Top 10 ways to improve semi-truck fuel economy

March 24, 2025

Two semi-trucks parked side by side at a gas station fueling up on diesel.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for trucking businesses. Owner-operators who drive an average of 10,000 miles per month could spend $70,000 on fuel every year.

High costs at the pump can add up fast and affect your profitability. But there are ways to reduce this expense. Read on to explore tips on how to improve your semi-truck fuel economy.

Why your semi-truck may be using a lot of fuel

There are many factors that contribute to the amount of fuel a semi-truck uses, including the:

Efficiency of your engine.
Make, model and year of your truck.
Size of the load you’re hauling.
Terrain you’re driving through.
Weather conditions you’re experiencing.
Speed you’re driving at.

It takes just one of these variables to change your truck’s average miles per gallon (mpg), but on average:

Semi-trucks get around 6.5 mpg.
The most fuel-efficient trucks range between 8-10+ mpg.

10 opportunities to improve semi-truck fuel efficiency

1. Slow down.

It’s no secret you burn more fuel the faster you drive. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA):

Operating at speeds above 75 miles per hour (mph) uses 27% more fuel than traveling at 65 mph.
Every 1 mph increase in speed equals about a 0.14 mpg decrease in a semi-truck's fuel economy.

The sweet spot for most trucks is between 50 and 60 mph. Reducing your speed even a few mph can significantly increase your semi’s mpg.

2. Watch that right foot.

Like cars, semi-trucks consume more fuel when accelerating. Rapid accelerations add stress to the engine and transmission, which burns fuel faster.

Controlling your speed can help maximize fuel efficiency. You can do that by:

Using cruise control when it’s safe.
Staying in the highest gear if possible.
Increasing your following distance.
Using your truck’s natural momentum.

3. Reduce idling.

Idling your semi-truck burns 0.8 gallons of fuel every hour, the U.S. Department of Energy found. If diesel is priced at $4 per gallon, a 10-hour rest period will cost you $32.

You may find it beneficial to invest in an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) or climate-control system to cut back on idling. The upfront costs may seem daunting, but these alternatives can help you save in the long run.

4. Maintain your tires.

Tires can significantly impact the mpg of your semi. Properly inflated tires can save you 11 cents per gallon on fuel, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The right tire pressure for a semi-truck depends on the:

Brand of tire.
Size of tire.
Type of tire.
Weather conditions.
Load weight.

Check your tires for pressure, leaks and punctions before hitting the road. Additional maintenance such as rotations, balances and alignments will make your tires last longer.

5. Keep up with routine maintenance.

Keeping up with a semi-truck's preventative maintenance schedule improves fuel efficiency by ensuring the engine and all components run properly. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, reduces engine strain and improves performance.

6. Cut back on air conditioning.

A truck’s air conditioning system relies on the engine to power its compressor. This extra energy demand forces the engine to work harder, which increases fuel consumption.

Whenever you can, turn off the air conditioning in your truck. This can lead to better fuel efficiency, especially during city driving or stop-and-go traffic.

7. Plan your trip.

You can save valuable time and money by mapping your route ahead of time. Trip planning will help prevent missed exits and wrong turns, which can lead to more miles and wasted fuel.

Planning your trip can also help you avoid traffic jams and driving through rough terrain.

8. Do business with a carrier.

Some trucking companies, like Schneider, offer fuel discounts and other tools to owner-operators who do business with the company to help reduce costs at the pump.

Many of the discounts companies offer are competitive with fleet discounts and save owner-operators thousands of dollars each year on fuel.

9. Take advantage of truck stop rewards programs.

Consider rewards programs where you can earn points for simply filling up your tank.

While these points may not lead directly to fuel savings, they may give you discounts on other things you spend money on at truck stops, like food and beverages.

10. Upgrade to a newer truck.

Newer semi-trucks have the latest engine technology and aerodynamic features, making them more fuel efficient than older truck models. This can save you thousands of dollars every year on fuel.

Aerodynamic features you might want on your truck include: