A Fleet Operator’s Perspective on Commercial
Vehicle Drag Reduction
Réjean Laflamme
Robert Transport, Canada
[email protected]
Abstract The research establishment has proven the potential fuel-savings for
many devices/modifications for commercial trucks, however many of these developments remain in limited use. The primary reason that these substantial fuelsavings are not being realized is that fleet operators have chosen not to adopt them
in their current form. Why have roof fairings been accepted while trailer skirts haven’t? The reasoning behind the selection is logical, and often not obvious, so to
succeed the development community must understand the environment of the fleet
operator and respond with appropriate technology. This paper will address the
considerations of a typical fleet operator when evaluating new technologies. A
discussion and examples of the following issues will be given:
1. Introduction to Robert Transport: size of fleet, typical equipment, types of
cargo, description of routes.
2. Operating Costs: a. Cost of installation, maintenance and operation in terms
of cash and lost productivity.
b. Weight of the device vs. cargo when the amount of paying cargo is limited by weight not volume.
c. How do we measure the savings from the device? Track
tests are expensive and relatively inaccurate and fleet
tests can be statistically irrelevant.
3. Operating Procedures: How compatible are the devices with current roads,
shipping yards and loading facilities?
4. Human Resources: There is a shortage of qualified drivers so it can be difficult to retain drivers if the technology adds to the driver’s workload, is unpleasant or adversely affects driver comfort.
5. Reliability: The cost of unplanned downtime is significant, so the technology
is expected to operate reliably, for 10 years or longer, in a variety of harsh
conditions including extreme temperatures, wind, road salt, dust. Another
consideration is resilience to damage caused by the drivers.
6. Safety: Visibility and crash worthiness.