Big Rig Info

The cost of fuel is often one of the biggest expenses trucking companies and owner operators incur. And with the cost of fuel steadily rising, truckers across the country are looking for ways to save more and use less. Whether you’re a OTR driver or short-haul trucker, here’s how you can increase your fuel efficiency and save more money.

Keep Up Regular Maintenance – Constantly fine-tuning your rig and keeping up on routine maintenance can ensure your engine is working properly and actually using less fuel.

Don’t Idle – Not only is it against the law in many places, idling wastes tons of gas while you get zero miles to the gallon. When truck driving jobs require drivers to stay overnight in sleeper cabs, millions of gallons of fuel are wasted each year by idling in order to heat or cool the cab. Instead, find alternative ways to maintain temperature settings and provide electricity in the cab (think auxiliary power units or stopping at electrified truck stops).

Stick to the Speed Limit – Driving faster than 65 mph will cause your fuel efficiency to decrease. Stick to that speed (or lower) and avoid making sudden starts and stops.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated – Tires that are not properly inflated can drag and significantly reduce fuel efficiency as well. Keep tires properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and check them each day before you begin your run.

Use Engine Additives – There are a number of semi-synthetic lubricants that flow more easily than mineral blends resulting in increased fuel efficiency.

If you’re currently in the market for a new cdl driver job, you’re in luck. Right now, there is a shortage of qualified truckers, and trucking agencies are increasing their wages to recruit top drivers. Despite the economy that seems to be up and down, there has never been a better time to find a truck driving job. According to a USA Today article, rail hauling is limited due to space constraints, and air freight is expensive, so more and more companies are looking to have good shipped via trucking methods. This is resulting in shipments waiting at freight centers because there aren’t enough drivers to haul the loads.

 This is really good news for truckers. We can pick and choose the jobs we want, and the routes we want, because trucking companies are desperate for drivers. If you don’t have your current cdl, or your looking to switch careers, trucking is the way to go. Find a good trucking school, get your cdl (or update it), and you’ll be guaranteed good pay and a decent route. If you’re already up to date with your license, and driving for a company, shop around. Pay is increasing, and you’ll probably be able to negotiate a better wage. The time is perfect to find the right trucking job for you.