National and Regional Trends

For the week ending May 12, the national average for on-highway diesel fell to $3.48 per gallon. This marks the lowest price since December 23, 2024, when it was at the same level. Over five weeks, diesel prices have seen a steady 16-cent decline.

Although most regions experienced falling prices last week, California and the Rocky Mountain regions saw slight increases. California remains the most expensive for diesel, with a 3.2-cent increase bringing its average to $4.76 per gallon. The Rocky Mountain region recorded a minor 0.3-cent bump.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Gulf Coast remains the most affordable region for diesel at $3.14 per gallon, closely followed by the Lower Atlantic region at $3.41 per gallon. The biggest price drops were observed in these regions, at 4 cents and 3.1 cents, respectively.

Here’s a breakdown of regional diesel averages according to the EIA:

• Gulf Coast – $3.14
• Lower Atlantic – $3.41
• Midwest – $3.42
• Rocky Mountain – $3.46
• New England – $3.88
• Central Atlantic – $3.78
• West Coast (less California) – $3.74

Additional data from ProMiles’ diesel averages showed a slight decrease of 2.3 cents, bringing the national average to $3.48 per gallon. ProMiles also reported California as the most expensive diesel location at $4.88 per gallon, while the Gulf Coast retained its position as the cheapest at $3.15 per gallon.

Source : Commercial Carrier Journal

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“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

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The Impact on Engine Power

Ascending to higher altitudes means encountering thinner air. This results in a reduced oxygen supply for your truck’s engine, vital for combustion. With less oxygen, your truck’s power output diminishes, affecting performance.

• A study on trucks navigating the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (3,000-5,000m) highlighted a significant drop in speed when tackling inclines. Trucks faced difficulties in accelerating and maintaining momentum on steep paths due to sparse air.

• Engine power may decline by 4.3% at just 2,000 meters elevation, posing a notable challenge when transporting heavy cargo.

Reduced Fuel Economy

Climbing altitudes forces engines to exert more effort, often leading to increased fuel consumption and decreased efficiency.

• Research indicates that above 4,500 meters, a truck’s brake thermal efficiency—a metric of how efficiently an engine converts fuel to power—declines noticeably. This is due to factors like slower combustion and reduced expansion ratios.

• Heat loss within the engine rises at higher altitudes; for instance, heat transfer to the coolant can increase by 2% at elevations as low as 2,000 meters, further impacting fuel efficiency.

Increased Pollutant Emissions

Less oxygen results not only in diminished power but also in less efficient fuel combustion, leading to elevated emissions. This is a notable concern for trucks operating in environmentally fragile zones.

• Tests in the U.S. and Europe revealed that trucks emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at elevated altitudes. Increases in NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) emissions place additional strain on emission control systems.

• Research in mountainous locales identified that emissions of harmful pollutants like NOx were up to three times higher at high altitudes during extra-urban driving. This arises from the engine’s challenge in managing air-fuel mixture quality in low-oxygen conditions.

Turbocharging as a Solution

Fortunately, there are effective solutions for high-altitude driving challenges. One of the most promising methods to counteract altitude-related power loss is through turbochargers. Turbochargers introduce more air into the engine, offsetting the oxygen deficit in thin air.

• Simulations of trucks at various altitudes demonstrated that advanced turbocharging technology considerably enhanced performance metrics such as acceleration and top speed, particularly in steep, hilly terrains.

Elevation can greatly influence your truck’s functionality, from reduced power and fuel efficiency to increased emissions. If your routes take you through mountainous areas, understanding these effects and employing solutions like turbochargers can keep your truck operating at peak performance. Next time you’re ascending into the mountains, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge of what’s happening under the hood and how to maintain your truck in top condition.

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According to the findings, TuSimple’s Level 4 (L4) autonomous technology consistently outperformed manual driving, with an overall fuel efficiency advantage of 11%. In some cases, the advantage reached as much as 27%. These results align with previous tests conducted by TuSimple.

“Across the trucking industry, fleets and shippers are seeking ways to reduce fuel costs and limit greenhouse gas emissions for on-road vehicles, so we set out to evaluate how our L4 autonomous technology could help meet these objectives,” said Cheng Lu, president and CEO, TuSimple.

“While there is general industry consensus that autonomous vehicles’ smoother and more preemptive driving patterns can offer safety benefits, we now can clearly demonstrate the technology also reduces fuel consumption, which is better for the bottom line and the environment.”

How Fuel Savings was Calculated

TuSimple analyzed over 30,000 miles of highway driving, half of which was done manually and the other half autonomously. Their goal was to compare the fuel efficiency of their professional drivers to their autonomous driving system.

The main focus of the study was to measure the actual improvement in fuel economy for long-haul trucks, as highway operations make up a significant part of their driving. TuSimple also wanted to identify the specific conditions in which their autonomous driving technology excelled in improving fuel efficiency, considering the different scenarios and operating conditions.

As part of the study, TuSimple developed a “Fuel and Emissions Savings” calculator. This tool allows fleet owners and operators to input their fleet size and annual miles driven, and it calculates both fuel savings and the reduction in carbon emissions resulting from an 11% increase in fuel efficiency.

Source: Trucking Info

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Many companies are investing in driver training, technology, and incentives in a bid to enhance fuel efficiency. Did you know that driver behavior accounts for as much 30% of miles-per-gallon results? This fact alone underscores the importance of maximizing driver performance.

“The driver has a huge, huge part [in] how much fuel the truck will burn,” said Royal Jones, CEO of Mesilla Valley Transportation.

“In what I would call the perfect truck,” including an electronic governor to limit speed, one driver could get 7 mpg while another driver could get 10 mpg, he added.

New drivers can achieve impressive miles-per-gallon results with proper training and equipment. A driver-instructor from Nussbaum Transportation in Hudson, Ill. shared that during training, an apprentice driver was able to register an impressive 9.94 mpg.

“He’s under 21,” Reed said, noting that the newcomer is participating in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s registered apprenticeship program that allows training of younger people to operate trucks across state lines.

How did this apprentice driver achieve 9.94 mpg?

“First, it’s equipment,” Reed said. “You’ve got to have the right equipment to get that done, and Nussbaum’s really good at spec’ing equipment for fuel economy.”

Expert drivers recommend key techniques for optimal driver performance, such as light pedal usage, maintaining safe following distance, and smooth vehicle operation. Despite the benefits of automated transmissions and cruise control, however, the driver remains a crucial factor in fuel-efficient driving.

To enhance driver performance, some fleets appoint their best drivers as trainers and deploy technology like telematics systems for immediate feedback on fuel efficiency. In conjunction with real-time feedback, these training programs reinforce efficient driving habits and promote safe, fuel-efficient driving.

“It’s giving you a chance to learn as you go, and get better, said Dave Schaller, industry engagement director for the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

Tucker Freight Lines has been utilizing Isaac Coach, a powerful in-cab coaching application provided by Isaac Instruments for over a year now. This Dubuque, Iowa-based carrier, manages a fleet of 270 tractors and 950 trailers, including dry vans and flatbeds.

According to Cody McClain, Tucker’s Vice President of Safety and Human Resources, the company sees acceleration as the best opportunity to enhance driver performance.

“It’s habit to pin it to the floor to try to get out into a lane [from] an on-ramp,” McClain said.

He also noted that the system encourages drivers to accelerate gradually while also flagging instances of rough braking and turning.

“Everyone doesn’t always associate that with fuel economy, but if you’re braking harshly quickly, you’ve got to get back up to speed,” McClain said.

Isaac Coach levels the playing field for evaluating driver performance by removing uncontrollable factors from the equation. As explained by Jean-Sebastien Bouchard, Isaac Instruments’ co-founder and EVP of sales, the system is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy.

“To judge a driver’s fuel efficiency on just the miles per gallon is super hard because he controls just a fraction of it,” Bouchard said. The truck, the load, the terrain and weather all influence mpg.

Isaac Coach has a nifty solution for truck drivers to improve their fuel efficiency and tackle resistance on the road. With a color-coded indicator on an in-cab tablet, drivers can easily gauge how much pedal pressure is needed to overcome obstacles like heavy loads, strong winds, and steep hills. The aim is for drivers to adhere to the color-coded cues 95% of the time, which has resulted in up to a 5% boost in fuel efficiency based on user reports.

Telematics systems are applauded for providing valuable information to improve driver training, according to trucking executives and vendors. However, given drivers’ busy schedules, feedback has to be clear and concise to be truly useful. This is where Daryl Bear, chief operating officer and lead engineer at MVT Solutions, comes in. With a focus on fuel efficiency consulting, Bear emphasizes the importance of giving drivers feedback in an easily understandable format, whether it’s related to aggressive driving, braking, cruise control time, or idle time.

Overall, the trucking industry is keen on innovative solutions that help drivers navigate the roads more efficiently while reducing fuel costs.

“It’s more fuel-efficient than an average driver, but it’s not necessarily more fuel-efficient than a good driver,” Bear said.

Fleets can use data to help them score and coach drivers, he added, “but, of course, that takes time and some expertise to do.”

In March, Platform Science, a telematics provider, announced that Maverick Transportation will be implementing their advanced technology solutions. These solutions include driver-centric apps that will be deployed through the fleet management system. Stay tuned for the optimized and user-friendly experience that this partnership will provide to Maverick Transportation.

“We have a driver performance scorecard as part of our solution,” said Luke Wachtel, senior vice president of transportation and logistics for Platform Science.

Carriers using the vendor’s open platform can now promote fuel-efficient driving through their own gamification apps, according to Wachtel. Additionally, Maverick can now expand the use of its Drive Maverick app thanks to the platform.

Trimble has integrated its fleet management system with Tenstreet’s True Fuel technology, which offers real-time, in-cab coaching combined with fuel-efficiency data. Gary Falldin, Senior Director of Industry Solutions for Trimble, believes that real-time coaching followed by reports on mpg and driver efficiency is a better approach to fuel efficiency than just looking at mpg.

True Fuel, as an over-the-air add-on to Trimble telematics, provides reporting on driver fuel efficiency and can discount inequities when comparing equipment operating in different conditions. Falldin notes that potential mpg is vital in determining true fuel efficiency, as drivers with the same equipment can have different fuel efficiency levels. True Fuel can help drivers identify areas of improvement to maximize fuel efficiency.

“You can’t just look at mpg,” Falldin said. “Especially if you’ve got a bonus system for drivers.”

True Fuel offers a score that takes into account driving and equipment variations, allowing drivers to measure their fuel efficiency based on what’s within their control. Tim Crawford, CEO of Tenstreet, explains that it’s essential for drivers to understand the benefits of in-cab coaching to maximize the effectiveness of the program.

“There are so many demands on the driver’s attention,” Crawford said, citing safety, tight schedules and complying with regulations. “Why do they need to spend attention on this one topic?”

True Fuel now offers a built-in rewards system that simplifies the process of tracking and rewarding a driver’s fuel efficiency. By incorporating this feature, carriers can avoid the hassle of administrative responsibilities and easily incentivize their drivers.

“It’s hard to administer a program,” he said. Tenstreet’s Rewards platform enables fuel-efficient drivers to redeem points for electronics, home goods, movies and tools.

Slowing down while driving can help you save on fuel, but it can also translate into fewer miles covered and lower pay for drivers who get paid by the mile.

Mesilla Valley offers an incentive to make it worth your while – a $25,000 prize for the driver or team that achieves the best mpg each year.

To qualify for the award, you must have a clean record and meet a minimum mileage requirement for the year. It’s a win-win situation for drivers who want better fuel efficiency and a chance to earn more on the road.

Each quarter, the company gives away a new car. “But you can only win the car once,” Jones said.

Mesilla Valley Transportation has been encouraging eco-friendly driving for 10 years by offering monthly per-mile bonuses to drivers who beat the fleet’s average miles per gallon (mpg). The bonuses begin at one penny per mile and increase to a maximum of 4 cents per mile, depending on how much a driver surpasses the fleet’s mpg average.

In addition to the financial incentive, Mesilla Valley Transportation has handed out 30 motorcycles and 42 cars over the years as rewards for drivers who consistently meet or exceed their mpg goals.

Incentives work, and “they keep people trying,” Jones said.

Bear said that if a driver achieves a specified level of fuel economy, Mesilla Valley Transportation “allows the truck to go faster, which sounds counterintuitive, but [the opportunity] to go faster is an incentive for the driver because they can do more miles,” Bear said. “But we don’t see a lot of fleets doing that. It takes a lot to manage it.”

According to McClain, Tucker Freight Lines is currently putting the finishing touches on an incentive program based on drivers’ Isaac Coach scores. “If we see the value in them having the higher score, we want to incentivize them to get more pay,” he said.

Did you know that prioritizing fuel efficiency can lead to more than just savings on gas money? According to carriers and industry experts, it can also lead to increased safety and reduced overall costs.

“When you’re getting better fuel mileage, you’re not working the motor as hard,” Mesilla Valley’s Jones observed. “When a guy drives smooth and easy to get fuel mileage, he or she also wrecks less, the tires last longer, the brakes last longer, the whole truck lasts longer. I always tell people, ‘If you drive a truck like it’s about to break, it never will.’”

Source: Transport Topics

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