Whats up with 62 mph?

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by streetmaster, Mar 15, 2012.

  1. danyboy

    danyboy Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2012
    Brandon, Manitoba, Can.
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    The theory of slower is cheaper doesn't hold water, some truck/engine combinations get better fuel mileage at 70mph than they do at 55mmph. I.E. some of the new TransX Pete's seem to have their sweet spot at 68mph, unfortunately only O/O's get to drive them that fast.
     
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  3. d3kennedy

    d3kennedy Bobtail Member

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    Jan 23, 2012
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  4. danyboy

    danyboy Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2012
    Brandon, Manitoba, Can.
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    True, I wonder how many company have calculated the total cos of lost loads in a year and extra $ in fuel to save $100 a month on insurance premiums.
     
  5. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

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    A few employers ago, I got 7.2 mpg at a pretty constant 68mph on Boston-Binghamton runs, out with 28k in the box, back with 12-15k. This was in your generic 2003-2005 Columbia with a 14L Detroit set at 450, 10spd, 3.55 rears. Now, I'm driving a 2013 Prostar with a Maxxforce 13@ 430, 10spd, 3.55 rears, and am having a heck of a time getting above 6.5 with the same load weight out, and empty back, going 60-61 mph.

    Slower speed, newer motor, more aerodynamic truck, empty for the return leg, and I can't even seem to clear 6.8, let alone 7.2. And they go on and on about how we're saving fuel?
     
  6. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Didja notice they fired the entire crew that came up with that MAXXFORCE monstrosity?
     
  7. hup

    hup Medium Load Member

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    Oct 19, 2010
    Missoula, MT
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    What's with this supposed stress you keep going on about? There's no stress driving 68 as opposed to 62. If there is, its insignificant. And how much supposed rest is this "fast" driver supposed to need to recuperate from driving 6 miles faster than swift anyway? 10 seconds? You throw out stuff about stress and needing more rest, but there's no data in regards to any of it. Its just babble.
     
  8. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    For me personally...I find it far more stressful (even depressing) to be stuck in a slow truck.


    Sure there are times when its easier to slow down, such as in traffic, and let everybody else do all the lane changes....I'm just not convinced of how much "safer" that actually is though...I look at safety as a whole, not as an individual...after all, we are all out here on the same road, right?

    Some slow poke truck backing up traffic in one lane leads to every body changing lanes and passing at 70 mph...thats not safer, not in any way, shape, form, or fashion...not for anybody.

    All that is...is less likely to be at fault when the accident happens...thats not safety, thats liability.

    Just calling a spade a spade...
     
    hup Thanks this.
  9. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    Kellogg, IA
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    I don't. The money saving difference between running 62 and 70 is substantial enough that it doesn't bother me at all to run slower. And I have to do the "speed up, slow down" game with traffic so much less, and I touch the brakes less. All of that factors in that the money saved by running slower is worth it. At least to me. I really could care less what everyone else does. All my loads are scheduled for that running speed, and most are by appt, so there is no advantage to race to get there.

    And if we're all honest here, it really doesn't matter if I did the speed limit or 5 over, there would still be a bunch of yahoo's trying to race around, jocky for position, cut back in front of me to make the exit, etc. Nothing is going to change if I run faster. If they slam into the back or me, oh well.
     
    sewerman Thanks this.
  10. spacetrucker88

    spacetrucker88 Heavy Load Member

    If they have thier vehicle under control at all times like we were taught before truck driving schools ever existited no one should be slamming into the back of anyone or anything.If you are driving on an interstate and some dimwhit professional truck school graduate runs into the back of you how could it be your fault. He or she ran into you not vice or versa.Why cant these people be responsible for thier actions?
     
    reefer75 Thanks this.
  11. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    I agree with Cowpie. There's no amount of running faster that's going to make up for the extra maintenance expense, and cost of fuel at $4 per gallon. I've tried it both ways, the time saved by running faster just can't get me around the next hard, fixed appointment.
     
    Jarhed1964 Thanks this.
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