Run on Less proves available techs could unlock $24 billion for N.A. trucking

September 24, 2017, Atlanta

Run on Less, a first of its kind cross-country road show, has proven that 10 mpg is possible using efficiency technologies that are available on the market today. If the 1.7 million trucks on North American highways today achieved the same level of efficiency as the trucks in the Run, they would save 9.7 billion gallons of diesel fuel, $24.3 billion and 98 million tons of CO₂each year. The results exceeded the original 9 mpg goal set by hosts Carbon War Room (CWR) and the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE). Shell and PepsiCo were the title sponsors.

The seven participating trucks drove a combined 50,107 miles during the seventeen day event which kicked off on September 6. They achieved a cumulative average of 10.1 mpg during 99 days of driving. The trucks—from fleets Albert Transport, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay Division, Hirschbach, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Nussbaum Transportation, Ploger Transportation, and US Xpress—saved 2,877 gallons of fuel and $7,193 against the national average of 6.4 mpg. Of the 99 days, the highest mpg achieved was 12.8, and three different trucks had days over 12.5 mpg. The lowest mpg from a truck was 7.1 on one of the days, and the average for all lowest mpgs throughout the Run was 8.8.

The average gross combination weight over the Run was 55,498 pounds, with 31 of the 99 days over 65,000 pounds. Wind was monitored along each truck’s route using OpenWeatherMap.org and it varied from a 6.8 mph average headwind to a 7.6 tailwind. All truckers dealt with hurricanes Harvey or Irma. Average vehicle speed was 54 mph and elevation gain was tracked for each route. One day, a truck travelled 3,270 ft. of elevation gain with 72,960 gross combination weight and experienced an average 2.7 mph headwind and still achieved 9.7 mpg.

The seven trucks have some similar specifications, but all have differences, demonstrating there are many different combinations of technologies that can achieve high levels of mpg. Complete results can be found at runonless.com.

“These results are impressive and show what can be achieved with today’s available technologies, and what happens when you focus your efforts around getting total engagement from the entire stakeholder value chain”, said Scott Perry, Chief Technology & Procurement Officer, Ryder Global Fleet Management Solutions and NACFE Chairman.

The seven trucks—three Freightliners, two Internationals, and two Volvos—piloted by experienced drivers—Henry Albert, Bradley Long, Tommy Revell, Roberto Sandoval, Joel Morrow, Clark Reed, and Mark Risien—traversed much of the country and faced many challenges such as high winds associated with Hurricane Irma, elevations, congestion, and heavy loads. Using a variety of commercially available technologies, including 6×2 axles, trailer and tractor aerodynamics, engine accessories, tire pressure systems, automated transmissions, low viscosity oils and others, they demonstrated that it is possible to save fuel in real world operations.

“It will take collaboration among energy suppliers, lubricants producers and fuel retailers like Shell, vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners, businesses and other organizations to work together to consistently achieve the impressive fuel economy and CO₂ reduction results these seven drivers accomplished during the Run,” said Annie Peter, fleet sector marketing manager, Shell Lubricants. “We are continually striving for more advanced technology, such as our low viscosity lubricants, to help reduce the loss of energy through friction, improve overall engine efficiency, and actively reduce emissions from combustion.”

“We are so proud of Tommy Revell who drove on behalf of Frito-Lay, and all of the participating fleets and drivers for their contributions to this effort,” said Mike O’Connell, senior director, supply chain, PepsiCo. “Run on Less demonstrated what can be accomplished when our industry comes together and combines readily available technologies with experienced drivers who leverage smart driving skills regardless of road and weather conditions. Now more than ever, it’s so critical that we improve the fuel economy of our fleets as a way to meet sustainability goals and ultimately improve the bottom line for our respective organizations.”

“We hosted the Run to demonstrate that with the right investment in technology, and with skilled, ambitious drivers, it is possible to achieve mpg levels far above those of the average fleet. The results should encourage other fleets to invest in fuel efficiency technologies which matter the most for their fleet.”
Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, and Operation Lead of Trucking Efficiency

Together, these fleets reveal a road map for other North American fleets to lower fuel costs and emissions from their equipment. A full report on Run on Less will be released in 2018.

The drivers and trucks were monitored over three weeks using devices installed by GeoTab, an event sponsor. EPA SmartWay was also a sponsor. A full list of event sponsors is available here.

The results video can be seen here.

More details about Run on Less can be found at www.runonless.com.

For media inquiries, contact Denise Rondini: denise.rondini@nacfe.org