Here's a fact that could change your year: improving your fuel efficiency by just 1 MPG can put over $10,000 back in your pocket annually. According to ATBS research, that's the real math—and the best part? Most improvements cost nothing. They're simply smarter choices behind the wheel. Start tracking your fuel savings with FleetRabbit.
While the national average hovers around 6.9 MPG, the NACFE 2024 Fleet Fuel Study shows that disciplined drivers consistently achieve 7.8+ MPG in identical trucks. The 14 participating fleets operating 75,000 trucks saved $512 million in 2023 compared to average trucks on the road. The difference isn't the equipment—it's the person behind the wheel.
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FleetRabbit's fuel management dashboard shows you exactly where your money goes—and how to keep more of it. Setup takes just 15 minutes.
Sign Up Free →2026 Fuel Market Outlook: What Truckers Need to Know
Good news for your wallet in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel prices are projected to average around $3.47 per gallon—down approximately 5-7% from 2025 levels. This marks the fourth straight year of declining diesel costs.
2026 Diesel Price Forecast
Source: EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook, December 2025
But don't let lower prices lull you into complacency. Fuel remains 40-60% of most fleet budgets. Every gallon you save is still money that goes straight to your bottom line—or stays in your pocket if you're an owner-operator. Book a free consultation to optimize your fuel strategy.
The Speed-Money Equation: Your Biggest Lever
Nothing impacts your fuel economy more than your right foot. The American Trucking Associations found that driving at 75 MPH uses 27% more fuel than driving at 65 MPH. Same truck, same load, same route—but over a quarter more fuel just because of speed.
but at what cost?
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Our fleet experts can analyze your specific routes, loads, and driving patterns to identify your biggest fuel-saving opportunities. Free 30-minute consultation.
Schedule Your Free Call →The 5 Money-Saving Techniques That Actually Work
Based on DOE research, NACFE studies, and real-world fleet data, these are the proven techniques that move the needle. Get personalized tracking for your fuel savings.
Find Your Engine's Sweet Spot
Save 5-10%Every diesel engine operates most efficiently between 1,250-1,350 RPM. Running above this range burns excess fuel; running below lugs the engine.
Master Progressive Acceleration
Save 15-25%Oak Ridge National Laboratory research shows aggressive acceleration can lower fuel economy by 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Kill the Idle
Save $4,000-6,000/yrA heavy-duty truck burns approximately 0.8 gallons per hour while idling. NACFE estimates this wastes $4,000-6,000 worth of fuel annually per truck.
Use Cruise Control
Save 7-14%Constant speed changes waste fuel with every throttle adjustment. Your foot constantly adjusts unconsciously; cruise control maintains exact speed.
Check Tires Every Trip
Save 3%+ fuelJust 10 PSI below spec increases fuel consumption by 0.5-1%. NACFE found 1 in 5 Class 8 tractors operate with underinflated tires.
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FleetRabbit helps drivers track fuel efficiency, identify improvement opportunities, and see exactly how much money better habits are putting back in their pocket.
Where Your Fuel Actually Goes: Understanding Waste
Research from the American Transportation Research Institute found that driver behaviors contribute most to fuel waste. Understanding where fuel goes helps you target your improvements.
Source: ATRI Driver Behavior Research
See Your Real Fuel Waste in Real-Time
FleetRabbit tracks your idle time, speed patterns, and acceleration habits automatically. Know exactly where your fuel dollars are going—and fix the leaks.
Key Numbers Every Trucker Should Memorize
Maintenance That Pays for Itself
While driving technique matters most, vehicle maintenance can add another 10-15% to your efficiency. These are the items with the biggest fuel impact.
Air Filter
Every 15,000 milesClogged filter costs 2-4% MPG
Tire Alignment
Annually or after potholesMisalignment costs 1-2% MPG
Fuel System Service
Every 30,000 milesDirty injectors cost 2-3% MPG
Aerodynamic Devices
Weekly inspectionDamaged fairings cost 2-5% MPG
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Our fleet consultants can help you create a preventive maintenance plan that maximizes fuel efficiency and minimizes downtime. Let's talk strategy.
Book Your Strategy Session →Frequently Asked Questions
I'm paid by the mile. Won't slowing down cost me money?
Do the math on YOUR situation. At 75 MPH vs 65 MPH over 600 daily miles, you arrive about 80 minutes earlier but burn roughly 24 extra gallons. At $3.47/gallon, that's $83/day or $20,000+/year in extra fuel. Unless you can consistently turn that 80 minutes into paid miles, you're losing money by speeding.
Does cruise control really make that much difference?
Yes—studies show 7-14% improvement on flat highways. The savings come from eliminating tiny accelerations your foot makes unconsciously. Over 500 miles, those micro-accelerations add up significantly.
How do I know if I'm actually improving?
Track it. Record miles and gallons at every fill-up, then calculate MPG. Most modern trucks have onboard computers showing average MPG—reset it weekly to track trends. Better yet, use fleet management software like FleetRabbit that automatically tracks efficiency and shows improvement over time.
My company governs trucks at 68 MPH. Does this still apply?
Absolutely. Speed is just one factor. Idle reduction, smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic, tire pressure, and route planning all still apply. Even governed drivers see 10-20% variation in fuel efficiency based on technique.
Ready to Put $10,000+ Back in Your Pocket?
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The Compound Effect
Small improvements add up over a career. A driver who improves from 6.0 to 7.0 MPG saves roughly $10,000 per year. Over a 20-year career, that's $200,000 in additional earnings—just from driving smarter, not harder. The habits you build today pay dividends for decades.
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