There are several ways your fleet can save money on fuel when spec’ing medium-duty trucks. And achieving fuel economy gains could be as simple as taking the time to refresh a truck’s spec.
Dan Shepherd, truck spec analyst for ARI, points out that torque rating is an important factor when choosing a medium-duty truck. Shepherd notes, “In a Class 6-7 truck, horsepower is a secondary function to torque rating. This rating dictates whether or not the truck will be able to start from a stopped position on a hill or flat surface, as well as being able to go up a certain grade of hill, while under load. In those situations, fuel economy becomes a lower priority because the truck is useless if it can’t move.” Shepherd also said, “Sometimes fleet managers make decisions based on older models in their fleet, not knowing that newer, smaller vehicles are capable of doing the same job as the older ones, but can do it more efficiently.”
Want to read more? See a recently published article in Work Truck Magazine that explores ways to save on fuel when spec’ing medium-duty trucks.
