MPGs

I'd like to take an informal poll, of MPG vs. truck model. When I was in training, all the trucks I drove were Frieghtshakers. I would routinely get 7.5 or so, and would be feeling the vibrations from the truck for hours after driving them. I was assigned an International and have never done better than about 6.5, but feel normal at the end of the day. If what I was told today is accurate, being in an International, in and of itself could be perilous to my job status. Is anyone else lagging in fuel mileage in an International?

 

The Mercedes is an older engine without all the emission controls. I used to get much better mileage with my old Cummins as well. I guess the new detroits in the Cascadia are pulling 8mpg. It will be a long time before we see those at Roehl since they still have so many new Columbias sitting around.

 

I can relate, last week they routed me on 3 restricted routes and my DSR got kinda crappy when I pointed it out. The mpg thing is getting annoying but it is thier ball.

 

I'm running an'07 Columbia with a DD. My MPG were low 6's with NO power. Finally the check engine light started flashing on/off and the truck really started running badly. I limped it to Marshfield where, 5 days later, they replaced the turbo (they also did a ton of other work that should have been done in Gary but wasn't). I'm suddenly getting high 6's with 40k+ loads and up to low 8's with light loads (like a Greenheck load) on the flats.

One thing to try (besides an overhaul) is shutting off the jake unless you really need it (West Virginia, Rockies, etc.). I'm told it'll decrease your MPG by .2-.3. Momentum management is also pretty important, try to "work" the lights whenever possible.

I too get some really goofy Opti-Stop routes. When they're totally foolish I just ignor them and route myself. If you make your fuel stops, pick up and deliver on time and don't tear up the equipment you'll be OK.

Good luck all, and let's all stay safe.

O G

 

The same happened to me Dr. when I pulled boxes. It didn't seem to matter if I had 40k or 4k, my MPG was always in the high 5s. When I got back on flats, it went back up the high 6s or low 7s. Flat trucks don't have the upper fairings so it's just like a sailboat sail up there behind your tracktor killing your MPGs.

 

Hey How's the miles been last few weeks?? you guys OTR or Hometime?

 

I run hometime and am down to about 1400 for each seven day run. I got a qcom about mpg I was at 5.99 on one load. I shot back, mountains and heavy loads do terrible things to mpg. I got back a reply of "you know it." It helps that I got the mpg "atta boy" award two quarters in a row. As for routes I use my map, their opti system, my gps and microsoft Streets & Trips. Keep in mind the more you can stay on the "Big Roads" the better your fuel economy since you aren't stopping and starting all the time.

 

I get 6.3mpg in Peterbilt 387, but I pull 79+k everywhere 85% of the time I'm moving.

 

I saw a Roehl Freightliner Columbia Midroof XT with a Tri Pac APU on the left side yesterday. Any ideas on how many you guys have or are getting?

KH