Category: Blog

Truck fleet management is a complex process.

It requires careful consideration of driver training, maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and federal regulations — all while trying to minimize costs for your business. 

In this post, we’ll cover some of the ways you can streamline fleet management and control your costs.  

What Are the Key Elements of Effective Truck Fleet Management?

The following list outlines the key components of successful fleet management.

Driver Recruitment and Hiring

Even if human resources personnel manage the recruitment and hiring process, fleet managers are usually involved in the driver-vetting process. They may also manage performance evaluations, driver salary increases, and progressive discipline.

Driver and Route Management

Fleet managers are responsible for overseeing and optimizing routes, scheduling drivers, and ensuring drivers maintain proper credentials.

Driver Monitoring

With large, long-haul fleets, fleet managers have to evaluate driver performance remotely. That typically means reviewing hours-of-service logs and using GPS to see where drivers are in real-time. 

Idling or rapidly accelerating can increase fuel consumption, so fleet managers may also review fuel usage to spot these driving habits.   

Overseeing Maintenance

Preventative maintenance (PM) is the process of scheduling maintenance to keep trucks in good working order. It may also involve predictive maintenance (PdM) technology that monitors truck performance and alerts fleet managers when something isn’t working properly.

Allocating Resources

Managing a truck fleet requires mindfulness of how you’re allocating resources to determine whether you need to:

• Add new trucks
• Retire or upgrade old ones
• Find new software solutions to support fleet management
• Bring on new personnel
• Schedule additional training for drivers

Ensuring compliance

Fleet managers may be responsible for creating and enforcing internal policies that relate to driving and drivers. They also oversee driver and truck compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.     

 

Managing Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are a major expense, and reducing them is a big part of fleet management. Fleet managers may use a combination of approaches to minimize fuel costs, such as: 

• Optimizing routes
• Eliminating less-than-truckload deliveries
• Adding alt-fuel vehicles to their fleet
• Outfitting trucks with aerodynamic devices

Controlling fuel costs is an ongoing task, especially because the cost of diesel is so unpredictable. 

What Are the Challenges Fleet Managers Face Today?

Fleet managers face challenges that can increase costs and decrease efficiency if they don’t use the right solutions.

Here are some common issues fleet managers face.

Recruiting and Retaining Drivers

The transportation industry faces a shortage of 80,000 drivers, and the American Trucking Associations predict this number to reach 160,000 by 2030.

So, finding and keeping quality drivers is essential for the success of your fleet. Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers can lead to unnecessary costs, while experienced, well-trained drivers keep your fleet running safely and efficiently.

You’ll need to establish an effective recruitment strategy that includes:

• Employee referrals
• Online postings
• Driver incentives

Complying With Laws and Emissions Standards

Fleet managers must stay up to date with federal, state, and local regulations to ensure compliance.

Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding costly fines and other penalties. Remember that regulations vary by state, making it more difficult for companies in interstate commerce to keep track of them.

For example, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) no longer registers diesel vehicles that weigh over 14,000 pounds or have engines from 2009 or earlier. So, you may need to upgrade or replace vehicles to meet emissions standards.

Unpredictable Fuel Costs

The cost of diesel depends on foreign market fluctuations and supply chain costs.

This makes it difficult to budget for the fleet because of unpredictable fuel prices. To help offset this unpredictability, you can use multiple approaches to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel expenditures.

You can increase fleet efficiency through aerodynamic devices such as side skirts and gap reducers, which drag on the truck. Another solution is to use advanced analytics and truck tracking technology to monitor driver behavior.

This will enable you to identify issues like idling, speeding, and excessive braking that can increase fuel costs.

What Resources Can Help With Fleet Management?

Boosting efficiency and profitability with a reliable fleet management system is essential to any business that specializes in commercial vehicles.

Plenty of tools and technologies are available to help you manage your fleet. Fleet managers who take advantage of these resources can ensure their fleets run optimally, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge.

Alternative Fuels

Biodiesel and natural gas can help reduce emissions while keeping costs low.

There are also various incentives, grants, and tax credits that can help fleets manage the costs of switching to alternative fuels.

Gas Discount Cards

Gas discount cards help you save money on fuel without your drivers having to search for the best prices. Many of these cards also link to an app that tracks fuel expenses, so you get real-time visibility into your fuel costs.  

 

Hiring Bonuses and Benefits

Recruiting and retaining quality drivers is essential to the success of your fleet.

Consider offering perks like:

• Sign-on bonuses
• Health insurance
• A 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement 

Telematics Systems

Some in-cab technology falls short of what fleet managers need. For example, the earliest lane departure warning systems issued driver alerts but didn’t record lane departures, which means fleet managers might not know if drivers were prone to drifting off while behind the wheel. Telematics combines software and hardware to sense events or conditions as they occur and relay that information to a digital platform that fleet managers can access. 

One application of this tech is TruckWings, an aerodynamic device that minimizes drag, improves stability, and reduces fuel costs by up to 6%. Software deploys the “wings” based on driving speed and collects data, with no input needed from drivers.   

Take Control of Your Fleet Management With TruckLabs

Contact us today to learn how TruckWings can lower your fuel costs.

New semi-truck emissions regulations, along with higher fuel costs, have trucking fleet operators looking harder for additional ways to gain fuel efficiency. 

Record costs for fleets have come in the form of driver pay increases and a jump in repair and maintenance costs, but nothing has been more costly than the rising price of diesel. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that fleet operators saw a more than 35 percent increase in fuel prices last year, bringing per-mile trucking costs to their highest levels on record.

Now the Biden administration has proposed new emissions regulations that put the transportation industry at the center of attention, with goals to speed up the path to zero-emission semi-trucks and stringent new standards to reduce pollution.

But, there are many ways to increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs, including quick and easy options that bring immediate results.

Semi-Truck MPGs at a Glance

Most semi-trucks have one or two fuel tanks that hold up to around 300 gallons of gas combined.

On average, semi-trucks get anywhere from 5.6 miles per gallon (mpg) to about 6.5 mpg. That fuel efficiency can range more widely when trucks are climbing steep uphill grades, which can push fuel efficiency down to 3 mpg, or coasting downhill when fuel efficiency can top 23 mpg. On a long route, fuel is consumed quickly and refueling is always top of mind for drivers.

In the last year, diesel fuel prices have spiked dramatically. Filling up used to cost around $300 to $400, but it can now cost over $1,000 to fill up the same Class 8 truck. Earlier this year the price of diesel fuel jumped by more than $1.50 per gallon in roughly two months, surpassing $6 per gallon in some markets. Since last year, truck fleets’ fuel spending has increased by around 25 percent to 30 percent. According to the American Trucking Associations, semi-trucks burn about 36.5 billion gallons of diesel annually.

New Standards for GHG Emissions Loom

The EPA announced a proposal on April 12, 2023, to revise existing standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles for 2027, and set new, more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032. This proposed program, called “Phase 3 greenhouse gas,” builds upon the success of two previous rulemakings, Phase 1 greenhouse gas, and Phase 2 greenhouse gas, which have already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines.
The Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards will apply to heavy-duty vocational vehicles such as delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, school buses, and tractors such as day cabs and sleeper cabs on tractor-trailer trucks. This proposal complements EPA’s recently-finalized standards to control air pollution from new heavy-duty engines and vehicles and EPA’s proposed rule addressing multi-pollutant emissions for model years 2027 and later light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.
These three actions align with the “Clean Trucks Plan.” By implementing these new standards, we can work towards a more sustainable future that prioritizes reducing the environmental impact of our transportation systems.

Best Ways to Gain Fuel Efficiency

From simple and immediate, to long-term and lucrative, there are many ways to get better gas mileage in a truck. Here are ten top ways to gain fuel efficiency.

1. Use Cruise Control – Inconsistent speed can be a common cause of poor mileage. Using cruise control regulates speed and creates more efficiency.
2. Avoid Idling – Idling is a waste of gas. Find easy ways to stop idling, including using truck stop showers while waiting in line.
3. Keep Up on Maintenance – Make sure trucks receive regular maintenance checks as recommended by the manufacturer. Consider using a lower-viscosity oil.
4. Improve Truck Aerodynamics – There are a number of products on the market that can improve truck aerodynamics and significantly reduce fuel costs, including TruckWings, which close the gap between the cab and trailer to reduce drag. Other aerodynamic devices include wheel covers, roof farings and side extenders.
5. Plan Ahead – Pre-plan your trip to avoid unnecessary stops and use the latest GPS equipment to keep routes accurate.
6. Lighten the Load – Reduce excess weight by removing unnecessary cargo or equipment. Every extra pound counts.
7. Don’t Speed – Drive at the posted speed limit or slightly below. This cuts down on wind resistance which, in turn, cuts down on fuel consumption.
8. Easy on the Brakes – Use momentum to your advantage and avoid sudden accelerations and excessive braking, which increase fuel consumption.
9. Use Low-Rolling Tires – Low-rolling resistance tires made for trucks require less energy to move and can cut down on fuel use.
10. Minimize AC Use – When and where possible, cut back on how much the AC is used. Air conditioning can be another drag on fuel use.

Get Started Today

Pressure from rising fuel prices and driver shortages, along with new legislation aimed at reducing emissions produced by trucks, is giving fleet owners and operators a lot to think about. But easy solutions and smart steps can make a big difference almost immediately. Using fuel efficiency measures can add up quickly and provide relief.

TruckWings can help fleets reduce drag and cut fuel costs by 3% to 6% annually, which can be thousands of dollars in savings per truck, leading to millions of dollars per fleet.

TruckWings is the only fully automated aerodynamic device that works without driver interaction. Drivers can count on it to deploy when speed goes above 52mph, and retract when speed goes below 50mph. So there’s no need to take their eyes off their driving or their hands off the wheel. Closing the gap reduces buffeting and trailer sway in cross-winds outperforming even the longest side-extenders on the market today.

Give us a call today to find out more about quick installation.

Intro

Routine truck fleet maintenance takes time, but it’s essential for preventing breakdowns. It also keeps trucks running efficiently, which means fleet owners save money in the long run. 

Given that new truck production slowed in 2022 due to parts shortages, keeping your current trucks in good working order should be a priority.

In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits of truck maintenance and offer some additional tips on how to manage your fleet costs. 

What Does Truck Fleet Maintenance Include? 

Commercial truck fleet maintenance includes preventive service, such as oil changes, air filter replacement, and brake inspection. It also includes emergency service — although, a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent the need for emergency repairs.

Benefits of Truck Fleet Maintenance

These are the main benefits of maintaining commercial trucks:

Improved Fuel Economy

Properly maintained trucks are more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Regular oil changes and filter replacements help keep the engine running at peak efficiency. And according to one study, fleets that follow a strict maintenance schedule can see fuel consumption improvements of 5-10%.

Reduced Operating Costs

Preventive maintenance helps identify potential problems before they become costly repairs. This saves money by keeping vehicles on the road longer and reducing labor costs associated with repair work. 

Increased Safety 

By regularly checking tires, brakes, lights, and other components, you can ensure your fleet is operating safely. 

Lower Emissions

A well-maintained engine produces fewer emissions, which is beneficial for the environmental and helps improve air quality. Some states have enacted emissions-control laws that may force fleets to either reduce their emissions or pay fines for non-compliance.

Prevents Out-of-Service Orders

When a truck fails a safety inspection, an inspector can issue an out-of-service order. That means a carrier might be unable to complete a scheduled delivery, which can result in dissatisfied customers and disruptions in the supply chain. 

Tips for Effective Truck Fleet Maintenance

Allow for Staff Training

To effectively maintain a truck fleet, technicians must have proper training. Invest in adequate staff training and build time for it into staff schedules. Keep in mind that additional training may be necessary if you switch to trucks with alternative fuel sources. 

Use of Quality Parts and Supplies

The use of quality parts is another key factor for effective truck fleet maintenance. Poorly manufactured components can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and increased downtime. That’s why it’s important to invest in high-quality parts from reputable suppliers who offer warranties on their products for added peace of mind.

Documentation

Lastly, proper documentation and recordkeeping is necessary for accurate tracking of vehicle information such as mileage, service records, and warranty coverage details. This helps track maintenance expenses over time and ensures you have an audit-ready service log, should inspectors ask to see it.  

Detailed records also make it easier to spot patterns involving specific vehicles within your fleet.  

Additional Ways to Minimize Fleet Operation Costs

Regular maintenance does help trucks run more efficiently, but even so, the cost of fuel can be significant for large fleets. Fuel cards can help drivers save on diesel, and there’s another way to cut fuel costs that requires no driver action: TruckWings. 

TruckWings is a telematics-powered aerodynamic device that reduces drag and trailer sway on the highway. It deploys automatically when driving speed exceeds 52 mph, closing the gap between tractor and trailer. And it retracts when speed drops below 50 mph.

TruckWings installs easily and requires minimal maintenance. And technicians don’t need special training to maintain TruckWings — just perform a visual inspection as part of your truck fleet maintenance schedule. When it’s time to replace parts, you can order them from us and follow our simple maintenance instructions. 

Let TruckWings Do the Work

Overseeing a fleet is a lot of work. But when you install TruckWings to improve your fuel economy, it continues saving you money with almost no human effort. 

Learn more about how TruckWings helped one of the largest North American fleets cut its fuel costs.

Over the last two years, fuel prices have seen a dramatic increase.

In May of 2020, gas prices reached a $1.961 per gallon low, then steadily climbed to an all-time high of $5.032 per gallon in June of 2022. Diesel prices mirrored this trend, with a low of $2.392 per gallon and a high of $5.754 during the same period.

With inflation on the rise, it wouldn’t be surprising if even higher prices are right around the corner.

What does this mean for trucking fleets? Fuel typically accounts for 60% or more of operating costs, so steep fuel prices can quickly decimate a fleet budget. The simplest way to offset high prices is to use less fuel but the question is, how?

Some fleets may consider adding EVs to their lineup, but the acquisition and operational costs typically don’t offset fuel cost savings. A more affordable approach is to purchase fuel saving devices for semi trucks, which can easily be added to existing fleet assets.

Which are the best fuel saving devices for semi trucks? These 11 semi trucks fuel saving devices can help fleets become more fuel efficient and make up for rising fuel costs.

1. TruckWings

How it works: Did you know the gap between a truck’s cab and trailer is a fuel waster? TruckWings closes this gap to reduce drag, improve stability, and increase fuel efficiency.

The tractor-mounted device deploys automatically at speeds above 52 mph to improve aerodynamics and reduce buffeting and trailer sway in crosswinds. The device then retracts when the speed dips below 50 mph. No action is needed by the driver to deploy TruckWings — eyes stay on the road and hands stay on the wheel.

Results: Users of TruckWings see 3-6% in fuel savings. That can add up to thousands of dollars in savings per truck and millions across an entire fleet. And since TruckWings is equipped with real-time telematics, fleets can easily track their return on investment.

TruckWings outperforms even the longest side-extenders on the market, making it one of the best fuel saving devices for semi trucks. So perhaps it’s not surprising that half of the 10 largest North American fleets have used TruckWings, which have stood up across 500 million miles.

Each TruckWings device also reduces 20,000 lbs/yr in carbon emissions, or the equivalent of taking two passenger cars off roadways every year, so the sustainability gains can be huge across an entire fleet.

2. Trailer Skirts

How they work: Trailer skirts extend along the side of the trailer, from the landing gear to the front face of the front trailer axle. The most effective trailer skirts extend as low to the ground as possible. Also called “fairing,” these devices reduce aerodynamic drag on the trailer.

Results: These fuel saving devices for semi trucks typically offer up to a 5% improvement in fuel economy.

3. Roof Fairings

How they work: Roof fairings are similar to trailer skirts but are installed on the roof of tractor-trailers instead of along the side. These fuel saving devices for semi trucks improve aerodynamics by closing the gap when a significant height difference exists between a cab and a container.

Results: Depending on the type, roof fairings can reduce fuel use by 3-15%. However, these are not the best fuel saving devices for semi trucks pulling flatbeds because they can’t close the gap. Roof fairings would not be needed for semi trucks that can reduce drag simply by raising the tire height.

4. Low Rolling Resistance Tires

How they work: Rolling resistance — the friction that occurs when the surface of tires meets the road — accounts for 30-33% of the total fuel cost of a modern, aerodynamic Class 8 truck. Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires lower the resistance to improve fuel economy.

Results: A 10% drop in rolling resistance equates to about a 1% improvement in fuel economy. Fleet owners should be aware that LRR tires can wear out quickly, and because most manufacturers don’t publish their rolling resistance coefficients, there can be big differences between tire options, even if they are SmartWay certified.

5. GPS Route Planners

How they work: GPS route planners are fuel saving devices because they optimize routes to reduce the miles driven, thereby reducing fuel use.

Results: Every mile shaved off a trip saves fuel. Results of this semi truck fuel saving device will vary based on miles traveled and how efficient routes were before implementing the GPS solution.

6. Tire Inflation Systems

How they work: Tire monitoring or tire inflation systems keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. Some systems may require a driver to inflate tires when notified pressure is low, while others may automatically inflate the tires.

Results: Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by 0.6% on average and up to 3%.

7. Wheel Covers

How they work: Wheel covers improve aerodynamics by reducing drag around the wheels.

Results: Wheel cover kits can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1% for both tractors and trailers. Combined, this equates to 2.61 gallons of fuel saved for every 1,000 miles driven.

8. Electronic Engine Monitoring

How they work: Electronic engine monitors measure driving performance to identify fuel-wasting behavior, such as hard braking and rapid acceleration. 

Results: Results will vary for these fuel saving devices for semi trucks based on how much driving habits have improved but could have a 20-30% improvement on overall fuel efficiency.

9. Automated Manual Transmissions

How they work: Automated manual transmissions (AMTs) have a manual gearbox, but instead of requiring the driver to shift, the clutch and gearshifts are controlled electronically to maximize engine use. AMTs monitor changing roadway conditions like road grade, acceleration, and vehicle speed, then instantly shift to the most efficient gear, saving fuel in the process.  

Results: AMTs improve fuel economy by 1% to 3%.

10. Anti-Idle Devices

How they work: Truck drivers idle engines for good reasons: keeping the engine block warm, heating and cooling the cabin when they rest, and powering cabin appliances. But doing so consumes almost a gallon of diesel fuel per hour and constitutes nearly 8% of total fuel use. Anti-idling devices provide alternative power sources to idling for these functions.

Results: A direct-fired heater that warms the engine block and provides heat for the cabin reduces fuel use during idling by 75%. Another anti-idle device is an auxiliary power unit (APU) — a generator powered by diesel fuel or batteries to heat and cool the cabin and power appliances. Diesel APUs reduce fuel consumption by 75% or more over idling.

11. Adaptive and Predictive Cruise Control

How they work: Adaptive cruise control enhances regular cruise control using a radar or laser sensor to sense the traffic ahead and adjust vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance. Predictive cruise control uses GPS to analyze the topography of upcoming sections of road for improved uphill and downhill driving.

Results: Cruise control, predictive cruise control, and adaptive cruise control can reduce fuel consumption by 1-10%. 

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Reduce Your Fuel Costs 

When it comes to fuel saving devices for semi trucks, fleet owners have options.

If you’re ready to improve your fleet efficiency, learn more about how TruckWings can help you save up to 6% in fuel costs.

The rising cost of fuel can put a strain on any business’ budget.

And that’s especially true for fleet managers. Automotive Fleet reports that fuel can account for 60% of the running costs of a fleet. That’s why it’s important to reduce fleet fuel costs and maximize the efficiency of your vehicles.

There are strategies you can try to reduce your fleet’s fuel costs. Let’s explore how to calculate fleet fuel costs and identify potential areas for savings.

How to Calculate Fleet Fuel Costs

You have two options for calculating fleet fuel costs:

The first is to monitor the cost of fuel manually with receipts or spreadsheets, a time-consuming process that can prove difficult to manage. 

Manual tracking also raises the risk of human error. For example, a driver may forget to record a transaction or lose a receipt. 

Alternatively, you can use an automated solution to calculate fuel costs, like GPS tracking or an integrated vehicle management system (VMS). GPS tracking systems track a vehicle’s fuel use in dollars or gallons, offering more accurate data. Plus, these systems can monitor how efficiently your drivers are using fuel and alert you to potential problems. 

9 Tips for Reducing Fleet Fuel Costs

Once you understand how to calculate fuel costs, you can implement strategies to reduce them.

Here are nine tips on how to reduce fleet fuel costs in 2023.

1. Keep up with preventative maintenance (PM).

PM, like oil changes and tune-ups, ensures maximum efficiency from each vehicle in your fleet (which will save money on fuel costs).

For instance, tuning up a vehicle can lead to an average increase of 4% in gas mileage.

Another way to improve your fleet’s fuel economy is by switching to synthetic oil, which has a lower viscosity and reduces friction in the engine. Develop a PM program to ensure your vehicles always run at peak performance.

2. Reduce idling.

A vehicle can waste up to half a gallon of fuel per hour while idling. Ensure that drivers know the importance of reducing idling time. 

3. Regularly check tire pressure and keep tires properly inflated.

Proper tire pressure helps reduce drag and improves gas mileage significantly.

Under-inflated tires increase fuel consumption by up to 1% for every 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) decline in pressure.

4. Streamline routes.

Eliminate empty miles by using GPS navigation to streamline routes and reduce the miles your vehicles travel.

According to a sustainability report from digital freight network Convoy, a 1% decrease in empty miles for one truck can save over 100 gallons of fuel.

By ensuring drivers use every mile of a truck’s journey to transport cargo, you reduce the amount of fuel burned, improving your fleet’s efficiency.

Road surface quality also matters. Choose roads with smoother surfaces and fewer speed bumps to reduce the amount of fuel burned.

5. Promote safe driving.

Modifying driver behavior is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce fuel costs.

One habit to encourage is slowing down. When you speed, fuel consumption increases because of air and tire rolling resistance. Following the speed limit improves fuel economy and reduces the risk of accidents.

Other driving behaviors that detract from fuel economy include:

• Excessive lane changes: Change lanes only when necessary.
• Fast cornering: Cornering quickly increases drag, so reduce speed when turning.
• Hard braking: Anticipate stops and reduce speed before you need to brake.
• Rapid acceleration: Accelerate gradually to reduce strain on the engine and improve fuel efficiency.

To encourage safe driving, implement an incentive program that rewards drivers who exhibit safe driving habits like obeying speed limits.

6. Take advantage of fuel card discounts.

Fuel cards can reduce the cost of fuel at participating gas stations. The Fuelman Deep Saver Fleet Card, for example, offers up to 8 cents per gallon in discounts at over 50,000 participating gas stations. Also, Coast is a Visa fleet fuel and gas card helps fleets control and track employee spending on fuel and other expenses.

Look for cards accepted by the fuel stations your drivers frequent. 

These cards offer more than just discounts. They also provide an easy way to:

• Access analytics and reports: Get details on fuel purchases and identify areas for improvement.
• Reduce administrative time: Automate and reduce paperwork associated with fuel purchases.
• Track fleet purchases: Know how much drivers spend on fuel and where they purchase it.

Find cards with features like spending caps or transaction limits that prevent fuel card abuse. The BP Business Solutions Fuel Plus Program prevents misuse by allowing you to set comprehensive card controls and daily, weekly, or monthly restrictions.

Compare different fuel card providers to ensure you get the best deal.

7. Use electric vehicles (EVs) or alternative fuels.

Using EVs or alternative fuels like biodiesel can reduce fuel costs while making your business eco-friendlier.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel sourced from animal fats, recycled cooking grease, and vegetable oils to power diesel vehicles. Not only does biodiesel reduce fuel costs, but it also helps fleets comply with the growing number of state and federal emissions regulations.

EVs, which offer high fuel economy, are becoming more popular. But the price of EV trucks might be a barrier to adoption. Some government incentives can lower the purchase price. 

8. Use technology.

Use fleet management software to reduce fuel costs and track vehicle performance, allowing you to identify potential problems quickly.

Use telematics (informatics + telecommunications) with GPS tracking to monitor driver behavior. You can then provide feedback to drivers on how to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency through better driving habits. 

9. Improve aerodynamics.

Improving aerodynamics will reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Although chassis fairings and wheel covers can decrease wind resistance, static devices often can’t provide the data fleet managers need to evaluate fuel economy accurately.

Active aerodynamic devices like TruckWings help fleet managers achieve considerable cost savings across large fleets. TruckWings is a telematics-enabled device that reduces drag and provides fleet managers with real-time data and analytics.

When driving speed surpasses 52 mph, the wings automatically deploy to close the space between the tractor and trailer. Bridging this gap improves fuel efficiency by lessening buffeting, turbulence, and trailer sway downstream. 

When speed drops below 50 mph, the wings automatically retract to ensure maximum maneuverability and easy handling at lower speeds.

Reduce Your Fleet Fuel Costs With TruckWings

Implementing these solutions can reduce fuel consumption while improving performance and efficiency across the entire fleet.

And if you have reservations about any investments you’ll have to make upfront, consider the future savings. Advanced technologies like TruckWings can increase miles per gallon by 3% to 6% with a 12- to 18-month return on investment (ROI) amounting to millions of dollars per fleet.

From its easy installation and intuitive software platform to its dynamic data capture capabilities, TruckWings ensures a smooth transition from manual processes to innovative vehicle optimization. It’s no wonder that five of the 10 largest fleets in North America turned to TruckWings for help in reducing their fuel costs.

Start your journey toward reducing your fleet fuel costs today. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more.