Stevens Transport aviary

simple physics says you can not get the same fuel mileage at 68 and 58.
Running at 58, I get 7+ mpg, which puts another $300 a week in my pocket. And it has not changed my miles per week, I still average 2700 a week.
And the stress level, is almost none. I just set back and enjoy the trucks passing me every couple of hours, running 70..
Cummins video at stevens, 58 mph. So the video is customized for the customer.

 

I hadn't heard that yet lol. I have had a couple ask if I needed any help cause the engine was struggling up small hills. I even had one offer to hook up some chains and pull me over the hill.

But as far as all around fuel mileage I usually squeak out a 7+ runnin 61 - 62 with my C15. Only time it might drop lower is over 78000. My best week so far was an 8.1. But alot of deadhead miles and light loads. I tried 55 and it is alot higher on flat land but bad news in the hills so I just keep it up over 60 and get by. 58 seems to be where it is at it's absolute worst for me. But the engine tuning is just a small portion of it. Driving habits plays the biggest role. Factor in terrain weather traffic and all that good stuff and it can get pretty ugly.

 

Each truck is just a little bit different and one has to find what works for them. With current fuel price of $4.00 per gallon the difference between 6.5 and 7 mpg is $500 per month for a 10,000 mile month. I would much rather put that money in my pocket. I experimented for months to find that comfort spot for me. Turns out to be 1300 rpm or 58.4 mph. Hilly country I keep it between 1200 and 1400.

 

You now only have to have 1 month solo to qualify for Alliance.

Im planning to sign up. Figure I will give it a shot.

One question for you guys that are leasing, Do you use the accountant that Stevens offers or do you use your own. And if you have your own, would you recomend them?

 

I use Stevens. Very simple, easy and does a good job.
And molto cheep!

 

Speed doesnt affect your mpg.Where did you hear that from.I love these guys that say that.Just means their saying they dont have the discipline to run at that speed.Bottom line,more bennies in my pocket every week.Like Tlea said,simple physics will give you the correct answer.Run at whatever speed you want,Ill run at 58,avg over 7.0,and put another 10 grand a year in my pocket,and make every delivery on time,and always be stopped in a safe haven,and not the side of the road,and avg 2800 to 3000 miles a week.Me and my student ran 5400 miles last week at more than a 7.0.If you have to run that fast to make a delivery on time,sucks to be you.You can have that stress.

 

Sitting in Eufala chilling at the Loves.Got in a round of golf today at the Downstream Casino outside of Joplin.Really nice place.Sucks to be me.Co-driver will be back on the yard manana,Im headed for Laredo.Maybe I can get enough time down there to cook a steak on the grill.Got three calls for repowers today,lol.Ever notice when you want them,they dont seem to happen.But when you cant take them(I dont do that to drivers,he is going to the yard,not a bus terminal)they seem to be everywhere.Oh well,hated to turn them down,cost me some money.Thats o/k I like Laredo.Everybody be safe.Oh by the way,7.1 mpg today at 78500 at 58 mph.Nuff said.

 

I used the stevens bookkeeper the first year, but could not stand getting my statements 3 months after the fact. I like to know where I am at within a week of the month being done... so now I do it myself, and hand it over to a local accountant the specializes in trucks and agriculture, to do my year end taxes... she help me set up the quick book accounts to make both of our jobs easier.

Having been an office manager at a grocery store, where we generated the numbers weekly has a lot to do with me liking to know how I am doing.

 

Swung by home yesterday, and took care of some very important business.. picked up my new phone and data card for the final switch to AT&T/alltel merger.
Sitting in Ogden UT today, and part of tomorrow... Only had 2 hours left on my 70 today after dropping at hershey.. and the guard there gets a kick out of us having to pull an empty out, and then return it later the same day... I told her I would see her tomorrow... yeppers noon, headed to chandler AZ... A new route for me... yea, sure wish I could drive it all during the day, some great scenery along 89... but the appt is the 14 at 2100... Hopefully the load is ready at noon, so I can get out of here before the rain turning to snow hits.

 

Been running my truck as low as 53MPH. Safety took me off of NYC dedicated so Im back out bowling for MPG's. Im company BTW.