Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/409537
28 | Overdrive | November 2014 FIVE FAVORED FUEL-SAVERS 5 APUS The fi rst anti-idling laws found a lot of industry resistance. These laws had their roots in pollution and noise control. But pro- gressive fl eets had recognized for years that idling was a huge, unnecessary expense. At the same time, idling was often a necessity to keep a resting driver warm or cool in extreme temperatures. The most popular solution has been auxiliary power units. These lightweight units gener- ate enough electrical oomph to keep a driver comfortable during a 10-hour rest break. With many units costing $8,000 to $10,000, APUs aren't cheap, but the return on investment can be quick. For a $9,500 PowerCube APU, the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency calculates a fuel savings of $8,600 per year. Another plus for APUs is that those fuel savings are achieved while the vehicle is at rest. That means there is no corresponding wear to the truck, so any savings drops straight to the bottom line. truck MATTRESS truck MATTRESS SO COMFORTABLE, YOU'LL NEVER COUNT THESE GUYS AGAIN ™ Visit bostromseating.com for more information today! THESE GUYS AGAIN THESE GUYS AGAIN 7-SERIES MATTRESS * Refer to www.bostromseating.com for details. American Strong Since 1935 Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com Auxiliary power units are expen- sive, but an operator used to extensive idling can see a return on investment long before the unit wears out. PERSPECTIVES ON SAVINGS Aerodynamic equipment accounts for two of the favored owner-operator fuel-saving components. Many owner-operators do not own a trailer, which might explain why a third aero device, trailer-end fairings, made it into the top fi ve for fl eet respondents in the surveys conducted by Overdrive and its sister publication, Commercial Carrier Journal. Auxiliary power units – more a staple for owner-operator rigs than for fl eet trucks – made it to the top fi ve for Overdrive readers. CCJ voters 1 Roof fairings 2 Side skirts 3 Aluminum wheels 4 Low-rolling- resistance tires 5 Trailer-end fairings Overdrive voters 1 Roof fairings 2 Low-rolling- resistance tires 3 Aluminum wheels 4 Side skirts 5 APUs