Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147844
MAINTENANCE MATTERS By CraigBy Tom Kelley Sesnowitz, marketing process manager at Progressive Insurance No 'Skirting The Issue': Trailer Skirts Offer Major Fuel Efficiency W ith the price of diesel fuel constantly changing, chances are you're looking for new ways to make your rig more fuel efficient. Things like regular vehicle maintenance and sustaining proper tire pressure are good steps, but they only go so far. While there was some early debate in the marketplace about the effectiveness of installing them, trailer skirts are emerging as a proven way to significantly boost fuel efficiency for truckers. A few years on the market has led to plenty of research which in turn has led to improvement in the durability, effectiveness and installation practices around the skirts. Studies have shown that, in addition to making trailers more aerodynamic and improving fuel efficiency, they have a positive impact on the environment. That's all great, but for an owner-operator it's not always easy to justify paying for the long-term gain that a trailer skirt provides. Depending on what company you buy it from, a trailer skirt can run anywhere from $1,100 to $2,500, which isn't an easy expense to take on if you're running your own operation. Here at Progressive, we're sensitive to the needs of owner-operators and small trucking companies. You comprise most of our trucking business, so in addition to your insurance needs, we have a pretty good grasp on your day-to-day. With that in mind, we decided to start offering discounted AeroFlex Trailer Skirts. Normally retailing for more than $1,100, truckers can now buy them at select Progressive Network Repair Shops for just $700 before tax and installation. The deal is open to any trucker, not just Progressive customers. So why are we doing this? As I mentioned earlier, we know that justifying a trailer skirt purchase can be a challenge, so we are offering more than $400 off the list price so / OWNER OPERATOR/ AUGUST 2013 / / 56 OO 0813 edit.indd 56 7/8/13 12:50 PM