Investing in fuel-efficient tires is one of the simplest yet most effective actions fleet operators can take to improve fuel economy. According to Daryl Bear, the lead engineer and COO at Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS):
“They’re already buying tires, so by simply changing a brand, they can improve fuel economy and save a tremendous amount of money.”
The Evolution of Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) Tires
Since their debut about two decades ago, low-rolling-resistance tires have significantly advanced in technology. These innovations have resulted in notable benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater adoption by fleet operators.
“They’re just making the tires better and better all around,” Bear added, noting that these advancements have fueled their popularity, particularly in specific applications like long-haul trucking.
Practical Applications in the Industry
Although LRR tires dominate certain sectors like over-the-road trucking, their utility is application-dependent. For example, fleets requiring robust traction for off-road or snowy conditions might steer away from LRR tires due to traction concerns.
For long-haul operations, however, these tires are becoming increasingly common. Jim Garrett, product category manager at Michelin North America, explained their effectiveness in highway scenarios, adding, “At lower speed, varying load, starting and stopping or other applications, it becomes more difficult to measure the fuel savings,” he said. While regional and urban applications will still generate savings, it will be less obvious, he added.
Advanced Design and Longevity
Modern LRR tires are far removed from their early iterations, which were criticized for thinner treads, limited life spans, and reduced traction. Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), acknowledged the evolution by stating, “Tire designs have become incredibly sophisticated. Goodyear, Michelin, and other leaders have improved traction, wear, and fuel economy through lower rolling resistance.”
Some of today’s LRR tires can last up to 250,000 miles, a significant leap forward compared to earlier models. However, fleets still balancing multiple priorities, such as traction for snowy or wet conditions, may hesitate to adopt LRR tires entirely.
Return on Investment for Fleets
The financial benefit of LRR tires is undeniable. NACFE research highlights that the fuel cost tied to tire rolling resistance is about five times higher than the tire’s initial price. This means switching to LRR tires can offer substantial long-term savings.
Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared how his organization has embraced these tires for their 4,200-tractor and 23,000-trailer fleet, explaining, “We make a lot of investments in our fleet each year to replace older units, reduce our carbon footprint, and lower the fleet’s age—including the use of LRR tires.”
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The environmental benefits of LRR tires align with broader sustainability trends. Many fleets now choose SmartWay-verified tires, a program promoting fuel efficiency and reduced freight transport emissions.
For example, ABF Freight has approximately 60-70% of its fleet operating on LRR tires while integrating SmartWay-certified recaps to amplify its environmental efforts.
Challenges and Future Developments
Though LRR tires have made great strides, there’s room for improvement. The trucking industry seeks extended tire lifespans and tread designs better suited for specific conditions. According to Godfrey, enhancements in tire longevity would help decrease the total number of tires necessary in fleets and minimize labor costs associated with replacements.
“You’d want to see something that wears slower, provides a longer life expectancy, and potentially be capped more frequently at a lower cost,” said Matthew Copot, VP of Fleet Management at Saia Inc.
Experts also note the need for adaptations to accommodate battery-electric trucks, which place unique stress on tires due to higher torque. Roeth emphasized, “Current designs suit diesel trucks, but battery-electric trucks require changes to sustain wear under heavier loads.”
Driving Industry Change
The broader influence of LRR technologies is undeniable. Many features originally designed for LRR tires are now commonplace in other tire categories, pushing the entire industry toward more fuel-efficient designs. Garrett from Michelin anticipates that as fleets refine how they track fuel usage, they’ll naturally continue adopting LRR tires.
“Factors such as GHG regulations, fuel prices, and societal pressure will further drive adoption,” Garrett stated.
A Clear Path Forward
Low-rolling-resistance tires are no longer just a smart option; they are a competitive advantage for fleets looking to reduce expenses, enhance sustainability, and maximize operational efficiency. While their implementation depends on specific trucking applications and conditions, continued advancements offer growing benefits for the industry.
For fleets striving to remain at the forefront, LRR tires represent a critical investment in the present and the future.
Source: Transport Topics
Image Source: Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions
