What is your MPG?

I heard from a veteran driver yesterday that if you buy FPPF or any other fuel additive for your truck that Maverick docks you one gallon per bottle on you MPG calculation. I don't know it that was BS or not. Just scuttlebutt while watching The Odd Couple reruns. It would make sense, though, in reconciling why my paper calculations are always higher than the EOBR message.

 

That's a new one on me. Last week fuel 7.6 out of route 7.8

 

I did say I heard it in the trucker's lounge...

 

Seawheeler, your mileage and OOR are pretty close to mine...and you live in Central Illinois...coincidence?

 

I've been working on it and have been blessed with good flat runs lately. I just had a deadhead from Laredo, TX to Wichita Falls TX (500 Miles) and averaged 8.8 mpg at 62 mph. Trick was I had a 20 mph tail wind the whole time! that sure helps the ol' mpg average.

Are you running a 12 or 07?

My OOR is higher than it should be but don't know how to fix that without jeopardizing my mpg.

 

It's a 12. This week would have been better than the 7.6 I got, but I had to fly like the wind to make the delivery times. I got another wonderful 500 mile run for the weekend that is just over 100 miles OOR (with two stops to unload) so I get to start the week at almost 25% OOR and hope to work my way down...again. Honestly, why does Maverick even give a hoot about the numbers. That's micro managing. If a driver is selecting good, intelligent routes then leave him alone. It's not that hard to tell if a driver is abusing the system. You just have to pay attention. Micro managing just turns it into a joke.

BTW, my truck deadheads at 10.3 with a tailwind. I've hit 8.8 (9 once, but the truck was under 35 ton) with loads on the back. 70,000#, low profile and a tailwind seem to hit a real sweet spot. The programming on these trucks is specifically detrimental to stop and go driving, maximum loads, and variable conditions. I don't care if a team of Detroit engineers are dreaming up these programs, I guarantee I would get a minimum of 5% better economy and 10% better performance from the program that rolls off the Freightliner lot. This, too, is also micro management by definition. Creating a homogenous environment that removes variability between drivers is the true goal. Trusting and empowering drivers are not. That's what keeps the industry in the stone age.

I don't know why I rant, but it sure flows freely on this end.

 

As stated here before, Maverick will not get on you about OOR if your MPG is good.
As for the rant, let it out man. Thats what these forums are for. Hopefully it makes you feel better and somebody can give you some encouragement when you need it.
I'd trade you my 1100 mile weekend run for your 500 if it took me by the house.

 

That's one thing really great I can say about my fleet manager. Knock on wood, he has gotten me home EVERY weekend this year WITHOUT a recap. I know I just screwed myself saying that, but it's true.

This week's nearly 3000 mile run still had me comfortably with 8 hours on my 70 when I got home. Those long hauls really help out with conserving the 70 hour. The day I got 655 miles, I was on duty barely over 11 hours (10.5 driving, 30 min LONG fuel stop, pre trip, nature calls, etc.).