MPG (fuel economy)
Also called MPG
Fuel economy is miles traveled per gallon of diesel burned, and because fuel is usually the largest variable cost, small changes in it move profit noticeably.
Last reviewed · by the Fleetchart team
Real fuel economy depends on speed, terrain, weight, idle time, tire condition and driving style. The figure that matters is the one measured across actual operations, not the specification.
Idle time is the most overlooked component: hours idling produce no miles and burn fuel, so a truck with good road economy can still have poor overall economy.
Fuel receipts and mileage records together produce the real number, which is the same data IFTA requires anyway.
For example, say a truck runs 9,600 miles a month with diesel at $4.00 a gallon. At 6 mpg it burns 9,600 ÷ 6 = 1,600 gallons, which costs $6,400. At 6.4 mpg it burns 9,600 ÷ 6.4 = 1,500 gallons, which costs $6,000. That small gain is worth $400 a month, or $400 × 12 = $4,800 a year, for one truck.
Fuel economy also decides how much of your fuel bill the fuel surcharge really covers. Work it out from fuel receipts and miles every month, not from the dash display, so the number you plan with is real.