Well just got back from a trip. From KCMO with 3 drops at 35K. First drop was in Nebraska and the last two drops was in WY north of Cheyenne. On the way up drove speed limit up to 70 mph and got 7.8 MPG. Drove back empty and was figured in the rate so already planned on it. On the way back I had to take a few back roads since the wind shut down light loads in WY on I25 and I was empty. I got a whopping 10.5 MPG and averaged for the trip 8.8 MPG. I also got lucky and found 3.98 a Gallon so that helped a little.
$3.98?! I’ve thought a lot about this thread, talking to my buddy who was in a Volvo and now in a 579, and my Volvo experience, brief 579 experience, and now in a T680. If I’m buying a new truck, I’m buying a Volvo. For me, one can’t beat the maneuverability, the ability to look out the left window for backing, and the flat steering wheel that allows to get up on it crank the heck out of it. The 579 I drove and this 680 are frustrating to maneuver, compared to a Volvo. There are some KW interior qualities I like way more. The Pete rode the best and was the quietest cab. But, Volvo maneuverability is more important for me.
With the new dynamic steering on volvo trucks you will love it even more if you have not drove one. Turning the steering wheel is effortless and they also have the newer way how the steering wheel adjusts. I have only drove the T680 a few times and hated the way it shifted compared to the Volvo but did like some of the way it was laid out in bunk area.
This company has four ‘22 Volvo 680’s. Talked to one of the guys, last night, and he didn’t sound very enthused about being put in it. Haha. I’m going to mention to the partner who does purchasing and volunteer for any future Volvo purchases. Haha. The ‘18 579 I drove was horrible. There was zero integration (MX13/Allison?), which Volvo long ago perfected. The newer PACCAR engine/trans combo is about 80% of Volvo’s refinement, IMO. Still, the MX13 completely sucks, compared to the D13.
I played with this few years ago. I came so far that I removed roof fairing for better aerodynamics. I hauled tanker. Improvement in fuel mileage was ZERO.
I did OTR US/Canada. I hauled hazmat mostly. 2-3 weeks out. Longer runs paid better but if there was nothing available I would do short trips. But you are right- on short runs you starve.
Well just finished this load from MO with 4 drops. 36500 in the trailer and got 8.1 MPG's for total trip. 3 Drops in NY and last was in Maine. Took my time on the load and just did 65 most of the way since I had plenty of time for this one. On a Side note I kind of screwed up tonight. Booked a load that was 1.5 hours away from my last drop. Drove all the way to pick up and ready to pick up in the morning. Only to go back and look at the drop off again. GPS said it was going to Albany NY area and I was ok with that when I booked it. It turns out it is going to Long Island Ny. Yeah I don't do those loads so gonna have to cancel that sheet in the morning. Kind of pissed me off since I drove extra to get here tonight. And top it off am in a worst area then what I was. Ha Ha Oh well sheet happens I guess. On to the next one in the morning I hope!
