Driving for fuel mileage

I've been saying it for yrs.

the megas are preaching it and I ain't buying it.

the insurance companies came up with this 20 yrs ago.

discounts for slower trucks

slower trucks, less damage in an accident.

more miles/day=more loads=more $

 

Their are times it makes Sense to go Faster, I.E. arriving at a shipper or consignee before they close. but too drive at the higher speed when you know you will not make cutoff time does not make sense to me.

 

That's not what he's advocating, sometimes driving slow to save money can and will cost you more than you are saving in the long run.

 

I have always wonder how you can measure this? Fuel economy can be measured...running fast for more loads seems to be impossible to measure.

Note: I don't care what someone does...just curious.

 

Nevermind. thought this was in the flatbed forum

 

I don't think it can technically be measured either, but you can look at your week ahead of time knowing the lanes and figure out if there is the possibility to grab that extra load or not.

Some weeks I'm driver A and others I'm driver B. I'm not going to drive faster and increase my costs if there isn't a good reason to do so.

 

It was, but your post still fit none the less.

 

There's more too fuel usage then just speed.
Alot of people assume 'slower means less fuel used'. But what about the tranny?

If your near the upper rpm limit for a gear at a slower speed, you could easily be using more fuel per mile then running at the lower rpm for a higher gear and going a bit faster down the road.
ie (i don't drive a semi yet, so based on my pickup truck)
1200 rpm in 5th gear @ 55mph may use less fuel then 1900rpm in 4th gear @ 45mph

Every vehicle has a different sweat spot for optimal fuel usage, just a matter of finding it.

 

I know, but it feels like having a hot girlfriend and being asked to give a speech at the 'HeMan Women Haters Club.'