Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Major Fleets Saved $477 Million With Fuel-Efficient Tech

Fourteen fleets achieved fuel savings of $477 million in 2014 by adopting a variety of fuel efficiency technologies according to an annual study from the NACFE.

by Staff
May 7, 2015
Major Fleets Saved $477 Million With Fuel-Efficient Tech

Photo via Con-way Truckload

2 min to read


Photo via Con-way Truckload

Fourteen fleets achieved fuel savings of $477 million in 2014 by adopting a variety of fuel efficiency technologies according to an annual study from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

The Annual Fleet Fuel Study surveyed fleets operating a combined 53,000 tractors and 160,000 trailers and found that they saved an average of $9,000 per year per truck. The fleets were also able to reduce carbon emissions by 19%. The survey included fleets like Con-way Truckload, Frito Lay and Schneider.

Ad Loading...

The fleets achieved an average of 7 mpg on all of their trucks with 2015 model year trucks averaging as high as 8.5 mpg. The current national average is 5.9 mpg according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

The efficiency and emissions gains were achieved through the adoption of a combination of 70 currently available technologies. The fleets also made use of resources and guidance from Trucking Efficiency, a joint effort of NACFE and Carbon War Room.

“The dramatic improvement in fuel economy of the leading fleets this year is exciting,” says Mike Roeth, operation lead for CWR’s Trucking Efficiency and executive director of NACFE. “If we can get the owners and operators of the 1.5 million tractor-trailers on the road today to invest in more of these technologies, we will see significant reduction in fuel consumption.”

Ad Loading...

Each fleet used different strategies to improve efficiency. Frito Lay collaborated with tractor builders, aerodynamic-device and fuel-system suppliers in order to increase fleet-wide efficiency. Con-way Truckload found success in equipping 48% of their fleet with automated manual transmissions.

“We will continue to buy automated manual transmissions as they are providing fuel savings and drivers appreciate their performance,” says Randy Cornell, vice president of maintenance and asset management at Con-way Truckload.

The NACFE has conducted its Annual Fleet Fuel Study since 2011 reporting on innovative fleets that have committed to improving fuel efficiency. Fleets that participate in the study share their implementation experiences as well as best practices for using these technologies.

To download the full report, click here.

More Fuel Smarts

Video still of Volvo's Duane Tegels explaining the Volvo D13 diesel engine for EPA 2027 emissions
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 16, 2026

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]

Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Collage of fuel options for trucks - renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, diesel, and electric
Fuel Smartsby StaffSeptember 15, 2026

Diesel Price Spike Shortens Payback for Natural Gas Trucks, Report Says

Energy Vision estimates fleets could recover the higher purchase price of an RNG-fueled Class 8 tractor in 1.3 to 2.8 years under current fuel-price scenarios.

Read More →
Illustration showing the Calstart, Forth, and Catalyst Mobility logos
Fuel Smartsby StaffSeptember 14, 2026

Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus

Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility, reflecting the nonprofit’s growing national role in clean transportation, including zero-emission trucks, infrastructure and incentive programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel SmartsSeptember 9, 2026

Record Diesel Prices Squeeze Trucking Fleets

Average U.S. diesel prices have climbed to nearly $6 a gallon, surpassing the 2022 record as tight refinery capacity and Middle East disruptions keep fuel costs elevated.

Read More →
A red engine part
SponsoredSeptember 9, 2026

How Fuel Delivery Shapes Engine Performance

Fuel delivery depends on more than what happens at the injector. For fleet, maintenance and technical professionals, looking at the full path from pump to injector can provide useful context for understanding engine performance.

Read More →
Port of Newark EV truck charging station.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fuel Smartsby StaffAugust 31, 2026

California Bill Could Shed Light on Electric Truck Prices

Why do battery-electric Class 8 trucks remain so expensive? A California bill headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom would give fleets and state agencies more visibility into what manufacturers charge.

Read More →
Illustration of Freightliner Cascadia on highway with engine cutaway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 27, 2026

Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines

Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.

Read More →
Group of people and zero-emission trucks during ceremony announcing a West Coast ZEV corridor.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseAugust 26, 2026

Zero-Emission Truck Corridor Planned for West Coast

California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Baja California are coordinating plans for truck charging and hydrogen fueling from Canada to Mexico.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail showing Kenworth T880e electric truck and KW marketing director Kyle Kimball.
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 25, 2026

A Closer Look at Kenworth’s Electric T880E Vocational Truck [Video]

Learn more about Kenworth's T880E battery-electric vocational truck at the Paccar Technical Center, including its range, applications, upfitting considerations, and PTO options, in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →