What speeds do you guys like to run?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Canadianhauler21, Jun 12, 2024.

  1. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    I'm curious to know what speeds you guys like to run? With more time that passes I enjoy driving slower and enjoying the drive. I have lots of extra times in between loads so there isn't really a point in driving fast just to wait.

    I prefer 58-63MPH these days, tired out from running like a dog.

    How about you guys?
     
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  2. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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  3. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Any speed that isn't in the 65-68 mph range with every other fleet truck on the planet. Slower is always easier and requires less lane changes, plus it gets better MPG. I did love my KW out West that didn't have a limit and the speed limits might be 80-85. I like going fast when it's safe to do so. I was a company driver. I'd probably drive 40 MPH if I was paying for fuel.
     
  4. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    I used to run 70-75 depending on the state.
     
  5. drivingmissdaisy

    drivingmissdaisy Road Train Member

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    I'm paid by the mile. I run it against the gov'r at all times when traffic allows. It saves drive time for the week. If I was paid by the hour I wouldn't care. 72 mph, and I still get 9.8mpg when I have less than 20K in the box. That Volvo D13 as an amazing engine.

    Going slow really doesn't save much fuel unless you go REALLY slow. Then you're just burning up your clock. I run 72 with 25k in the box coming up here and got about 9.7 for the whole run. I've done a similar run on a 65mph road with about the same in the box and it stayed about the same. It just took longer.

    I took this rig bobtail for 600 miles to grab an empty trailer from near Chicago and I ran up there on EE (extreme efficiency) which normally makes the truck kinda laggy on acceleration, but bobtail it's fine. I got on a road doing 55 and I set the cruise. After about 80 miles I looked down at the dash, it indicated 14.4mpg. I went up to 72 and it changed to I believe 13.9 or so.

    I don't believe fuel is saved as greatly with these new aero trucks as the old flat nose trucks of yesteryear.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2024
  6. TheLoadOut

    TheLoadOut Road Train Member

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    64, the world in general moves too fast for me.
     
  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I put my right foot to the floor and hold it there. Lol
     
  8. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    I drive whatever speed keeps me away from the smooth brains when they get all bunched up. Sometimes it’s faster than they are going, sometimes it’s 60 and I let them battle for position to get around me.
     
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  9. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Ima 5 over guy
     
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  10. broke down plumber

    broke down plumber Road Train Member

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    A Sammy Hagar song comes to mind .