How can truckers save fuel?
The biggest fuel savers are usually driving a steady, moderate speed, cutting idle time, keeping tires properly inflated, maintaining the engine and aerodynamic parts, and planning routes and fuel stops to avoid empty miles and high-priced pumps. Small mpg gains add up to real money over a year of driving.
Fuel is usually one of the largest costs an owner-operator controls. Prices move with the market, but how much fuel you burn is largely up to you. These fuel-saving tips for truckers focus on habits and maintenance that cost little or nothing and pay back on every mile.
Know your real mpg first
You cannot improve what you do not measure. Track fuel for each fill-up and the miles driven between fill-ups, then calculate mpg for each week and each load type. The dash display is helpful, but your own records are more reliable.
Watch for patterns:
- Heavier loads and hilly routes lower mpg.
- Winter fuel blends and cold weather often reduce mpg.
- A sudden drop with no obvious cause can point to a mechanical problem.
Put your numbers into the truck fuel cost calculator to see what fuel costs you per mile.
Driving habits that save fuel
Slow down and stay steady
Wind resistance grows fast as speed rises, so a few miles per hour can make a clear difference in fuel burned. A steady, moderate cruising speed is one of the easiest ways to save. Running slower does add some time, so weigh it against your appointments and hours of service.
Smooth acceleration and braking
Hard acceleration and late braking waste fuel. Look far ahead, ease off early for traffic and lights, and let momentum carry the truck where it is safe to do so.
Use cruise control wisely
On flat and gently rolling roads, cruise control keeps speed steady. In steep terrain, many drivers do better managing the throttle themselves so the truck is not downshifting hard to hold a set speed on climbs.
Shift efficiently
With a manual transmission, shift progressively and keep the engine in its efficient RPM range. With an automated transmission, learn the eco settings and let the system work as designed.
Cut idle time
Idling burns fuel while the truck earns nothing, and it adds engine hours that bring maintenance due sooner. Ways to reduce it:
- Use an auxiliary power unit, battery HVAC system or bunk heater for rest breaks.
- Shut the engine off during loading, unloading and long waits when weather and safety allow.
- Use shore power at truck stops that offer it.
- Check state and city anti-idling rules where you park, because limits and exemptions vary.
Tires and maintenance
Tire pressure
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and wear. Check pressure regularly with a gauge, not just a thump, and set it to the manufacturer's recommendation for your load. Consider low-rolling-resistance tires when it is time to replace.
Alignment
Poor alignment drags the truck and wears tires unevenly. Have it checked after hitting a curb or pothole hard, and at regular intervals.
Engine and filters
Clean air and fuel filters, proper oil, healthy injectors and a working aftertreatment system all help mpg. Our truck maintenance schedule guide covers what to check and when.
Aerodynamics, weight and equipment
Aerodynamics
Air resistance is a big share of fuel burned at highway speeds. Helpful steps:
- Keep the tractor-trailer gap as small as safely possible.
- Make sure fairings, side extenders and trailer skirts are in place and undamaged.
- Remove unneeded exterior items such as extra lights or racks that catch wind.
- On flatbeds, keep tarps tight and loads low and neat where possible.
Weight and equipment choices
Every extra pound has to be pulled up every hill. Clear out tools, spare parts and personal items you do not need, and keep the fuel tanks only as full as your route requires when you are close to weight limits.
When buying or replacing equipment, ask how the choice affects fuel. Engine and transmission specs, rear axle ratio, tire type and aerodynamic packages all play a part. A truck spec'd for the work you actually do, such as regional versus long haul, usually burns less fuel than one built for a different job.
Smart fueling and trip planning
Plan fuel stops by price
Diesel prices vary between states and between stops on the same highway, partly because fuel taxes differ by state. Plan where to fill up instead of buying wherever the tank runs low.
Use a fuel card that fits your lanes
Fuel cards can offer discounts at participating stops and make record keeping easier for IFTA. Compare network coverage, fees and discount types before choosing. See how to choose a fuel card for truckers.
Cut empty miles
The cheapest gallon is the one you never burn. Planning reloads before delivery, avoiding long deadheads and choosing balanced lanes all save fuel. Planning the full loop is covered in our guide to plan a profitable round trip.
Avoid congestion
Stop-and-go traffic is hard on fuel. Where your schedule allows, time trips through big cities outside rush hours.
Worked example: what better mpg is worth
Hypothetical numbers: you drive 100,000 miles a year and diesel averages $4.00 per gallon.
| At 6.0 mpg | At 6.5 mpg | |
|---|---|---|
| Gallons used | about 16,667 | about 15,385 |
| Fuel cost | about $66,667 | about $61,538 |
Raising mpg by half a mile per gallon saves about 1,280 gallons, or roughly $5,100 a year in this example. That is why small habits matter.
Fuel-saving checklist
- [ ] Track mpg by fill-up and by week.
- [ ] Set a steady, moderate cruising speed.
- [ ] Limit idling; use an APU or other idle-reduction option.
- [ ] Check tire pressure regularly and fix alignment issues.
- [ ] Keep filters, engine and aftertreatment in good shape.
- [ ] Keep aerodynamic parts in place and the trailer gap tight.
- [ ] Plan fuel stops by price and use a card that fits your lanes.
- [ ] Plan reloads to cut deadhead.
How Texas Solutions can help
Texas Solutions is a dispatch service, not a broker or motor carrier. Our dispatchers plan loads to reduce empty miles, negotiate rates, and handle broker packets and paperwork 24/7, and you approve every load. To keep the truck loaded and moving efficiently, talk to a dispatcher.
Frequently asked questions
What speed saves the most fuel in a semi truck?
Aerodynamic drag rises quickly with speed, so a steady, moderate cruising speed usually uses noticeably less fuel than running at the top of the limit. The best speed for your truck depends on its gearing, engine and load, so check your own mpg at different speeds.
Is idling really that expensive?
Yes. An idling truck burns fuel while earning nothing and adds engine hours that bring maintenance due sooner. Many states and cities also have anti-idling rules, so check local limits where you park.
Do fuel cards save money?
They can, through discounts at participating stops, easier record keeping and spending controls. Compare the discount structure, fees and network coverage on the lanes you actually run before choosing one.
