Does speeding save fuel?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Shotgun94, Sep 7, 2018.

  1. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

    7,490
    16,266
    Apr 12, 2016
    Chicagoland
    0
    On the other hand, I wish I knew what change in mpg would be If I slowed down. Anyone experimented on that? Even if it is 1 mpg as a result, the money saved is not something to snub at. 100K miles at 6.5 mpg renders 15.385 galons. That's about my avg per year. 65-70 mph range. So If I slowed down to 55 mph...I consider going slower as not safe, then what would my average be? 7.5 ?...13.333. 2051 gal saved * $3.25 = $6.668...actually not bad. I could not avg 55 mph - too much of a torture!

    The question remains: Is it really going to be at least 1 mpg by slowing down 5-10 mph?
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2018
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. stillwurkin

    stillwurkin Road Train Member

    1,756
    2,855
    Dec 2, 2017
    0
    Looks good . I don't listen to Kevin, I have before but not lately. Looks good, keep earning that $.
     
  4. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,777
    5,538
    May 22, 2017
    0
    Lol. I'm only avg 1800 miles per week. It's a joke of a job.
     
  5. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

    15,442
    24,743
    Mar 31, 2013
    sarasota, fl
    0
    In my experience very few open deck loads have delivery appointments. Now most of the time I'm putting along doing 63 to 65 but occasionally bumping it up to the speed limit will mean getting there before 4 pm when they stop recieving vs waiting till the next mourning to unload. If i can get unloaded today, i can reload at 7 am, first in line and chained down and rolling by 8 am. Not unloading tonight means im unloading at 7 am then drive 100 miles and be 5 trucks in line and now its 2 or 3 pm before im secured and ready to roll. This can snow ball into an extra load (so minimum extra 1k dollars in revenue) by the end of the week.

    Obviously on longer runs it won't really matter, but on the shorter stuff it can be a major difference. The biggest thing is knowing when running faster will make you money vs do nothing but burn more fuel.
     
  6. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

    15,442
    24,743
    Mar 31, 2013
    sarasota, fl
    0
    It's going to vary depending on how your truck is specced and the aerodynamics of your truck but a decent rule of thumb is 1 mph equates to .1 mpg at speeds over 60.

    I know that with my giant hood that has all the aerodynamics of a brick when i drop down to 55 and run in direct on the two lanes i see a fuel 1 mpg increase. In theory that would be even more on the 4 lane interstates with less slowing and accelerating.
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2018
    rank and Oldironfan Thank this.
  7. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,777
    5,538
    May 22, 2017
    0
    And tire pressure 1 pound less inflation under 90psi is .1 less in fuel economy. I like 110 on all tires. But contemplating 120 psi in steer. The wheels usually fail before the tire at 130psi.
     
  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

    15,442
    24,743
    Mar 31, 2013
    sarasota, fl
    0
    I thought you drive a company truck. Use the pressure they want.

    I like 110 in my steers and 100 every where else.

    Tire manufacturers have a chart they suggest for optimum wear and rolling resistance that is based off your weight and tires.
     
    Oldironfan Thanks this.
  9. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,777
    5,538
    May 22, 2017
    0
    I am. But I did own my own truck. I have 2 trucks parked.
     
  10. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

    4,657
    5,282
    Aug 28, 2009
    Airlie Beach QLd
    0
    The faster you run the higher you rev the more fuel you burn, Increasing your highway cruising speed from 55mph to 75mph can raise fuel consumption as much as 20%. You can improve your gas mileage 10 – 15% by driving 10 mph slower
     
  11. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

    15,442
    24,743
    Mar 31, 2013
    sarasota, fl
    0
    I don't think any of us own cng powered trucks so gas mileage doesnt man squat.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.