You slow the flow. Sure. But I don't think it's enough to compensate for longer run time.
Definitely not in the mountains.
Between 55 and 70 for instance.
1,000 miles is 4 hours difference.
Missoula to Boise is an example. The short way is 450 miles and 15 hours. The long way is 600 miles and 10 hours. Back when the speed limit was 65.
Why don't trucks go 55 for fuel efficiency?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Jordan Shackelford, May 24, 2021.
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Another aspect not included in my original post....
If a driver makes 60 cents per mile running 750 miles, how much less would he make at 55? 750 / 11 hrs = 68 mph.
11 hours at 55 even with no slow downs equals 550.
73% as productive. So... will that driver find it favorable to be over the road at that point or will they take a local job?
Someone has to be over the road so do they request a 27% increase in pay?
Now all of a sudden driver pay has to go to .76 per mile in order for him/her to make the same and be home even less from his wife and kids.
75 at 7.5 vs 55 at 9... do the savings make up for that alone, before loss of revenue even happens?
I could do the math but don’t feel like it.... just another aspect.Brettj3876 and gentleroger Thank this. -
This is a nifty website Mpg For Speed - Fuel Efficiency Vs. Speed
So I assumed an average of 2,500 miles a week, divide by 7 and you get 357 miles per day. Assume $3/gallon for fuel. 7 mpg.
At 55 mph your annual fuel would cost $55,845 and at 75 it would cost $72,390, a difference of $16,545.
But you're running only 73% as fast so you get $16,545 * 0.73 = $12,133 total annual savings.
If you're an owner op I would say it's worth it. As a company driver probably not, unless your company offers fuel bonuses and in that case it would depend on how much of a bonus you get.
But you can also consider that you will be less likely to have an accident at a slower speed, and your maintenance costs will be lower too, so your total savings might be $20k+.
Also consider that semi trucks will be going fully electric soon and their most efficient speed is even lower, at about 20mph.
Last edited: May 26, 2021
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You packing in a car? LOL
Next time drive a semi. Loaded. LOL.Last edited: May 26, 2021
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I guess the continued higher rpm isn't harder on the engine, it's components, and the rest of the truck as well???
Once you're above 72 mph, especially if it's hot, you're literally peeling rubber off of your drives as well due to the friction.
So that's another couple thousand a year just in unnecessary tire wear.
BUT
For the big timers here, couple thousand is laundry money.
I just hope to someday be able to live outside the truck with the cat, and not have to eat Beefaroni.Tug Toy and Speed_Drums Thank this.
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