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

A GP Transco tractor-trailer crosses a bridge over a river, with trailer side skirts visible beneath the white trailer.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 27, 2026

How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time

Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.

Read More →
Man on large stage with American Trucking Associations logo in the background and large screen displays of distillate stocks.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 20, 2026

Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up

With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.

Read More →
Computer rendering showing airflow around a trailer’s tandem wheels equipped with FlowBelow AeroSlider fairings and wheel covers.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 18, 2026

FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use

The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 14, 2026

Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short

Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.

Read More →
Video thumbnail with text: Fuel -- small gains, big savings.
Fuel Smarts•October 12, 2026

Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking

Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail showing two people with a truck and the word "fuel" behind them, the HDT Talks Trucking logo, and the words "Small Gains. Big Savings."
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 12, 2026

How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time

What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of electric OrangeEV terminal tractor with a Lazer Logistics trailer
Equipment•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots

Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.

Read More →
Illustration of map with GPS markers overlaid with Geotab fleet card and a fuel pump nozzle
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•October 2, 2026

Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data

The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.

Read More →
White Tesla Semi electric truck on display on a show floor
Equipment•by Staff•September 30, 2026

Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook

ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Male truck driver in flannel shirt by truck using his smartphone
Fuel Smarts•by News/Media Release•September 23, 2026

Wex Adds Cardless Fuel Payments for Over-the-Road Customers

A new fuel card feature for Wex customers offers convenience and security.

Read More →