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.
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 see3-6% 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.
Ryder System, Inc. tested TruckWings across 2.7 million miles and saw a 4.1% mpg improvement.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
TruckLabs has demonstrated its dedication to quality by participating in an OEM-level shaker test with Hexagon Agility to validate its next-generation platform. The shaker test involved subjecting the TruckWings platform to one million miles of rigorous testing, including vibration and shock testing. The goal of the test was to ensure that the platform met the highest durability and reliability standards.
About TruckLabs
Established in 2004, TruckLabs partners with some of North America’s largest trucking fleets to make a positive impact on carbon emissions and drive operational efficiencies for their fleet customers. The company develops innovative hardware and software solutions that produce real-world results for today’s and tomorrow’s trucking fleets.
One Million Mile Shaker Test to Test Durability
TruckLabs recently conducted a shaker test in collaboration with Hexagon Agility. We shaker tested on the new Hexagon Agility ProCab® 175 CNG fuel system with TruckLabs’ TruckWings® installed. The goal of the vibration test was to assess the durability of the TruckWings over a simulated one million miles of driving.
TruckWings installed on Hexagon Agility ProCab 175 BTC CNG fuel system
The shaker test mounted the Hexagon Agility CNG fuel system with TruckWings onto a shaker platform that simulates vibrations in all directions. The vibrations used in the test were developed by driving a truck over various types of roads on a test track at specific speeds and distances. This process was used to develop a test regimen correlated with one million miles of real-world driving.
Shaker tests are vital because they allow you to understand when a piece of equipment or component may encounter a problem or failure and predict a product’s life cycle. It is used across multiple industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, and aviation, and is a proven solution to shorten testing without compromising results.
Measuring Success
The test lasted for almost a week and had two criteria for success:
No non-repairable component in the primary load path, including the frame and aluminum structure, could fail.
Repairable component failures were allowed if identified and repaired within corresponding real-world preventative maintenance intervals.
The Results
The recent shaker vibration test of TruckWings was a resounding success, meeting all of the established goals to demonstrate the product’s reliability. We wanted to prove that our product is reliable with over 1 million simulated road miles, and we did just that. We were able to meet all our established criteria and demonstrated TruckWings’ reliability.
Not a single non-repairable component in the primary load path through to BTC attachment failed during the test. The only issues were individual component failures that could be easily identified and fixed during regular inspections. The hinge bushing, which is designed to wear out over time, only showed signs of wear at a significant margin beyond the recommended service interval. And even when some rivets failed, the overall structure of TruckWings has stayed intact thanks to the redundant design. This test proves that TruckWings is a reliable and durable solution for the trucking industry.
The shaker test was severe, but it does not represent all contributing factors that influence the ultimate durability of TruckWings, such as aerodynamic loading, dust and other contaminants, and temperature. This test represents just one piece of TruckLabs’ overall testing puzzle, including 600,000,000 miles of on-road observations, aerodynamic analysis, and individual component tests.
TruckLabs successfully met all of our criteria and proved the reliability of TruckWings.
Conclusion
TruckLabs is proud to have participated in and passed this shaker vibration test and is confident that the next generations of TruckWings will exceed customer expectations. “We have been able to implement many of our learnings from the field into TruckWings over the years, and it is wonderful to see that work validated by an industry-standard, repeatable test,” Burk Kladde, VP of Engineering. We are committed to providing innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact for fleets today and in the future.
Companies are under increased pressure to monitor, control, and reduce their carbon emissions — and that pressure is set to continue. There are a number of ways to make key changes, from simple fuel emissions reductions to identifying problematic hot spots across operations. Tackling Scope 3 emissions opens an additional opportunity to uncover ways to lower overall environmental impact and adopt climate-friendly operations and policies.
What are Scope 3 Emissions?
Most global and public companies report and account for their carbon emissions, especially those generated from direct operations. But more and more operations leaders are honing in on Scope 3 emissions as a new area of demand and opportunity as regulatory pressures mount. In fact, many companies who gain a foothold in monitoring, managing, and reporting Scope 3 emissions are finding themselves at a competitive advantage.
Scope 3 emissions cover a broad range of activities and areas, including supplier activity and employee transportation, that a company can impact indirectly. Scope 3 emissions can be produced by purchased goods and services, capital goods, waste generated in operations, and even leased assets.
From favoring sustainable suppliers to curbing business travel, managing Scope 3 emissions provides an additional way to gain ground on a company’s overall sustainability goals.
U.S. companies are mandated to step up their efforts to reduce carbon footprints according to the Paris Agreement, which 189 countries signed onto. The agreement stipulates that countries and leaders worldwide must work to reduce emissions by approximately 45% by 2030 from 2010 levels.
Tracking Scope 3 emissions can offer a way to reduce overall emissions more proactively and thoroughly as more companies build emissions reductions into their net-zero and business strategies.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions: What’s the Difference?
Scope 1 emissions Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions generated from owned or controlled sources, including fleet fuel use and so-called fugitive emissions, or leaks and irregular releases from storage tanks, appliances, wells, or other pieces of equipment, for example.
Scope 2 emissions Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, including from cooling systems, electricity, heating, and steam.
Scope 3 emissions Scope 3 emissions are the result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization, but that the organization indirectly impacts. These include both upstream and downstream emissions that are linked to the company’s operations. Scope 3 emissions fall into 15 categories, though not all may be relevant. These emissions could include those produced by business travel, employee commuting, waste disposal, or the emissions generated by purchased goods and services or transportation and distribution.
The Challenge with Scope 3 Emissions
While chasing down Scope 3 emissions and cutting them back presents an entire frontier of emissions-reducing tactics, companies are finding major challenges with locating the sources and determining how to reduce them.
That’s because Scope 3 emissions often are outside of a company’s direct management or ownership and are hard to assess. Adding to the mix of challenges, these emissions types might also be occurring across several different companies, sometimes making it hard to determine who is responsible for making cuts.
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are easier to track, measure and control. Meanwhile, down the supply chain, tracking and coordinating the reduction of emissions from privately-owned businesses, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), may present challenges.
But businesses are undoubtedly running out of time to reduce carbon footprints as consumer purchasing behavior shifts in favor of sustainable practices, more suppliers embrace lowering emissions amid global policy trends, and stakeholders grow impatient for better, more complete reporting from all levels of operations.
Primary Scope 3 Emission Factors
Complications aside, Scope 3 emissions come from areas that are traceable and definable, including downstream and upstream sources.
Upstream Upstream emissions sources include areas within the direct control of the company, and closer to systems and departments that can track, analyze data, and act. Upstream sources include:
Waste Generation: Waste sent to landfills and wastewater treatment facilities, for example.
Purchased Goods & Services: Extraction, production, and transportation of goods and services purchased or acquired by the company. Includes so-called “Cradle to Gate” emissions associated with the production of goods and services.
Transportation & Distribution: Emissions from transportation by land, sea, and air and related to third-party warehousing. The life cycle emissions are associated with manufacturing vehicles, facilities, or infrastructure, and can account for nearly a quarter of all Scope 3 emissions.
Fuel and Energy-Related Activities: Emissions of purchased fuels and emissions of purchased electricity are not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2. Generation of purchased electricity that is sold to end users
Capital Goods: Final products with an extended life, such as vehicles, buildings, and machinery, that are used by the company to manufacture a product
Downstream Downstream emissions are sourced from areas where companies can insert their interests. Downstream categories include:
Use of Sold Products: End use of goods and services sold by the reporting company
Downstream Transportation and Distribution: Transportation and distribution of products sold between the reporting company’s operations and the end consumer
Investments: These can include equity investments, debt investments, project finance, managed investments, and client services
Franchises: Owners of franchises report the emissions created by their franchise operations and franchisees report emissions upstream
End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products: Products sold to consumers that are “in use” are tracked for emissions related to product usage and disposal.
Why Measure Scope 3 Emissions?
Taking on Scope 3 emissions opens the door for businesses not only to improve their carbon impact but to attract investment and foster better innovation and collaboration with suppliers.
A business that goes after its indirect emissions achieves multiple benefits, including notching down risk within its own value chain, reassuring shareholders who are ratcheting up the pressure on companies in lockstep with mounting policy and consumer demand, and creating new opportunities with businesses, customers, and stakeholders.
As the importance of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) gains momentum, there is growing awareness in the investment community that companies reporting and reducing all levels of carbon emissions can make for better investments. How a company tracks and mitigates its carbon emissions can have a significant impact on its profitability, risk and resilience and that has led to increased pressure to require companies to disclose more emissions information.
Aside from the appealing global impact of increased carbon reporting, consumers are increasingly demanding products and services with sound sustainability practices and standards. That means companies stand to improve bottom lines by pursuing scope emissions reductions andScope 3 emissions are the next bucket of opportunity.
Setting a focus around Scope 3 emissions also specifically ties companies more closely to their suppliers. Companies tracking Scope 3 also pay more attention to their customer’s behaviors and tracking emissions has the added benefit of uncovering additional operational cost-savings measures.
Benefits of Measuring and Reporting on Scope 3
Companies that measure and report on Scope 3 emissions tend to evaluate their overall business performance more effectively, focus on generating value from their emissions strategies, and create demonstrable impact from their emissions reductions.
Pursuing Scope 3 emissions can help companies not only further reduce their emissions but improve overall operations and performance. Added values from tracking Scope 3 can include:
Exposing emissions “hotspots” within a supply chain
Improved transparency, customer trust, brand, and reputational enhancement
Locating supplies that are leading in sustainability performance
Finding cost reduction opportunities
Helping suppliers bring sustainability initiatives up to new standards
Improving the overall sustainability rating of their products and services
Positive engagement with employees and consumers
Each of those benefits not only lowers a company’s overall carbon output but presents additional ways for a company to power up overall performance and improve its financial position.
6 Steps to Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
Taking steps to cut back on Scope 3 emissions can range from simple to complex. Here are some steps to get started.
Determine which Scope 3 categories are relevant by taking a look at GHG protocols
Collect source data from suppliers and partners for emissions related to products and services you’ve purchased
Audit the supply chain to find where the greatest levels of indirect emissions may be occurring and determine if these areas can be improved
Establish a single source of truth, finding a technology solution that streamlines data
Take a closer look at suppliers and uncover which are focused on their own scope 3 emissions already. Find out if they are open to collaborating.
Create an easy, employee-friendly approach to reducing emissions stemming from business travel and commuting.
Finding Pathways and Partners
Finding ways to reduce carbon emissions has fast become a key component of business strategy and sustainability practice among global and public companies. Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions categories provide a roadmap for specific tactics, developments, and activities companies can engage in to significantly lower their carbon impact.
Companies can create measurable impacts from relatively simple adjustments, such as lowering fuel emissions from their fleet or asking logistics partners to track and reduce their emissions. Products like TruckWings can be used to retrofit an entire trucking fleet or applied to new builds, delivering instant results. TruckWings is a tractor-mounted aerodynamic device that automatically closes the gap between cab and trailer, reducing drag, improving stability and increasing fuel efficiency, lowering emissions, and delivering 4-6% fuel savings.
As of Jan. 1, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will no longer register diesel vehicles that have engines from 2009 or earlier and weigh more than 14,000 pounds. This is the latest development in a 15-year-old rule from the California Air Resource Board (CARB) that aims to reduce diesel-related air pollution that can cause cancer.
Fleets that haven’t replaced their old engines, converted engines to run on alternative fuel, or purchased newer-model trucks now must either decommission their trucks or risk running afoul of California CARB compliance.
What Vehicles Are Subject to CARB Compliance?
Any vehicle that the CARB rule covers — regardless of its state of origin — must comply when it’s within the state of California. That obligation extends to brokers or carriers, who must verify that a truck is CARB-compliant before hiring or dispatching it.
The rule includes exceptions for vehicles that are solely for personal use, and for vehicle owners that have purchased replacement engines or vehicles but are still awaiting delivery from the manufacturer.
Similar Regulations in Other States
Several other states have either adopted California’s emissions standards or created similar standards. California’s standards are considered to be the most stringent, which means that trucks that are CARB-compliant would also be compliant with similar rules in other states.
What Are the Penalties for Not Being CARB Compliant?
Fines for non-compliance can be costly, especially if CARB finds that a company has knowingly violated the rule.
In 2028, CARB fined two Wisconsin-based transportation companies for non-compliance, with one company paying $100,000, and the other paying $52,500.
What Resources are Available for Carriers That Need to Retrofit Trucks?
The cost of converting an entire fleet to be CARB-compliant may be unmanageable for some businesses. However, there are resources available for companies that need assistance.
For small fleets, the Carl Moyer Voucher Incentive Program provides funding of up to $520,000 for replacing vehicles. Other resources include the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) Program, which helps farmers comply with CARB, and the Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program.
Another resource (that’s not specific to California) is the voucher program established by the STEER Act, which allotted $100 million in annual funding from 2022 through 2026 to retrofit eligible fleets.
What’s Next for Truck Emissions Standards?
As of March 2023, CARB was working on rules that would require all new trucks to be “zero-emissions” by 2045. That means manufacturers would be unable to sell diesel- or gas-powered trucks beginning that year and fleets would need to begin transitioning to zero-emissions trucks before then.
Minimizing Costs for Green Initiatives
Fleet owners and managers are understandably concerned about the costs of CARB compliance. TruckLabs offers a way for fleets to trim costs now and in the long-term, with TruckWings.
TruckWings is compatible with most tractor-trailers, so whether you’re looking to save money on diesel or hoping to maximize the distance your electric truck can travel on a single charge, TruckWings can help.
Unlike roof fairings and other static solutions, TruckWings is a smart aerodynamic device that deploys at high speeds to close the gap between tractor and trailer, instantly reducing drag and trailer sway. At lower speeds, TruckWings collapses flat against the tractor, so drivers don’t lose the maneuverability they need for low-speed travel.
Big-rig trucks have long faced an intractable problem: they need a large gap between the tractor and trailer to allow turning at low speeds. But at high speeds, airflow into this gap creates drag and wastes fuel.
At TruckLabs, we fixed this problem back in 2016.
Our solution, TruckWings, deploys when a truck is moving above 50 mph to streamline the airflow at high speeds, when aerodynamics matter, and then automatically retracts when a truck slows down to allow the driver to make turns. We have installed TruckWings on six of the ten largest fleets in North America and have proven results of 3-6% in overall fuel savings.
In 2023, Daimler/Freightliner agreed with us!
Seven years later, we’re thrilled to see our concept validated by one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers, Daimler Truck.
They recently unveiled their concept truck, whose development could be funded by the Department of Energy’s SuperTruck program aimed at improving heavy-duty truck freight efficiency. The truck has an active gap-closing device much like our TruckWings. These “wings” do exactly what we describe: when you travel at highway speeds, the sides and top fold out to close the gap and save an impressive amount of fuel.
As Daimler Truck clearly understands, the gap between the tractor and the trailer is one of the best opportunities to improve semi-truck aerodynamics, especially on day cabs and CNG/Electric trucks where the gaps are very large. Covering the gap can reduce drag by as much as 9 percent in regular conditions, and by even more during crosswinds.
Validation that Wings Are Essential
The “wings” on Daimler’s Freightliner SuperTruck validate what TruckLabs has known since 2016: closing the tractor-trailer gap works to reduce fuel usage. The NACFE has said it; we have said it (and proven it with an external CFD assessment from TotalSIM); and now Daimler Truck is saying it: we need to close the gap to improve fuel efficiency and emissions.
Fleet owners don’t have to wait for this conceptual prototype to go into production to start improving fuel efficiency on their trucks.
They can get the benefits of the futuristic Freightliner SuperTruck today. TruckWings are available today for trucks of all fuel types,including diesel, CNG, and electric. TruckWings units are standard “drop-in” products that work across multiple OEM trucks for day cabs, sleepers, and reefers. Not only have TruckWings been validated by multiple OEM-level tests, they have been successfully deployed on trucks traveling over 600 million miles–and counting.
So congratulations to Daimler on their Freightliner SuperTruck. Welcome to the world we know and love of active aerodynamics.
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).
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.
TruckLabs’ Best Practice Approach to Continuous Improvement Helps TruckWings Raise the Bar on Over the Road Durability
As an engineering forward company, one of the best things about TruckLabs is our ability to respond fast and effectively to real-time data, results, and customer feedback. We are constantly incorporating learnings from our largest customers, our proprietary telematics data from over 500 million OTR miles, and laboratory testing into the design and operation of TruckWings.
In this blog post, we will look at the strategies and methods that have made TruckWings one of the most reliable and cost-effective solutions for reducing fuel spend for Class 8 fleets.
Learning From Smart Hardware
The TruckWings design has consistently evolved since its inception to improve durability and reduce maintenance. A big part of the progress we have made can be attributed to implementing lessons learned from our telematics data. The TruckLabs telematics system collects and analyzes real-time data on the performance and usage of TruckWings. Our engineering team leverages this data to prioritize product development efforts focused on product durability and reduced maintenance costs for our customers.
One recent initiative focused on increasing the precision of our Trailer Distance Sensor across multiple trailer types. Our engineering team learned from our telematics data that tuning the distance sensor would further optimize TruckWings open %, and in turn, save more fuel for our customers. We upgraded the placement of the Trailer Distance Sensor across a broader range of trailer types, allowing TruckWings to be more effective at saving fuel. Because we had real-time data, we were able to make these changes quickly in a test environment and then rollout to a larger population of trucks.
Full telemetry has enabled the TruckLabs team to identify the root cause of customer on-road events by replaying the time, location, vehicle speed, TruckWing state, and more – giving us a quicker path to continuous improvement.
Fleet-driven Feedback Loop
TruckWings have become even more rugged by incorporating feedback from stakeholders in the trucking industry. Talking to drivers, technicians, and fleet managers, we have gained valuable insights into how our TruckWings units are being used and how we can build an even better product.
Drivers have provided feedback on the ease of use and visibility of the TruckWings system, while technicians have pointed out opportunities for streamlining the maintenance process. By listening to our customers, we have made improvements that had a significant impact for our customers.
For example, in the Freightliner Cascadia Day Cab, a driver noticed wind noise coming from the TruckWings. After analyzing the issue, a seal was added between the leading edge of the TruckWings and the cab side extender to block the air recirculating behind the cab.This stopped the whistling and further stabilized the panels.
Our engineers have also been focused on ensuring TruckWings are quiet when opening and closing so that our sleeper team customers aren’t disturbed while sleeping. In order to achieve this, we use soft-close pneumatic actuators that slow down at the limit of their travel, like a kitchen cabinet drawer—allowing TruckWings to open and close quietly. Our drivers often comment on how quiet TruckWings are on the road.
The TruckLabs team is passionate about our customers and we listen to their reactions, comments, and praise about the overall experience with TruckWings. Incorporating customer feedback has been essential in continuously upgrading the TruckWings design and deployment.
Rugged Materials for Real-world Use
One of the critical features of the TruckWings design is its use of resilient materials that can withstand the rigors of millions of miles of over-the-road trucking. As active aerodynamic devices, TruckWings are subjected to various forces and stressors as they deploy between the tractor and trailer of Class 8 trucks. To ensure that TruckWings not only stand up to these forces but overperform, we have used highly durable materials that defy the intensity of these forces and minimize any damage that may occur.
For example, the TruckWings are mounted to the back wall of the tractor using redundant, high-strength brackets that can withstand the weight of the system and the aerodynamic forces exerted during deployment. Additionally, the TruckWings panels are made from rugged, weather-resistant, fiber-reinforced plastic that can withstand the harsh conditions encountered on the road regardless of weather conditions. We have trucks running throughout the year in the cold of northern Canada and the heat of the SouthWestern United States. Another area of focus has been introducing flexible panel end treatments that further reduce edge-case impacts on the side panels. Overall, using high-quality, rugged materials in the TruckWings design has been imperative to ensure that the system performs to the highest standards and delivers the fuel savings that trucking fleets expect with very little maintenance and repair.
Industry-standard accelerated life cycle testing helps validation
Over-the-road trucking is full of harsh conditions, and we have accepted the challenge to ensure that the TruckWings design can stand up to the rigors on the road and in the lab. They are designed to last the life of your tractor while only requiring minimal maintenance on easily serviceable components on the back of the cab.
Beyond over-the-road testing, we have also subjected TruckWings to rigorous laboratory testing.
To significantly extend the service intervals on TruckWings, we designed a new serviceable bushing that introduced a bearing cartridge. We created a cyclic durability test that accelerates the wear on bushings to validate the system, gather data and make any necessary design changes. Lab testing is ongoing, with 210k deployment cycles completed (an average truck will deploy 10k a year).
This repeatable testing method has been beneficial in identifying potential issues with the design and finding solutions to address them before we deploy updates in the field. Laboratory testing gives TruckLabs the data necessary to quickly promote design changes, allowing TruckWings to perform at its highest standards.
While many businesses have recently begun adjusting to the challenges of a remote workforce, fleet managers have struggled with this setup for decades. How do you assess driver performance or evaluate vehicle health and efficiency from hundreds or thousands of miles away? The answer today is telematics.
In this post, we’ll cover telematics trucking technology and its primary use cases, so you can decide which tech you need in 2023.
What Is Telematics?
Telematics is telecommunications and informatics software that monitors truck and driver performance and controls specific functions. It typically includes a GPS component and can send, receive, and store data. Telematics systems may be embedded in newer-model trucks; they can also connect via a SIM card to an OBD-II or CAN bus port.
Telematics systems for trucks can increase fleet efficiency, improve driver performance, and prevent accidents and mechanical malfunctions.
Let’s look at how fleets can use telematics trucking technology.
Aerodynamic Improvements
Aerodynamic drag wastes fuel. To counteract that inefficiency, many fleets have turned to aerodynamic modifications over the years, with varying levels of adoption.
Some aerodynamic solutions provide minimal benefit compared to their inconvenience. For example, while fleets can remove bug deflectors to decrease drag slightly, drivers might not appreciate having to clean their windshields at every stop. And some aerodynamic devices — like roof fairings — aren’t compatible with every make and model of Class 8 truck.
A breakthrough in this trucking tech is TruckWings, an active aerodynamics device that automatically closes the gap between tractor and trailer when driving speed exceeds 52 mph. The wings collapse flat against the tractor when speed drops below 50 mph, so they don’t interfere with low-speed maneuverability.
TruckWings requires no input from drivers, and it opens and closes quietly, so it’s not a distraction.
Fleets using this low-maintenance, easy-to-install truck technology can see a 3-6% increase in fuel efficiency. TruckWings is also compatible with EV trucks, which can improve battery range.
Case study: Learn how a 235,000-vehicle fleet improved its fuel economy by 4.1% using TruckWings.
Driver Monitoring
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are mandatory for all trucks and buses subjectto hours-of-service (HOS) laws and help maintain compliance with federal regulations. But they don’t offer the detailed insights fleet managers can get with newer trucking technology.
Telematics sensors can help fleet managers identify unsafe driving habits — like speeding and following too closely. These sensors can also register excessive idling, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration, which are driving habits that decrease fuel efficiency.
Driver monitoring technology has become more sophisticated in recent years. So, for example, instead of only measuring braking and acceleration, telematics systems can issue “driver scorecards” that take into account variables such as:
Truck type
Load type and weight
Transmission shifting data
Actual vs. potential fuel economy
Travel routes
These variables could impact job performance, so detailed driver scoring ensures fleet managers aren’t using criteria that unfairly penalize some drivers.
Maintenance Monitoring
Telematics can alert fleet managers to engine faults, improper tire inflation, and upcoming maintenance needs. This real-time information helps prevent costly service disruptions and dangerous vehicle malfunctions.
Some telematics monitoring systems also integrate with maintenance scheduling features, so drivers and fleet managers can instantly schedule service when needed.
Autonomous Platooning
Vehicle platooning is similar to drafting — a strategy in which race car drivers follow each other closely to reduce drag. Class 8 trucks, however, have a much greater stopping distance than small cars, so platooning could be dangerous if it relied solely on driver judgment and reactions.
Autonomous and semi-autonomous platooning uses telematics to facilitate communication between trucks. For example, if the foremost truck in a platoon decelerates, the following trucks do the same simultaneously. This trucking technology could reduce drag and improve fleet efficiency, but some barriers exist.
State laws vary widely regarding autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Some states don’t allow autonomous vehicles of any type, while other states allow autonomous semi-trucks only. And minimum legal following distances vary by state, too. Without uniformity in laws from state to state, tech-powered platooning probably won’t work for long-haul operations — at least not yet.
Collision Prevention
Driver fatigue, inattention, and excessive stopping distances are known risk factors for large truck crashes. Telematics systems help counteract these factors in a few ways:
LiDAR and Emergency Braking
Forward collision warning tech and automated emergency braking (AEB) can significantly reduce the number of rear-end crashes involving large trucks. A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that trucks with those two technologies had 41-44% fewer rear-end crashes than trucks without those technologies.
These systems use LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to sense when a truck is following too closely, then communicate with AEB systems to engage the brakes and/or alert the driver to brake.
Video Intelligence Systems
Video intelligence systems for trucks also include forward collision crash prevention, but they work differently than LiDAR. These systems have a network of cameras monitoring conditions surrounding the truck and providing a live video feed inside the truck. They may also include a driver-facing camera that can help fleet managers identify when drivers are distracted or inattentive.
Based on the information cameras “see,” the software can alert drivers to imminent crash hazards. These systems also virtually eliminate driver blind spots, which makes lane changes and reversing much safer.
Dynamic Routing
Large fleets can’t rely on Google Maps to plan routes. Telematics is a better option, as it offers dynamic routing and stores route data, which can help fleet managers spot driving and delivery trends.
Unlike Google Maps, dynamic routing technology helps fleet managers plan multi-stop routes, track trailers, and assets, and scale deliveries to accommodate fluctuating demand.
Use Technology to Improve Fleet Performance and Safety
Trucking technology isn’t just another expense — it’s an investment that offers significant returns. With the right trucking tech, fleet managers can cut fuel costs, improve vehicle performance, and reduce the risk of accidents.
TruckWings is one type of trucking tech that offers results right away. Installation takes about two hours, and trucks can be on the road.
Five of the ten largest fleets in North America are using TruckWings to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Learn more about how TruckWings helps fleets save money.
Fuel costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions are just some of the reasons fleet managers and owners are looking to trim expenses. And while it may seem counterintuitive, now might be the best time to invest in fleet technology.
Fleet management technologies can help control costs in several ways — from improving fuel economy to preventing crashes. In this post, we’ll talk about existing and emerging fleet tech that can lower fleet costs in 2023 and beyond.
7 Money-Saving Fleet Technologies
1. Active Aerodynamics
Aerodynamic drag decreases fuel economy and increases fuel costs. There are a number of devices — such as wheel covers and chassis fairings — fleets can use to reduce drag, but static devices may not capture the data fleet managers need to evaluate their overall fuel economy.
Active aerodynamic devices like TruckWings do collect data that fleet managers need, and they can generate significant savings across large fleets.
How they work:
TruckWings is a software-powered device that communicates with fleet managers in real-time, using telematics (informatics + telecommunications). It installs easily in just a few hours and requires no driver input to operate.
At driving speeds above 52 mph, the wings automatically deploy to close the gap between the tractor and trailer. Closing this gap improves fuel economy by reducing downstream turbulence, buffeting, and trailer sway. And when driving speed falls below 50 mph, the wings retract automatically, so they never interfere with low-speed maneuverability.
Each TruckWings device trims carbon emissions by 20,000 lbs/yr per vehicle and reduces fuel consumption by 3-6% on average. TruckWings is also transferable, so fleet managers that are retiring trucks can simply remove TruckWings and attach it to newer trucks.
2. Predictive Maintenance
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck — an annual three-day inspection of commercial trucks in North America — aims to decrease truck crashes by removing faulty trucks and problematic drivers from the roads. In 2022, the CVSA placed 12,456 commercial trucks out of service for mechanical and operational problems.
These were the top violations among U.S. vehicles:
Predictive maintenance technology can prevent costly service disruptions and prevent accidents.
How it works:
Using telematics to monitor vehicle functions, predictive maintenance systems base service not just on mileage but on actual driving conditions and other factors. For example, trucks that routinely drive through densely populated or mountainous areas may require brake service more frequently than trucks that follow mostly flat, suburban routes. Telematics helps fleet managers customize service schedules without having to manage that process manually.
3. Intelligent Tire Monitoring
Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption, and overinflated tires — particularly on hot roadways — increase the risk of tire failure. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) identify those problems and alert drivers. But drivers may be too busy to respond to alerts or relay them to fleet managers.
Telematics-integrated TPMS can help prevent tire failure and ensure tires are optimally inflated for fuel economy.
How it works:
TPMS with telematics monitors tires for several types of faults and communicates alerts to fleet managers in real-time. That means managers can determine when and how to remedy tire problems, as well as analyze stored data to identify recurring problems.
4. Tolling Software
For large fleets that travel nationwide, the cost of tolls can be significant. Even when using transponders or RFID tags to pay tolls automatically, fleets might be overpaying if toll companies don’t apply the correct discounts or misclassify the truck. One PrePass customer lost $15,000 in toll charges over two years because the tolling agency classified a five-axle truck as having seven axles.
Third-party tolling software can help fleets reduce toll costs, as well as prevent toll violations and misuse of transponders.
How it works:
This software integrates all tolling information in a single platform, which means fleet managers don’t have to monitor or reconcile toll payments across multiple agencies. The software reviews tolls for accuracy, ensures fleets receive the right discounts, and identifies misclassification of trucks.
Occasionally, automatic toll readers don’t capture a vehicle’s information, which means that the vehicle could trigger a toll violation. Tolling software catches this error. It also provides the tolling data that fleet managers need to identify whether drivers are misusing transponders for personal use, and it reveals how the time of day and specific travel routes affect overall toll costs.
5. Blockchain Logistics
“Blockchain” may sound complex, but it’s just a cloud-based, shared digital ledger that can’t be altered unless all users agree to the change. The permanence of blockchain entries can help trucking companies get paid faster, prevent shipment disputes, and easily monitor every step in the delivery process.
How it works:
Blockchain ledger entries are called “blocks,” and each block contains an embedded record of the previous block, so no party can retroactively edit information. Collaborators can also encode “smart contracts” in blockchain ledgers — such as triggering a carrier payment when the customer receives a delivery.
According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the median payout in trucking-related personal injury lawsuits was $1.75 million between 2006 and 2020. And even when a crash doesn’t cause injury, it can still be costly, in terms of vehicle damage, property damage, and higher insurance premiums.
Investing in collision warning systems is one way to reduce the risk of crashes across a fleet. Some newer model tractors — like the Volvo VNR Series — have integrated crash avoidance technology. Collision warning systems are also available as standalone technology that connects to onboard diagnostics systems.
How they work:
Collision warning systems use external cameras and/or LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors to detect crash hazards. When the system senses a threat, it alerts the driver with a visual cue; it may also initiate braking or guide the steering wheel.
7. Driver Monitoring
Driver monitoring can lower costs in three ways:
It identifies behaviors that could lead to costly crashes.
It helps fleet owners identify, reward, and retain top performers, reducing costs associated with turnover.
It captures essential driving data that could help trucking company defendants in crash-related litigation.
How it works:
A driver-facing camera is the most direct way to monitor driver behavior. It allows a real-time, remote view of the driver, and it can trigger actions — for example, sounding an alarm if the driver appears to be nodding off or drifting across the road.
Monitoring systems may also use sensors in the same way a “black box” records airplane events. Should a crash occur, this technology can reveal facts like whether a driver braked before a crash.
Reduce Fuel Costs and Emissions With TruckWings
These are just some of the fleet management technologies that can reduce costs, and we’ll likely see more companies rolling out fleet tech products in the coming years.
Investing in new tech can be a tough decision for fleet managers already concerned about costs. Proven ROI, however, might sway cautious fleet managers to adopt new technologies.
TruckLabs is designed to perform for ten years or 1 million miles and requires minimal maintenance. We’ve also validated our product claims with extensive testing, and our customers include five of the ten largest fleets in North America. Trust the data. Choose TruckWings, and start lowering your fuel costs now.
