what have you guys done to become more fuel efficient

As a company driver all the technical set up is up to the company.

I drove one one truck that was nearly impossible to hit my target regardless of what I did. Then switched companies and hauled heavier loads (barely under 80K GVW) and routinely got in the mid 7's without even trying. In fact the second company said their trucks were set up to run best at 65 MPH, so that's what I did. Only had a 9 speed and drove in the hills out east a lot.

I have a question about not burning all the fuel when going past 3/4 throttle. How is this possible with modern computer controlled engines? In older equipment with a mechanical linkage from foot peddle to throttle that would make sense. But on the last truck that I drove the foot peddle operated an electrical device, no mechanical linkage.

Just curious. Thanks

 

A lot of "old school" advice that no longer applies is still out there. The "3/4" throttle is hard to justify with the newer engines. Maybe a better description is manage the throttle as if you pressed down too hard, too far, or too fast, you'd get an electric shock. Not having a turbo boost gauge to monitor, you just have to learn how to feather the throttle, when/where to feather.

 

STexan: Good point on throttle. Sorry, I grew up on old school pickups and heavy farm trucks. I should have said it better.