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Engine Idling

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mattbh23, Sep 23, 2012.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Sep 23, 2012 #1
    mattbh23

    mattbh23 Heavy Load Member

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    So I know there maybe more topics about Engine Idling out there, but I just got called inconsiderate by my new teammate for not letting my truck idle when we are both not in it. I feel that if we both are going to be out of the truck for longer then 15 mins then why should it be running? He's new to trucking but has some experience and also he has family that does trucking and he says he has talk to veteran drivers who have been around for a lil while who say that a truck should always be running. Well I just wanted some input to this to see what others say. I feel that I should have to idle only if necessary weather permitting and such. He says I am being inconsiderate because he wants to get into a nice comfortable truck. (I really want to tell him to call the company so he can get his own truck). My argument is that I am saving my company a lil bit of money by not doing an unnecessary idle. Anywho just would like to get more input and put this issue to rest. Oh by the way I was inconsiderate by letting us leave the truck stop by not doing a parked regen so now we are on the side of the highway doing a park regen while he is on the clock.
     
    mattbh23, Sep 23, 2012
    mattbh23, Sep 23, 2012
    #1
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  3. Sep 23, 2012 #2
    Jorihe84

    Jorihe84 Road Train Member

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    It's excessive idling like that which causes carriers to stiffin up on idle restrictions. Thus in return making a honest driver suffer
     
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    #2
    MJ1657, Auctioneer, moosc and 2 others Thank this.
  4. Sep 23, 2012 #3
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Good for you matt for not idleing if you and your co driver is'nt in it.Most companies have a no idle policy in place.You idle too much that could result in termination.The price of fuel everybody is trying to save.You use a gallon of fuel for every hour you idle.If your teammate keeps calling you inconsiderate,tell him to find someone else to team with.
     
    pattyj, Sep 23, 2012
    pattyj, Sep 23, 2012
    #3
    mph1972 and mattbh23 Thank this.
  5. Sep 23, 2012 #4
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    I don't even like to idle my truck with ME in it. The more you idle it, the more you are blowing fuel out the exhaust (unneeded waste).

    You get 0 MPG when your truck is sitting still and idling. I'd rather see that go in my wallet than out the tailpipe.

    The ONLY time I can justify the truck idling is if I am sitting at a stop light. I even will turn the truck off for a train.
     
    MNdriver, Sep 23, 2012
    MNdriver, Sep 23, 2012
    #4
  7. Sep 23, 2012 #5
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Also most states have a no idle law which could result in a huge fine if idleing more then 5 minutes.But their are certain exceptions to that law.
     
    pattyj, Sep 23, 2012
    pattyj, Sep 23, 2012
    #5
    mph1972 Thanks this.
  8. Sep 23, 2012 #6
    Jorihe84

    Jorihe84 Road Train Member

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    I'd love to see a government kick back for APU's. You can get a kick back for energy efficient appliances, so why not for something that cuts back our big bad pollution devices (im sure California would even complain about those)
     
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    #6
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  9. Sep 23, 2012 #7
    48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    Sitting here in IL. Temp in the upper 60s. Trucks on either side of me just idling away, one with the guy sitting in the driver's seat doing nothing.

    Ya know, I can appreciate being "old school" in a lot of ways. But there are things that have changed over the years. Stick to it, Matt!
     
    48Packard, Sep 23, 2012
    48Packard, Sep 23, 2012
    #7
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  10. Sep 23, 2012 #8
    Jorihe84

    Jorihe84 Road Train Member

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    88 here in sth GA. Going to be in the 40's tonight in Atlanta when I get there. Windows will be open
     
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    Jorihe84, Sep 23, 2012
    #8
  11. Sep 23, 2012 #9
    48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    I hear ya....lovin' these cooler evenings....
     
    48Packard, Sep 23, 2012
    48Packard, Sep 23, 2012
    #9
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  12. Sep 23, 2012 #10
    Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    I see this all the time. And I dont understand it.

    Now, with that said...when the temps are in the consistent 100 range with matching humidity...I dont typically shut the truck off, even to take a shower since it heats up beyond belief.

    True, you do loose about a gal/hr idling or if you actually work it out, its about .5mpg less per day.
    I won't loose any sleep over that and for how much I actually idle, its still cheaper to idle than to pay $8k or more on a stinky APU.

    There are some govt incentives here but I'm still looking at a min $5k investment for a decent machine.

    Maybe if it was closer to FREE I would consider it...
     
    Hanadarko, Sep 23, 2012
    Hanadarko, Sep 23, 2012
    #10
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