MTI MILEAGE STUDY
MTI is pleased to announce its first test to determine the affect on fuel economy based on the type of equipment utilized! For a number of months MTI has been purchasing only ISX engines that are designed to allow us to reduce the number of parts needed in inventory by having only one engine to work on. In addition based on studies the ISX engine appears to allow us to drive more miles on the engine without completing an expensive overhaul. This allows us to drive the tractor longer at a reduced price per mile. In addition to this development, we are ready to test the various use of aerodynamics in the equipment. For example, we have read that having trailers that are more aerodynamic will increase fuel economy. We have utilized wind fairings on the tractors and we have found there is a correlation between the use of a top cab air faring and fuel economy. So we are introducing these into the mix of tractors both fully aerodynamic as well as trailers that have been “skirted” to make them as fuel efficient as possible!
Our new test will include the use of a route between Orlando and Atlanta. The units will run the same route and interchange drivers to account for various driving habits. By using tractors with the same engines, transmissions, and gear ratios we should take these variables out of the test.
The test will include the following combinations:
1) A fully aerodynamic tractor (see pictures) and a “skirted “ trailer (see pictures).
2) A fully aerodynamic tractor and a regular trailer.
3) A regular tractor (with top wind faring) and a “skirted” trailer.
4) A normal unit that we currently run of a top fared tractor and a regular trailer.
The only other variables are that we have moved the trailer as close to the cab as physically possible by placement of the 5th wheel and the professional alignment of the tractor/trailer.
Our results will be measured by analyzing the data from the “black box” ECM that will tell us the fuel efficiency, the amount of idle time, the percent of time the cruise is used, as well as other info we deem useful.
Why are we doing this? We bid competitively with other suppliers for routes with the USPS. If we can be more fuel efficient than our competitors we can gain more routes and gain share making MTI more financially stable going forward. Obviously, the downside is the cost of the equipment as more aerodynamic tractors are more expensive to purchase, due to the fairings below the tanks, etc we will damage some of those on various road conditions as well as ice and snow! Skirting trailers is an additional cost and since we have no experience with the use of these trailers we do not know what can happen to the “skirts”! However, we do know anytime incidental equipment is added there is an opportunity for it to be damaged.
We will begin the test approximately July 1st and results will begin to filter in soon after that date. We will publish the results for those of you interested.
Fuel costs are MTI second biggest cost item in our contract (after salaries) so any effect we can have on this issue will help MTI be more competitive. For those of you (drivers) not involved in the test you can have a dramatic effect on fuel and maintenance costs by the way you drive and look after the equipment. With the economic situation MTI needs everyone becoming more cost control conscious than ever before! Only those companies that can find ways to reduce costs will survive the current and projected economic situations.
Thanks to all of you for your help and assistance in this matter. I hope you are as excited as I am about MTI attempting to gain a competitive advantage. However, our most important advantage is the way all MTI employees react every day in their own responsibilities.
We will update you as we receive more information.
