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TRUCKING OPPORTUNITIES MORE MILES, FEWER GALLONS continued from page 30 is out of alignment by only a quar- ter-degree, that sideways pull will re- duce fuel economy. AERODYNAMICS A truck uses energy to overcome aerodynamic, mechanical and roll- ing resistance. For a truck traveling 55 mph, about half the energy is used to move air around that truck, Kenworth notes. At 65 mph, the energy usage to cut through the air rises to two-thirds. The more you can ease the flow of air around your truck, the better your fuel economy. Depending on what aerodynamic devices you use, your aerodynamic drag will decline and your fuel econ- omy will improve. Engineers note a 2-to-1 ratio — 2 percent reduction in drag generates a 1 percent fuel econ- omy gain. For example, a full roof fairing would produce the greatest fuel economy improvement of 5-10 percent, while aerodynamic mirrors and air cleaners would improve it 1-2 percent. Kufahl’s committed to aerody- namics. His Freightliner Cascadias are spec’d with 72-inch raised roofs, short wheelbases, chassis skirts, aero- dynamic bumpers and direct-drive transmissions. His trailers are outfit- ted with skirts from in front of the landing gear to the trailer end with a trailer tail. “When I skirted my trail- er, I pulled a full mile to the gallon better,” he says. “That doesn’t count the trailer tail or nose gap fairing.” To reduce wind resistance, Koorenny moved his 48-foot Utili- ty van about 18 inches closer to his cab. That positioning also helps in OUT-OF-ROUTE MILES COST Route management is another important factor in fuel economy. Out-of-route miles cost time and money and burn more fuel. Kenworth estimates that out-of-route miles may account for from 3 to 10 percent of a driver’s total mileage each year. For example, if an operator drives 100,000 miles a year at 6 mpg, out-of-route miles of 3 percent — or 3,000 miles — require 500 extra gallons of diesel fuel. Multi- ply that by $3 a gallon, and the operator spends $1,500 in additional fuel costs. TRUCKERSNEWSDRIVERJOBS.COM weight distribution to achieve max- imum loads. Adams prefers the classic, boxy- hooded truck look, but he’s owned the more fuel-efficient Kenworth T600s for almost 20 years. “Keep as low a profile as you can,” he says. “Don’t allow much space between the back of your cab and your trail- er or load. That makes a big differ- ence for me.” Kufahl recommends taking advantage of the U.S. Environmen- tal Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport program (www.epa.gov/ smartway), which details the effec- tiveness of various fuel-saving mea- sures. The website includes calcula- tors for single owners and fleets to measure your fuel savings. “There isn’t a silver bullet that will get you a mile per gallon,” says Albert. “You have to look around for a tenth here and a tenth there.” With van and flatbed divisions experiencing increasing freight volumes, there’s never been a better time to join Western Express. Excellent equipment, great pay and a variety of runs makes Western Express the home for ALL drivers. Contact us today to learn more! for all Flatbed Hiring & Running Area • Competitive pay • High weekly miles • Latest model tractors • Predictable home time • Excellent benefits after only 30 days • 401K & Paid Vacation Hiring & Running Area Hiring Area Van: 888.311.2123 © ACS Advertising 2010 Visit www.truckersnews.hotims.com and enter 372 AUGUST 2010 TRUCKERS NEWS 79 Flatbed: 888.309.0145 www.westernexp.com Van Hiring & Running Area