced technologies such as aerodynamic design, low rolling resistance tires, and electronic systems to optimize engine performance, all of which can improve fuel efficiency. Large truck fleets can also shift to alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, which has a similar carbon dioxide output to traditional diesel fuel but is made from plant matter, so its carbon content recently came out of the atmosphere.
Additionally, electric vehicles are being tested on long-haul routes, with some successful results. For example, Tesla's new Class 8 battery electric vehicle (BEV) semi-truck traveled over 1,000 miles in a day with only 3 stops to reload and charge. Daimler's Mercedes-Benz GenH2 cabover FCEV, an 88,000-pound truck-and-trailer, completed a 650-mile run on a single hydrogen fueling. These electric vehicles can carry a similar amount of cargo as diesel trucks and can be refueled in approximately the same amount of time, making them an excellent diesel replacement on long-haul routes.
To further improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, trucking companies can focus on improving routing, driver behavior, and vehicle maintenance. Fleet management software can help identify drivers who engage in behaviors that waste gas, such as excessive braking and speeding. Additionally, simple practices such as using cruise control and performing pre-trip inspections can help improve fuel economy and reduce the likelihood of accidents. By implementing these practices and adopting new technologies, the trucking industry can reduce its environmental impact and meet its environmental and regulatory responsibilities.
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Route optimisation
When planning a trip, it's important to consider the most efficient route to deliver cargo in the shortest time possible. This involves taking into account factors such as distance, traffic conditions, road restrictions, weight limits, and delivery schedules. GPS and route planning software can be extremely helpful in this regard, as they can provide real-time updates on congestion and allow drivers to make fuel-saving adjustments to their routes. Avoiding routes with construction zones or heavy traffic is crucial, as these can increase idling time and fuel consumption.
Additionally, it's important to keep cargo height low and evenly distributed to improve the aerodynamics of the truck, reducing wind resistance and saving fuel. Driving at a moderate, consistent speed also improves fuel efficiency, as speeding, rapid acceleration, and deceleration can decrease fuel economy by up to 45%. Using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and save fuel.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the cargo. Semi-trucks hauling heavy cargo will have lower fuel efficiency than those carrying lighter loads. Therefore, it's important to optimise routes to minimise the amount of heavy cargo being hauled whenever possible.
Finally, regular maintenance of the vehicle is essential. Issues such as brake drag, seized brakes, clogged air and fuel filters, pressure leakages, and fuel leaks can all lead to increased fuel consumption. By addressing these issues and ensuring all components are in peak condition, you can improve the overall fuel efficiency of the semi-truck.
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Safety considerations
Side-mounted fuel tanks on semi-trucks pose a significant risk of explosion and fire in the event of a crash. The large quantities of fuel carried in these tanks, typically 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel, can easily ignite if the tanks are ruptured, leading to deadly consequences for both truck drivers and occupants. This risk is heightened as the fuel tanks are often mounted at a height similar to the front bumper of passenger cars, making them highly susceptible to damage in a collision.
To mitigate these dangers, it is crucial to prioritize safety measures when fueling a semi-truck with a tank on the passenger side. Firstly, always conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle to identify any potential issues. Ensure the tank is not overfilled, as this can lead to overflow, waste, and danger to other motorists. Avoid excessive acceleration and braking, and utilize cruise control to maintain a safe and constant speed.
Additionally, be cautious when choosing a refueling location. Select a well-ventilated area and refrain from smoking during the refueling process. Spilling fuel can increase the risk of explosion and harm the environment, so handle the fuel carefully. If any fuel is spilled, ensure proper clean-up procedures are followed.
While the trucking industry has implemented safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and crash-avoidance technology, the location of the fuel tanks on semi-trucks remains a concern. To enhance safety, it is recommended to advocate for industry-wide changes to relocate fuel tanks within the vehicle's frame rails, providing better protection in the event of a collision.
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