Fleet Advantage released updated findings from its Truck Life Cycle Data Index (TLDI), comparing all-in operating costs of Class 8 trucks across recent model years. The data comes as national diesel prices have surpassed $5.20 per gallon in some markets, highlighting the financial impact of operating older equipment.

TLDI Data Highlights Cost Gap Between Older and Newer Trucks

The latest TLDI compares 2022 through 2026 model-year trucks with new 2028 equipment using the April 2026 national average diesel price of $5.47 per gallon.

According to the data, replacing a 2022 sleeper truck with a 2028 model can reduce first-year operating costs by up to $12,845 per vehicle. For a 100-truck fleet, that equates to potential savings of $1.28 million, excluding tariff adjustments.

Fleet Advantage said diesel prices increased roughly 40% in one month, widening the cost gap between older, less fuel-efficient trucks and newer equipment. The company noted that many fleets are also evaluating alternative fuel options as part of their procurement strategies.

The TLDI data points to savings in fuel efficiency, maintenance and repair, and total cost of ownership when fleets upgrade equipment.

Fuel Efficiency Drives Savings

Fuel economy remains one of the largest contributors to cost savings from truck replacement. Fleet Advantage said fleets operating 2022 sleeper trucks can save approximately $10,854 per truck in fuel costs during the first year after replacing them with 2028 models — a 16% reduction in fuel expense along with lower CO2 emissions.

“In today’s elevated diesel price environment, even incremental improvements in fuel efficiency can translate into thousands of dollars in annual savings per truck,” said Brian Antonellis, senior vice president of fleet operations for Fleet Advantage.

Antonellis said older trucks create a compounding cost burden across fuel, maintenance and total cost of ownership, which becomes more significant as diesel prices rise.

Multi-Year Planning and Tariff Considerations

Fleet Advantage said a multi-year procurement strategy can help fleets optimize equipment acquisition and reduce total cost of ownership. The company cited rising material costs, changing emissions regulations, and evolving durability standards as factors contributing to higher vehicle prices.

The TLDI also factors in current tariff conditions. Fleet Advantage said that even with a $4,500 tariff added to 2028 model-year equipment, upgrading still delivers cost savings:

• Fleets upgrading from 2022 models can save $11,864 per truck, or $1.19 million across 100 trucks.
• Fleets upgrading from 2023 models can save $10,101 per truck, or $1.01 million across 100 trucks.
• Fleets upgrading from 2025 models can save $3,395 per truck, or $339,500 across 100 trucks.

“Even with rising component prices and tariff headwinds, the economics still strongly favor upgrading to newer equipment,” Antonellis said.