Revised April 2, 2026
Fuel prices are everywhere in the news right now, and not exactly for the best reasons. Trucking companies, truck drivers, and regular commuters are all concerned about the increase (and uncertainty) in prices and what it means for their wallets.
Now while there's no doubt it's a tumultuous time for fuel prices, this isn't exactly anything new. We’ve seen prices rise before, and we'll see them rise again. As Operations Manager at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), part of my job is navigating these changes and educating drivers on tried-and-true methods to help save money, to run more efficiently, and to consume less fuel on the road.
This is all especially true if you’re an owner-operator or an independent contractor (or even a small trucking company with company drivers). You’re likely the most concerned about rising fuel costs because you pay for fuel out-of-pocket. However, as a company driver, it’s still helpful to implement the following strategies to run more efficiently.
In this article, I’ll explain tips to improve your fuel efficiency and put more money in your pocket today.
Fuel consumption in semi-trucks is influenced by several factors, including:
Aerodynamics
Even small improvements in any of these areas can lead to significant cost savings over thousands of miles.
11 Things You Can Do to Save Money on Fuel
There's a saying that, if something's out of your hands, it should be free from your mind, too. In other words, only focus on those things which you can control. So, while you may not be able to control gas prices, you can take certain proactive steps to reduce the impact on your budget.
If you asked every single semi-truck engine manufacturer out there, they’d all say that drivers impact fuel economy by 30 percent. That means your behavior behind the wheel can have a big influence on how much you’re spending on fuel every month.
While speed is the number one enemy of fuel efficiency, there are a number of other driver behaviors that add up and can decrease your fuel efficiency. Some are fairly obvious, and some you may be overlooking.
When you take control of the factors below, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your fuel economy.
No big shock here: as speed increases, so does your fuel consumption. A widely accepted rule in trucking is that every 1 mph over 65 mph reduces fuel efficiency by roughly 0.1 mpg. In other words, if your truck gets 6 mpg and you’re going 67 mph, your mpg will drop to 5.8 mpg.
Pro Tip: You should always go a few miles per hour below the flow of traffic. Lowering your average speed can have a significant impact on your fuel consumption. Not only will you consume less fuel, but it’ll help you maintain an adequate following distance. When you follow too closely, you’re more likely to fall into a cycle of hitting your brakes and then jumping back on the accelerator.
Using cruise control on clear, dry stretches of highway helps maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency. But when roads are wet, icy, or snow-covered, it's safer to keep full control of your vehicle and avoid using it.
Pro Tip: You should aim to use cruise control 85 percent of the time.
3. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving habits like hard acceleration, sudden braking, and passing at top speeds burns through fuel quickly. Instead, focus on smoother techniques, like gradual acceleration with moderate braking. Your wallet (and your engine) will thank you.
When the 2014 EPA mandates were introduced, a lot of trucks were built with automatic transmissions and a feature called e-Coast. When enabled, e-Coast goes into neutral and takes advantage of momentum on even the smallest hills — sometimes for seconds at a time. The shift is imperceptible, but the effects are unmistakable on your bottom line.
Improper tire pressure, whether too high or too low, is one of the top causes of excess fuel consumption; and for about $10, a heavy-duty tire pressure gauge is one of the simplest and most cost-effective tools you can use to improve fuel efficiency. Keeping your tires at the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) — and ensuring all tires are evenly inflated — is a "must" to stay safe, run efficiently, and get the most out of your engine. Checking your tires should be part of your daily pre-trip inspection.
Pro Tip: Always measure PSI when your tires are "cold" (haven't been driven on recently) to get the most accurate reading. You should also check the tires on the trailer you’re hauling every time you hook up to a new trailer.
Reducing idle time is one of the quickest ways to lower fuel costs in trucking. Idling burns 0.6-1.5 gallons of fuel per hour, and with today's high fuel costs, averaging around $5/gallon, that can easily run you over $75 per night, or $500 per week. That adds up quick!
Excessive idling also causes soot to build up in your truck's diesel particulate filter (DPF), which makes your engine have to work harder, reducing its overall efficiency. In some cases, you may even have to do a forced regeneration (essentially an engine cleaning), which can take upwards of 45 minutes — costing you even more money.
Pro Tip: Instead of idling in extreme heat or cold, invest in a solution like an inverter, bunk heater, an auxiliary power unit (APU), or a generator.
Trip planning is absolutely crucial if you want to save money on fuel. Without a plan, drivers often waste miles searching for parking or a place to fuel up, and that quickly eats into your profits and causes unnecessary wear on your truck.
A well-planned trip helps you avoid fuel-draining conditions like steep mountain grades and high-wind open plains. Taking just a few extra minutes to plan can save you significant time and money on the road.
Pro Tip: Every stop should be intentional. Before you hit the road, know where to take a break, refuel, and park, while also accounting for construction, traffic, and the best way to pull into the delivery site.
The right fuel makes all the difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. But how do you know which is the "right" fuel? Here are some things to consider:
As you know, fuel prices can vary drastically by location. Use this to your advantage.
Leverage Discounts: Use company programs (such as ones found on the ATS Driver App, for example) or fuel cards, like the TCS Fuel Card with TA® and Petro®, to lower costs at the pump.
Again, no big shock here, but overfilling your tank wastes money.
Remember, fuel expands as it heats, so if you top off your tank, excess fuel can seep out during transit — which is basically just throwing money away. Stop fueling before reaching full capacity.
The smallest acts can have the largest impact. That's as true in life as it is in trucking, and I think you'll find that even small changes can lead to measurable fuel savings.
A good preventative maintenance schedule and a few tricks in the shop will ensure you’re receiving optimal fuel economy. A poorly maintained truck burns more fuel. Simple as that.
1. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Regular inspections help catch issues that can hurt your fuel economy before they become costly problems. If you notice you're burning more fuel than normal, get your truck checked out.
2. Replace Air Filters
Your truck needs clean air for proper combustion. A clogged, dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing combustion efficiency. This can have a big impact on your engine performance and fuel efficiency. Pro Tip: Replace your air filter at least once a year — likely more if you often drive through dusty conditions.
3. Change Oil and Oil Filters on Time
Old oil increases engine friction, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. You should never run past your due date for oil changes.
Pro Tip: Switch to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil reduces resistance inside the engine, improving efficiency and fuel economy.
4. Replace Fuel Filters Frequently
Fuel filters clog more quickly than oil filters, and when they do, fuel flow to the engine becomes less efficient. To keep your engine running properly, replace your fuel filter twice as often as your oil and oil filter. Don't wait until your next oil change to do it!
5. Grease the Fifth Wheel
Your equipment is greased down when it's in the shop for an oil change, but you should grease your fifth wheel top plate much more often (we suggest monthly). Friction between the tractor and trailer, even if minimal, can reduce fuel efficiency. A two-ounce grease pack will run you just under $7.
Greaseless fifth wheels have become more common, so if you have one of those, just make sure to keep it in good shape.
6. Repair Body Damage
Aerodynamics matter. Bent bumpers, missing fairings/skirting, or damaged extenders increase drag and reduce your mpg. If you notice it, get it fixed. Promptly.
Fuel efficiency is a combination of smart decisions, like where you fuel up, how well you maintain your truck, and how you manage weight and airflow. It doesn't take much to make a difference. Small improvements in each of the areas listed here will add up to significant savings over time — so keep this guide handy!
Control your speed first: This is the most impactful way to improve fuel efficiency.
Inefficiency is expensive: Ignoring best practices can cost drivers over $1,000/week in fuel.
In a nutshell: drive smarter, spend less, and keep more of what you earn.
For more helpful tips and tricks, check out our Driver Learning Center, our Over the Road YouTube channel, or contact us directly.