MPG Test

I run at 60-62. I am at 108 on the PFP. 1 mile before you are going to exit the interstate, take your foot/cruise off and coast. Use 2/3 throttle to get up to speed, no sense in putting the pedal to the metal(waste fuel). Manual shift as much as possible. I will shift from 1300-1350 with a load. Less RPM when empty. I don't idle either, even when checking in at the guard shack.

Hope this helps you out

 

Never run the truck in auto. Manual shift 100% of the time. Shift at around 1200rpm ( lower gears may need just a little more when loaded). Pretend there is an egg under your pedal when taking off and you don't want to crack the egg. Use Fuel Power FPPF at fill ups. Try to cruise at just over 1300-1350 rpms (the speed will be anywhere between 58-62 mph. Winds and hills of course are variables as well as the load and its weight. Night/very early morning driving usually allows for the most un-interrupted driving as far as start-stop traffic. Do not idle the truck even for 30 seconds. If pulling up to a line at scales for a shipper, shut it off while in line. And do not drive the truck in automatic for cryin' out loud.

 

I agree with everything he said...EXCEPT.... I use a different fuel additive. The biggest enemy of mpg is engine rpm. Therefore, the faster you run, IN A MAVERICK TRUCK, the lower your mpg's for most part. I think most will agree its all a state of mind. I personally set my cruise at 58mph. And yes, I get cussed at almost daily by rude owner ops that think they're better than company drivers.

 

Sewerman, the Man of Legend, swore by Fuel Power FPPF, Sarge uses it religiously, and those are the two most deserving drivers in our company (Sewerman now retired) of my reasoning to do the same. If they do (did) it- that is what I am doing too. Want to be successful? I can't think of two better examples to follow. All of my statement are all the things that I was taught by both of them. Follow this advice, and you will be as successful as them.

 

...and to tag onto BlindDog's statement, yeah, ignore the supertruckers...

 

Can u guys elaborate on shift points and speeds used to achieve optimal mpg's?

Also, tips for winter driving...

 

I just started driving for Maverick and have been getting terrible fuel mileage (around 6.5). This thread has been helpful and will try Manuel shifting and adding fuel additive. Got a question...Are you guys that are getting good mpg using the engine brake?

 

I don't use the engine brake unless there is a steep grade. Shift points are from 1300-1350 rpm, after time you will hear the motor and know when to shift. Don't floor the throttle when getting on an interstate. Bout 2/3 throttle, except when in heavy traffic and you need to get up to speed. I run around 60-61 with my mileage around 8, thats with 40K of chickens. Look at the route you are taking... If my mileage is good and OOR% up, I will look at a different way. My PFP is 7.25 MPG and 7% on OOR... Just think that when you drop 400 bucks in the tanks, its coming out of your pocket. You have to look at the bigger picture of fuel savings, just like looking as far down the road as possible.

 

Does Maverick pay for the additive or do they reimburse you?

 

I use the Power Service product in the WHITE bottle year round. My company printout average mpg is 7.89, my tanks average from 7,4-8.8. That is doing the math, not going by the gauge on the dash. Yes, the company will pay for the additive. Add it to your fuel purchase. I know Sarge uses PFFP stuff, I could a swore that Sewer man used Howes product? Anyhow, point is is to try to get as good as you can. Fuel is your biggest CONTROLLABLE expense. Just my opinion, but.... if I was a manager and ever heard an employee acting like they didn't care about mpg and cost of fuel, I'd fire that person on the spot. Also, strictly my opinion, one of the largest causes of truck wrecks is excess speed. In other words...SLOW DOWN!!! its not a race!!!