Fleet Efficiency: NACFE Reveals Good Stats for 2024

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released its latest Fleet Fuel Study. The report shows that fuel efficiency for fleets has improved significantly over the past two years. Average miles per gallon (MPG) rose to 7.62 in 2022 and 7.77 in 2023. These gains represent year-over-year improvements of 4.2% and 2%. This progress comes after a period of little change in MPG fleet efficiency from 2018 to 2021.

Technology Helps Boost Fleet Efficiency

Advances in technology and operational practices have driven these improvements. NACFE’s study found that fleets are adopting fuel-saving technologies at the highest rates ever recorded. In 2023, 42% of the fleets surveyed used these technologies, compared to just 17% in 2003. The 14 fleets included in the study operate a total of 75,000 trucks. Together, they saved $512 million on fuel costs compared to the average truck on the road.

During a webinar, Yunsu Park, NACFE’s director of engineering and lead author of the study, highlighted the role of technology in improving efficiency. “The adoption rate for the Fleet Fuel Study fleets of all technologies is at an all-time high, and so are MPGs,” Park explained.

The study also revealed that the participating fleets achieved an average MPG of 7.8. This figure is much higher than the national average of 6.9 MPG. Mike Roeth, NACFE’s executive director, described this achievement as a major milestone for the industry. “The trucking industry has made tremendous progress in improving MPG. That’s a huge improvement that the industry should be very proud of,” Roeth said.

Operational Challenges Impact Fleet Efficiency

The report also pointed out some challenges that fleets face. One issue is the growing shift to regional haul routes and shorter trips. Trucks on these routes spend more time on non-interstate and local roads. These conditions result in lower fuel efficiency than long-haul routes. However, many fleets are buying newer trucks with better built-in fuel-saving features. These new trucks are helping to offset the decline in MPG caused by shorter routes.

Another challenge is the industry’s efforts to decarbonize. Fleets are investing heavily in zero-emission vehicles like battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. These efforts are essential for the environment but have stretched fleet budgets. As a result, some fleets have slowed the adoption of traditional fuel-saving technologies.

Long-haul trucking remains a critical area of focus for efficiency. This segment accounts for only 9% of vehicles but produces 48% of trucking emissions.

Financial Benefits of Increased Efficiency

Fuel remains one of the highest costs for trucking fleets. According to NACFE, the average cost of fuel per mile fell from 64 cents in 2022 to 55 cents in 2023. Fleets that achieved the study’s average MPG of 7.8 saved $6,831 per truck each year compared to the national average. This assumes trucks travel 100,000 miles annually. Using the five-year average fuel cost of $3.62 per gallon, fleets saved $4,956 per truck. Altogether, the 14 fleets in the study saved a total of $512 million in 2023.

Simple Solutions Add Value

In addition to advanced technologies, fleets are adopting some low-cost measures to improve fuel efficiency. For example, many fleets have switched to painting their trucks in lighter colors like white and gray. These colors reflect more sunlight, reducing the strain on HVAC systems. Researchers from the Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division (EETD) have shown that this approach can lead to energy savings.

Speed management is another factor in improving MPG. However, the study found that the number of fleets limiting speeds to below 65 MPH has decreased. Only around 60% of fleets now follow this practice, compared to more than 80% between 2008 and 2016.

Tools for Future Fleet Efficiency

NACFE’s Fleet Fuel Study has been a trusted benchmarking tool for 10 years. The report examines 86 different technologies and practices currently available to fleets. These technologies are not prototypes or experimental units. Instead, they are proven solutions that fleets can adopt to improve operations.

The trucking industry has made substantial progress in fuel efficiency. However, challenges like route changes and decarbonization continue to demand attention. By balancing technology adoption with practical solutions, fleets can lower costs and reduce emissions in the years ahead.