Hello everyone,

I have been a company driver for three years, and now am considering becoming an O/O. My research is showing that slowing down, and adding certain fuel saving features to a tractor such as "Turbo 3000" will actually add more to the bottom line than speeding to each stop.

As an experiment, I drove from Lewiston, ID to Cincinnati, OH with about 45000 in the box, the entire trip I drove an average of 65 MPH, (Governed) and my fuel economy was about 5.9 MPG (2006 Freightliner Columbia) that trip took about 3.75 working days by the book.

On a similiar trip with same shipper and receiver, and about 44000 in the box but averaging just 57 MPH my Fuel economy rose to 7.0 MPG. BTW, I did cheat on the logs, so it took the same amount of time, but with shorter, more frequent sleep periods. :twisted:

My question: On a similiar trip in an older tractor, same make and model, and not governed I could theoretically get the load to receiver about a day sooner, but would it be worth it?

 

Ya, I agree with you. I try but I think about the time I waste on a long run. If I do 65 then I can do 600 in one day. If I do 57 then I would do maybe 550. Over a 5 day long run it will take me another 5 hours of driving or maybe a next day delivery if I run slower.

I do see the big savings on running slower though.

 

And about $200 in fuel savings, or $40 in hour(goes directly to bottom line".

So, I'd say you should look at every run particular situation, is it worth it?
Find the best compromise between fuel, speed and comfort!

And one other thing;-people who run faster, not necessarily drive more miles, and deliver earlier. But it sure cost them more to run it!
:wink:

 

It depends.

Do you have a nice hot lucrative load waiting for you where you will take your 10 and keep moving?

Or will you be waiting for a a day for a something to materialize?

I know speeding will be less painful if you have a aero tractor like a K660, Pete2000, Volvo VN or a Freightshaker Columbia.

Guys running @ 80 with a Classic Pete just tidybowl lots of $.

 

I know BUT the difference between 55 and 65 is like night and day. I fall asleep at 55 but at 65 it's a lot more fun.

 

look at it this way Lewiston, ID to Cincinnati, OH is about 2100 miles so
2100 / 65 mph = 32.3 hr's driving time
2100 / 57 mph = 38.8 hr's driving time
38.8 - 32.3 = 6.5 hr extra driving time.

2100 / 7 mpg = 300 gl.
2100 / 5.9 mpg = 355.9 gl.
355.9 - 300 = 55.9 gl.
55.9 gl @ $2.80 = $156.52 fuel savings

so it takes you 6.5 hr longer and you make $156.52 more or look at it this way for the extra 6.5 hr's you are driving you are making $24.08 an hr
it's up to you

 

That's why I've said;-"Find the best compromise between fuel, speed and comfort!"
Personally, i didn't drive 55 either, 65 is a good enough for me, and when it's roll, I'll let it roll to 75-80.
Also, in a few occasions, i will speed up intentionally, to break out of a wrong crowd...etc, very rarely, just for fun ops: , but only for a short time.

Mostly, I'm having fun just to watch, the same trucks passed me 3-4 times, across 311 miles on I-80 in PA! :wink: :lol:

 

If you do 10,000 miles per month then you burn 1428 gallons of diesel at 7 mpg; or 1695 gallons of diesel at 5.9 mpg. That's 267 gallon difference which can translate into savings of $670 at $2.50 a gal if you drive slowly. So if you drive slow, you're putting extra $670 in your pocket WITHOUT DOING ANY EXTRA WORK!

I personally drive as slowly as possible, which is determined by the terrain and how heavy I'm loaded. If I'm bobtailing or pull an empty trailer, I set my cruise to - don't laugh - 57 mph (1,250 RPM on my CAT C15). If I'm loaded and need pulling power to go through some hilly terrain, I switch to 60 mph/1,350 RPM for more torque.

Just as the other driver pointed out, you'll be passed by Petes and Keywoppers but most of the time it'll be the same truck

 

Now that I'll be buying my own fuel I know I'll have to watch this, but I tell you on one of my last trips as a company driver I went from Oregon to Pa and I crossed the whole width of Ohio and it seemed like a four day trip at 55mph. Not to mention that every time I crossed into Arizona from California it felt like a weight off my chest.

 

Your truck will last longer if you go slow and easy.