The latest confidence report released today by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency and Carbon War Room explores the benefits and challenges of a variety of tractor aerodynamic devices.
During the past 20 years, truck manufacturers have done a good job of improving the aerodynamics of sleeper tractors, saving up to 10 percent in fuel costs. Tractor aerodynamic devices improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag so that it takes less fuel to move down the road, especially at higher speeds.
Even though day-cab tractors operate at lower miles per hour, they benefit from the installation of tractor aerodynamic devices and many of these features are well worth the investment.
This confidence report details devices for improving aerodynamics, including changes to hood, fender, bumper, mirror and roof fairing design. It also looks at chassis and tractor/trailer gap devices such as chassis and drive wheel fairings and cab and roof extenders. Finally, other items such as fifth wheel settings, part removal relocation such as horizontal exhaust, wheel covers and vented mud flaps are investigated.
The report describes each device’s unique challenges such as added weight, increased cost and accessibility for maintenance and repair.
The study team found that tractor aerodynamic technologies and strategies are constantly and rapidly evolving. The options detailed in the report are all currently available on the market today, and most are mature with a good track record of functionality, though they may be more or less economical depending on the specifics of a fleet’s operations.
Download the executive summary here.
Download the full report here.
A video of the press conference announcing the confidence report can be found here.
